My plastic surgery consults-Updated

[campermom]

It feels weird to put this much detail but here goes. Please don’t judge harsh! Im getting a mommy makeover. I’m a deflated 36A and even then my bras still gap sometimes. I’ve had 7 people ask me if I’ve pregnant when I wasn’t. I do CrossFit or lift weights twice a week, run marathons, my nutrition is really good. So it’s really awful every time a new person asks.

I’m getting a complete tummy tuck, breast implants (probably gummy bear silicone moderate plus 400CC for a C cup), and inner thigh lipo (they rub together when I run.)

Finances: I’ve put a hold on contributing to my work’s optional retirement savings and put that money aside for this, instead. This way it’s not an imposition on my family’s budget. I know some people will judge that, but this is what I’ve decided to do and my husband is supportive.

Timing: my plan was April so I could save a lot, and it works out for our family schedule. I have a marathon in November, we go away in December on a ski trip, I have a 50k in January. I would cancel a weekend camping trip at Easter, defer a half marathon in May, and we would camp and go to the beach for one week each in the summer. April is going to be very hard with my work schedule as it is a busy time of the year (I’m planning on 3 weeks off) but it worked for my family and budget. Husband will take off a week.

Anyway I saw 3 surgeons yesterday.

Number 1 is absolutely amazing-his work and how thorough he is. Loved the office staff. The best of the best with over 25 years of experience. He explained everything so well. He was just under 20k.

Number 2: NOPE. Felt rushed and just didn’t get the vibe I expected in the office. For reference her price was 15,500.

Number 3: Although I didn’t have the same personality click as I did with the first one, there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about him and he had all of the same answers as the first. Except that he doesn’t use a 4day pain control injection in the stomach muscles which is the worst part of recovery, he uses a 24 hour pain control injection. I’ve also seen good work from him and know a person who had a TT from him IRL-her scar and belly button look great. He has 15 years and good reviews. His price was also 15,500.

Number 1 offers zero percent financing for 6 months if paid in full. Even if I save until April, then take those 6 months afterwards, I can make it but it will impact our budget for those 6 months and would be a squeeze for those summer trips. We will probably panic about money to get it paid off in time to avoid interest.

Number 3 offers zero percent financing for a whole year and a half! Plus, he needs to book a cancelled slot in three weeks. They offered another 10% off, then another 5% off if I would take that spot. That brought the price down to 12,880.

Even though I loved number 1, would you take this offer with number 3? Also, taking time off of work now is actually the very best time of the year for me.Although I’d have to defer my marathon I’ve already been training for and either cancel my 50k or drop it down to 25k in January. As it turned out my husband is going to be gone for a month in the fall (after I would heal decently) so I was going to be sad he would miss it anyway.

If you’ve made it this far, congrats.

Update: Dr 3 went up with the request for exparel and Dr 1 went down. The difference is now 4600. I’m going with 1 and my surgery is 9/10 now instead of waiting till April. Whether I’m putting a certain amount of money away each month for savings or making payments with no financing...it’s all the same to me. Might as well do it when it’s easier to miss work. Dr 1 is also very close and Dr 3 is 50 mins away so this will also make post op appointments easier. H is taking a week off work.

[sunshineluv]

How do you know #1 is the best of the best? Whatever criteria that is, how does it compare to #3?

I would try to take the personality part out of the decision.

(I lean toward #3, that’s a huge price difference. So long as they are reputable and qualified)

[Leeham Rimes]

Seeing that you know someone personally (right? I don’t understand some abbreviations) that has used #3 and their results are good and they have no complaints, I don’t think #3 is a bad choice. Is there no way they can offer you additional pain control after the 24 hours is done? Did they say why they don’t offer the 4 day one like #1?

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 5:08:19 GMT -5 sunshineluv said:

How do you know #1 is the best of the best? Whatever criteria that is, how does it compare to #3?

I would try to take the personality part out of the decision.

(I lean toward #3, that’s a huge price difference. So long as they are reputable and qualified)

Great question-his before and afters, and reviews on Real Self. Given that same criteria, 3 has no issues. I’m just extra wowed by 1’s work. 3s is fine. I had another friend who has had a tummy tuck check him out and she said she would also go with 3.

I think I’m reluctant bc I’m worried that I’m settling for a deal or a clearance sale for surgery.

Also all of the doctors I saw were Board certified and had good work and reviews on Real Self.

