Aussie PS Consult

Parvathi · October 22, 2005

So I went for my consult with the PS yesterday. I was looking to have a Tummy Tuck (for the excess skin now flapping on my stomach lol) and a breast reduction (36G and hasn't went down any in the cup size). I had a good long talk to the surgeon explaining what I wanted - a flat tummy and boobs that were "small enough to be perky and stand by themselves, but big enough to still get attention when I walk down the street" LOL. We decided on a large C cup. The surgeon also recommended maybe doing a bit of Lipo on my hips - they've always been huge, so I'm all for it.

I really liked the surgeon, as he made me feel extremely comfortable. I know a few people that have used him and were really pleased with his work. The downside though, is that he would want to do it in two seperate surgeries. He said that because they're both quite long, the risks are higher if combined, plus, with having kids, he says recovery would be alot worse doing them both at once. While that's not ideal, I guess I can live with it. He recommended spacing them out 3 months apart.

I know a few people had asked about prices, so here's the quotes I got:-

Abdominoplasty & Lipo on Hips (out of pocket, after Medicare and Insurance kick in) - $7211.40

Breast Reduction (out of pocket, after Medicare and Insurance kick in) - $5871.80

This includes the surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees, hospital fees, garmets (the special bra and body suit you have to wear afterwards).

While I know I could get it cheaper if I went overseas, I would feel much more comfortable doing it here, and being at home to recover.

I was thinking about maybe going for the first one (tt) in February, but after talking to the hubby, he recommended that perhaps I should put it off til around May, just to reach the goal weight and have maintained it for a couple of months. This of course, dependent on me actually reaching goal weight lol. It still seems sooooooo far away :/

Anyway, just thought I'd share for anyone wanting the info on pricing and stuff in this area.

loopylou · October 22, 2005

Thanks Jess. I have been thinking that I will need to start saving up for some of this, and having someone ahead of me on this journey, and in Australia, is great. Thanks for sharing, be sure to keep us posted. Congratulations too - your weight loss figures are wonderful - I am 5'7 and 120kgs - so its great to watch your progress.

fee · October 22, 2005

Thanks Jess that info is great

i have already had a tt a few yrs ago so i would be looking at the Lipo

NJChick · October 22, 2005

You go get those perky ones !!! I'm envious AND a tummy tuck...lordy be.

Your not only going to be HOT HOT HOT, your gonna feel SOOOOOOOO good about yourself.

GOOD LUCK

theresa2mum · October 23, 2005

Hi Jess,

Can I ask...is the surgery considered 'reconstructive' due to the amount of weight you've lost, and is that relevant to the price (and private health requirements)? I'm with Medibank Private and they've told me any 'cosmetic' surgery is not covered.

I'm a long way away from this op yet, but it's already clear I'll be needing some work lol. Thanks

Parvathi · October 23, 2005

Hi Jess,
Can I ask...is the surgery considered 'reconstructive' due to the amount of weight you've lost, and is that relevant to the price (and private health requirements)? I'm with Medibank Private and they've told me any 'cosmetic' surgery is not covered.

I'm a long way away from this op yet, but it's already clear I'll be needing some work lol. Thanks

From my understanding, of the brochures they gave me, the Tummy Tuck can be seen as reconstructive if you've lost a large amount of weight. The breast reduction, while cosmetic, also has a medicare code because of back problems and such.

I guess the PS's have the knowledge of how to get around some of the red tape? I'm with MBF...