Guest guest Posted February 26, 2004 Report Share Posted February 26, 2004 Just joing the group. Please help! has anyone had the plastic surgeries already. Miami area... Next month is my anniversary (ONE YEAR) I've lost 90 lb. look OK but my belly hangs all the way down to the middle of my thighs. I've been to 3 different plastic surgeons. Pretty much decided to do it with Dr. Dreidre Marshall. Has anyone had any experiences with Dr. Marshall??? or the Plastic surgery with anyone else. in the Miami FL area. ALSO, recommende was the " Lower Body Lift " anyone done this one.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2004 Report Share Posted February 26, 2004 Just joing the group. Please help! has anyone had the plastic surgeries already. Miami area... Next month is my anniversary (ONE YEAR) I've lost 90 lb. look OK but my belly hangs all the way down to the middle of my thighs. I've been to 3 different plastic surgeons. Pretty much decided to do it with Dr. Dreidre Marshall. Has anyone had any experiences with Dr. Marshall??? or the Plastic surgery with anyone else. in the Miami FL area. ALSO, recommende was the " Lower Body Lift " anyone done this one.? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 > > Hi, > I am interested in anyones experience with plastic surgery that Kaiser > paid for. I'm not quite ready yet but am gathering information. Thanks > for your help Vickie I had a pannus removal. It was medically indicated due to skin breakdown and back pain so Kaiser paid for it. This wasn't the abdominoplasty where they make it look esthetically pleasing by shoring up the muscles and repositioning your belly button. This was a panniculectomy done to improve hygiene, ambulation and function. I also had a very large hernia repaired. That being said, I am very happy with the cosmetic result and absolutely thrilled with the decreased back pain, and increased ability to excercise. Regards Robo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Hi I had the pannectomy, covered by Kaiser for medical necessity. My pannus hung to a certain # of inches from my knee. I dont know what the exact number was. I also had my arms done at the same time...but I had to pay for it something like $4000...but that was a year and a half ago. > > Hi, > I am interested in anyones experience with plastic surgery that Kaiser > paid for. I'm not quite ready yet but am gathering information. Thanks > for your help Vickie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Hi Vickie! I just returned to work after having my second round of Kaiser covered reconstructive surgery on 11/30/05. (The first was on 05/17/05.) What exactly are you interested in? Tim -240 > > Hi, > I am interested in anyones experience with plastic surgery that Kaiser > paid for. I'm not quite ready yet but am gathering information. Thanks > for your help Vickie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Hi Tim, I was told( before surgery) that of all the plastic surgery that Kaiser did they would only pay for the tummy tuck now I was told that the only time they pay for it is if it reaches half way down to your knees( this is not the case with me. Everything is self-pay. I just wondered what others conditions were that Kaiser paid for.How are you doing? How did you get them to pay and are you happy with your results? Thanks for answering. VickieUncle Timmy wrote: Hi Vickie!I just returned to work after having my second round of Kaiser covered reconstructive surgery on 11/30/05. (The first was on 05/17/05.) What exactly are you interested in?Tim -240>> Hi,> I am interested in anyones experience with plastic surgery that Kaiser > paid for. I'm not quite ready yet but am gathering information. Thanks > for your help Vickie> Vickie MillsCalifornia,Avon Rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Thanks for answering. That's what I wanted to know. I was hoping they might pay just because of rashes and back pain. Vickie Diane Duenas wrote: HiI had the pannectomy, covered by Kaiser for medical necessity. My pannus hung to a certain # of inches from my knee. I dont know what the exact number was. I also had my arms done at the same time...but I had to pay for it something like $4000...but that was a year and a half ago.>> Hi,> I am interested in anyones experience with plastic surgery that Kaiser > paid for. I'm not quite ready yet but am gathering information. Thanks > for your help Vickie>Vickie MillsCalifornia,Avon Rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Thanks ette, That's what I wanted to know. If they did mind this would be what I need. Vickieette wrote: >> Hi,> I am interested in anyones experience with plastic surgery that Kaiser > paid for. I'm not quite ready yet but am gathering information. Thanks > for your help VickieI had a pannus removal. It was medically indicated due to skin breakdown and back pain so Kaiser paid for it. This wasn't the abdominoplasty where they make it look esthetically pleasing by shoring up the muscles and repositioning your belly button. This was a panniculectomy done to improve hygiene, ambulation and function. I also had a very large hernia repaired. That being said, I am very happy with the cosmetic result and absolutely thrilled with the decreased back pain, and increased ability to excercise. RegardsRoboVickie MillsCalifornia,Avon Rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Oh geez .... I really do need to win the lottery. -- Lida http://www.candlelightdreams.com http://www.pbase.com/coffenut " An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. " ~ Buber As with everything Kaiser, you need to put any application for reconstructive surgery on a medically necessary basis. Kaiser will perform what it considers cosmetic work only on a fee-for-service basis. After losing over 200 pounds, I was left with a huge