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 5:11:55 GMT -5 Leeham Rimes said:

Seeing that you know someone personally (right? I don’t understand some abbreviations) that has used #3 and their results are good and they have no complaints, I don’t think #3 is a bad choice. Is there no way they can offer you additional pain control after the 24 hours is done? Did they say why they don’t offer the 4 day one like #1?

Yes someone I know had a tummy tuck (not breast augmentation) by 3 and it looked great. I don’t actually know anyone who had work by 1.

I’m going to call today to see if he would be willing to give the Exparel injection. He said he has in the past but it’s pricy and in his opinion there was not a significant difference for patients between the two options. I’d happily pay the couple hundreds of dollars difference.

Both doctors said that there’s a strong chance I wouldn’t use the narcotics prescription given their pain control injections and ibuprofin.

[Leeham Rimes]

Aug 15, 2019 5:24:30 GMT -5 campermom said:

Aug 15, 2019 5:11:55 GMT -5 Leeham Rimes said:

Seeing that you know someone personally (right? I don’t understand some abbreviations) that has used #3 and their results are good and they have no complaints, I don’t think #3 is a bad choice. Is there no way they can offer you additional pain control after the 24 hours is done? Did they say why they don’t offer the 4 day one like #1?

Yes someone I know had a tummy tuck (not breast augmentation) by 3 and it looked great. I don’t actually know anyone who had work by 1.

I’m going to call today to see if he would be willing to give the Exparel injection. He said he has in the past but it’s pricy and in his opinion there was not a significant difference for patients between the two options. I’d happily pay the couple hundreds of dollars difference.

Both doctors said that there’s a strong chance I wouldn’t use the narcotics prescription given their pain control injections and ibuprofin.

Personally, I think I would trust a doctor's opinion that in their 15 years of practice, they didn't see a benefit for it for the cost that it has. I'm sure that you're not going home with *just* advil right? there will be a stronger option should you need it?


I'm not saying/judging that you don't trust the doctor or whatever but when a doctor tells me the super expensive medicine doesn't really perform as well as the price demands, that means something to me, especially knowing how hard drug vendors push their products, you know?

[mustardseed2007]

Number 3 because you know someone who used him and had good results....I'm not going to tell you any details about the Dr. Death podcast I just finished listening to because it will needlessly alarm you. I'm just going to say that after hearing it, for the rest of my life, if I possibly can I'm going with a surgeon who has done surgery on someone I know and gotten good results. I will not trust fancy websites or pictures of people I don't know!

I agree about the pain meds too. He's probably right that it doesn't have the impact that the other doctor would have you believe. Although I'm anti pain so I understand your inclination.

[ribollita]

Exparel is so expensive it could be the entire cost difference. I would not personally pay thousands more for it when there are other pain control options.

[Alps79]

I think I'm leaning toward #3 for you too! How exciting!!!! Book that spot!

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 5:40:03 GMT -5 Leeham Rimes said:

Aug 15, 2019 5:24:30 GMT -5 campermom said:

Yes someone I know had a tummy tuck (not breast augmentation) by 3 and it looked great. I don’t actually know anyone who had work by 1.

I’m going to call today to see if he would be willing to give the Exparel injection. He said he has in the past but it’s pricy and in his opinion there was not a significant difference for patients between the two options. I’d happily pay the couple hundreds of dollars difference.

Both doctors said that there’s a strong chance I wouldn’t use the narcotics prescription given their pain control injections and ibuprofin.

Personally, I think I would trust a doctor's opinion that in their 15 years of practice, they didn't see a benefit for it for the cost that it has. I'm sure that you're not going home with *just* advil right? there will be a stronger option should you need it?


I'm not saying/judging that you don't trust the doctor or whatever but when a doctor tells me the super expensive medicine doesn't really perform as well as the price demands, that means something to me, especially knowing how hard drug vendors push their products, you know?

Yes all 3 doctors would send me home with a script for narcotics but also regular pain relief around the clock. Doctors 1 and 2 both have 10 years experience more than Doctor 3 and use the 4 day injection. Doctor 1 spoke about how this, along with a strict protocol including walking and SCDs (those leg squeeze things during surgery) can play a role in preventing DVT bc a patient is much more willing and able to walk around when their pain is controlled. 

Im especially nervous bc if I go with this new earlier date, my H has drill and will be gone on day 3 and 4. I might get my mom to come help those days. My kids are 10, 8, and 4. 

Doctor 1's itemized bill showed the 4 day injection was $350 which I'd be happy to pay, but realize he may also have a reduced rate that Doctor 3 might not get. Either way, I think it's at least worth an ask. 

