Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Questions and Answers

Question:

What is the best non-surgical way to get rid of deep stretch marks caused by rapid weight gain during pregnancy? Does plastic surgery for stretch marks work well?

Answer:

Dear Lea, If the stretch marks are red, they can be reduced with a laser. They tend to progress to white anyway and these are very poorly treated by laser, DermaPeel, dermabrasion, etc. If you have a lot of excess skin, a tummy tuck procedure can be performed to surgically remove the stretch marks. All other treatments, in my opinion, improve things, at best, 10 to 15%.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Can sagging skin on upper thighs be corrected at same time as tummy tuck?

Answer:

Absolutely, both the abdomen and the thighs can be addressed at the same operation. However, this is rather lengthy surgery and you as the patient must be in excellent health to withstand both operations at once.

David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL

Question:

I was diagnoised with a gallstone about a year ago and surgery to remove my gallbladder was recommended. I would like to have a tummytuck done at the same time.I was told that my insurance might pay for stomach muscle repair.I have lost alot of weight over the last ten years and the skin of my stomach hangs down about four inches in a fold. In the summer I get sweaty and sort of raw there.I also have alot of lower back pain if I stand in oneplace for awhile,like doing dishes. Would insurance help pay on anything other than muscle repair? Also the place where my gallbladder is feels sore inside alot lately. Can these surgeries be done on as an outpatient? I have not consulted a plastic surgeon yet.

Answer:

Most insurance companies will not pay for a tummy tuck. I have never been able to get an insurance company pay for a tummy tuck. Good luck JRBerman

Question:

what is the procedure and cost of reconstructive surgery of the stomach, afet a hernia operation?

Answer:

The procedure you are asking about is called a tummy tuck. The fee for service depends how big a tummy tuck is needed to be performed. The usual cost is between $5000 and $8000. If you are still interested, call our office and ask to speak with Debbie. 561-495-2705. Thank you for your interest. JRBerman

Question:

Under what circumstances will insurance pay for: abdominoplasty and mastopexy? I have had six abdominal surgeries within the last ten years.They include:three laser laparoscopies for endometreosis,mid-line C-section(9 1/2lb baby!),total abdominal hysterectomy,and laparoscopic gallbladder. Five of these in the last six years. Needless to say, I could use some reconstruction as far as scars and loose lower abdominal tissue(as I have no muscle control either). As far as mastopexy goes, a lift or reduction would greatly help as far as back discomort goes. I have a great deal of "sagging" due to 65lbs. weight loss at age 19(anorexia)-then 100lbs. weight gain during pregnancy at age 23. Here I am at age 28,with a greatly "sagging" trunk (breasts & abdomen).I live in Greenwood S.C.,and we have a plastic surgeon named Ted Vaughn that I have considered going to for a consultation. I would like to know what my options are before going thru with anything. Of course money, insurance coverge (I have CIGNA HealthCare with FUJI PHOTO FILM INC.), and recovery time are huge factors in my decision. I am 28, and have a body that looks like I am 98-with roadmaps!!! My husband is very supportive of my decision whether to loose weight with diet and exercise,which I have been most unsuccessfull at(I currently weigh approx.220-230),in large part due to my past eating disorders:anorexia & bulemia( bad metabolism as a result I assume), or consult with a surgeon for a little extra help.Any advise or suggestions would be greatly apprieciated.I am a nurse,so I understand risks and complications are factored into my final descion as a priority. Please advise me as far as procedures,cost, and if you know another surgeon in my area that I would better benefit from going to-please advise. Thank you for your time,and please respond as soon as possible- summer is getting too close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Tara C. Carroll

Answer:

It is very difficult for me toanswer your inquiry (as it would be for any plastic surgeon) without seeing & examining you. From your description, it does sound like you would be a candidate for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Whether a mastopexy (breast lift) or reduction mammoplasty would be appropriate would require an examination. Dr. Ted Vaughn is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He should be able to evaluate your suitability as a candidate for these procedures. I hesitate to quote fees, because there can be a wide variation between areas of the country and wheter the operation is done in an office operating room or in a hospital, and whether you would require post-operative hospital care. Dennis Thompson, M.D.

Paul Rosenberg, M.D., P.C.
Fort Lee, NJ

Question:

I have had a complete hysterectomy, is a tummy tuck right for me, I live in Chattanooga Tennessee

Answer:

If you have loose, hanging skin of the abdomen, a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) may be an appropriate procedure for you. You should have a consultation with a plastic surgeon who is certified by The Americal Board of Plastic Surgery to determine if you are indeed a good candidate for this operation.

Question:

How do I go about getting rid of stretch marks on my abdomin?

Answer:

The only way to get rid of stretch marks is to cut out the area of skin that has the stretch marks. On the abdomen that means an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is an operation where excess skin on the lower abdomen is cut away and the underlying muscles tightened. Hope this is helpful to you. Carmen Paradis M.D.

Next Step

• Learn about Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in the Articles Section
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