pannus, which hung more than half-way to my knees. Being pendulous, it effected my posture, causing lower back pain. It was also prone to rashes and other hygene issues best left to the imagination. My abdominal muscles were also very loose, after a lifetime of morbid obesity. My pseudogynophasia (man-boobs) caused shoulder and neck pain. My plastic surgeon, who does a lot of post-bariatric and post- mastectomy reconstruction for Kaiser (only covered procedures, no fee-for-service cosmetic work) got me approved for three procedures: panniculectomy (removal of the apron of skin hanging from my waist), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and gynocomastia (removal of the man-boobs). The bat wings under my arms (That procedure is known as a brachioplasty, BTW.) and shar pei thighs (That's a thighplasty, no fancy name - go figure!) were considered cosmetic, and therefore not covered. The process started with having my PCP document the medical problems I was having, in my chart. Then getting a referral to a plastic surgeon, for an exam, photos, etc. It took nearly a year, from my initial consultation, to my surgery date. First, because my surgeon required that I mantain a stable weight for at least six months. It makes sense. Why bother doing all that work, if you're still losing or (God forbid) start gaining. Second, because he has a huge waiting list and Kaiser has only so may ORs to go around. My first reconstructive surgery was on 05/17/05. It was actually two procedures done back-to-back: an abdominoplasty, during which 100+ permanent stitches were installed in my abs, giving me an internal binder, and a panniculectomy, which removed the pannus. The procedures took six hours, and removed 11 pounds of skin. I was out six weeks for recovery. The socond round was on 11/30/05 for the chest reconstruction. It took four hours, and removed about 2.5 pounds of skin and included a nipple graft, to reposition them. I was out four weeks for that. My reconstructive surgeries have given me a real sense of completion and improved my body image/shame issues tremendously. While I understand the business reasons for their policy, I feel that Kaiser's not including reconstructive surgery for all bariatric patients who need it, is leaving the job half done. If you do not think you can make a medically necessary argument for your reconstructive work, start saving for it now. My fiancee refinanced her house, to pay for hers. Some prices I've gotten are: abdominoplasty/panniculectomy (combined) $12,000, brachioplasty (arms) $4,000-$6,000, thighplasty $6,000-$8,000. Hope this helps. Tim -240 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Oh geez .... I really do need to win the lottery. -- Lida http://www.candlelightdreams.com http://www.pbase.com/coffenut " An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. " ~ Buber As with everything Kaiser, you need to put any application for reconstructive surgery on a medically necessary basis. Kaiser will perform what it considers cosmetic work only on a fee-for-service basis. After losing over 200 pounds, I was left with a huge pannus, which hung more than half-way to my knees. Being pendulous, it effected my posture, causing lower back pain. It was also prone to rashes and other hygene issues best left to the imagination. My abdominal muscles were also very loose, after a lifetime of morbid obesity. My pseudogynophasia (man-boobs) caused shoulder and neck pain. My plastic surgeon, who does a lot of post-bariatric and post- mastectomy reconstruction for Kaiser (only covered procedures, no fee-for-service cosmetic work) got me approved for three procedures: panniculectomy (removal of the apron of skin hanging from my waist), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and gynocomastia (removal of the man-boobs). The bat wings under my arms (That procedure is known as a brachioplasty, BTW.) and shar pei thighs (That's a thighplasty, no fancy name - go figure!) were considered cosmetic, and therefore not covered. The process started with having my PCP document the medical problems I was having, in my chart. Then getting a referral to a plastic surgeon, for an exam, photos, etc. It took nearly a year, from my initial consultation, to my surgery date. First, because my surgeon required that I mantain a stable weight for at least six months. It makes sense. Why bother doing all that work, if you're still losing or (God forbid) start gaining. Second, because he has a huge waiting list and Kaiser has only so may ORs to go around. My first reconstructive surgery was on 05/17/05. It was actually two procedures done back-to-back: an abdominoplasty, during which 100+ permanent stitches were installed in my abs, giving me an internal binder, and a panniculectomy, which removed the pannus. The procedures took six hours, and removed 11 pounds of skin. I was out six weeks for recovery. The socond round was on 11/30/05 for the chest reconstruction. It took four hours, and removed about 2.5 pounds of skin and included a nipple graft, to reposition them. I was out four weeks for that. My reconstructive surgeries have given me a real sense of completion and improved my body image/shame issues tremendously. While I understand the business reasons for their policy, I feel that Kaiser's not including reconstructive surgery for all bariatric patients who need it, is leaving the job half done. If you do not think you can make a medically necessary argument for your reconstructive work, start saving for it now. My fiancee refinanced her house, to pay for hers. Some prices I've gotten are: abdominoplasty/panniculectomy (combined) $12,000, brachioplasty (arms) $4,000-$6,000, thighplasty $6,000-$8,000. Hope this helps. Tim -240 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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