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 5:57:52 GMT -5 ribollita said:

Exparel is so expensive it could be the entire cost difference. I would not personally pay thousands more for it when there are other pain control options.

Doctor 2 used it and had the same base price as 3. Doctor 1 showed it was $350 and I've seen similar costs from people reporting it on Real Self. I get that prices can be higher after the fact but that was way lower than I expected. 

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 5:55:51 GMT -5 mustardseed2007 said:

Number 3 because you know someone who used him and had good results....I'm not going to tell you any details about the Dr. Death podcast I just finished listening to because it will needlessly alarm you. I'm just going to say that after hearing it, for the rest of my life, if I possibly can I'm going with a surgeon who has done surgery on someone I know and gotten good results. I will not trust fancy websites or pictures of people I don't know!

Already heard Dr Death, that was unbelievable wasn't it! Good point! 

[readyin07]

I would go with #3 because of the cost and because you know someone with good results. I would like the same surgeries after also being asked if I am pregnant multiple times. It hurts. So I get it. I would literally clear my bank account for it, but I am scared :/

[Leeham Rimes]

Aug 15, 2019 6:17:30 GMT -5 campermom said:

Aug 15, 2019 5:40:03 GMT -5 Leeham Rimes said:

Personally, I think I would trust a doctor's opinion that in their 15 years of practice, they didn't see a benefit for it for the cost that it has. I'm sure that you're not going home with *just* advil right? there will be a stronger option should you need it?


I'm not saying/judging that you don't trust the doctor or whatever but when a doctor tells me the super expensive medicine doesn't really perform as well as the price demands, that means something to me, especially knowing how hard drug vendors push their products, you know?

Yes all 3 doctors would send me home with a script for narcotics but also regular pain relief around the clock. Doctors 1 and 2 both have 10 years experience more than Doctor 3 and use the 4 day injection. Doctor 1 spoke about how this, along with a strict protocol including walking and SCDs (those leg squeeze things during surgery) can play a role in preventing DVT bc a patient is much more willing and able to walk around when their pain is controlled. 

Im especially nervous bc if I go with this new earlier date, my H has drill and will be gone on day 3 and 4. I might get my mom to come help those days. My kids are 10, 8, and 4. 

Doctor 1's itemized bill showed the 4 day injection was $350 which I'd be happy to pay, but realize he may also have a reduced rate that Doctor 3 might not get. Either way, I think it's at least worth an ask. 

Ah, I see. Definitely worth an ask, if it’s $500 or whatever, what’s that when you’re already spending what you’re spending.

[Deleted]

I would 100% go with #3. We're not talking 25 years experience vs 2 years experience, 15 years is still quite significant imho. The fact that you know someone that used him, he is completely competent, and over $7K cheaper than option #1 would make it a pretty easy decision for me. And I'm going to be getting a similar Mommy makeover hopefully in a few years, and those are certainly some of the criteria I'll be using once I start looking for a surgeon.

[ladyk]

I'd go with doctor 3. I'd get your mom or someone to help when your husband is at drill. I really don't think you'll be want to be having to be the primary caregiver to the kids that soon after surgery. Is 3 weeks off of work enough? To me that doesn't sound like enough but I've never been through it.

Good luck to you.

[isabel]

Another vote for #3. He’s not inexperienced and yes, he’s giving a discount because he wants to fill a cancelled slot. Discounts don’t equal a bad surgeon. He has a business like anyone else.

You know someone who had good results and the cost is significantly less. Plus it’s a better time of year for you.

I get that #1 dazzled you, but you don’t actually know anyone who has worked with him. I’d prefer the surgeon whose work I have seen.

Good luck! I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

[calamity]

#3

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 6:57:10 GMT -5 ladyk said:

I'd go with doctor 3. I'd get your mom or someone to help when your husband is at drill. I really don't think you'll be want to be having to be the primary caregiver to the kids that soon after surgery. Is 3 weeks off of work enough? To me that doesn't sound like enough but I've never been through it.

Good luck to you.

I know 3 people who have had a tummy tuck (this will be the worst part). One was a SAHM and said that wouldn't have been enough for her, she slept on a recliner for months. Her H took a few weeks off. 

The other planned  on 4 weeks but took 5. (2 unpaid). She is a dental hygienist. 

The third is an ultrasound/radiology person and she took 6 through FMLA. 

anonnn took one week and worked from home for a bit more. Thanks for your post, that's what started this for me!  

Every doctor Ive seen or spoken to said 3 would be fine. But after talking to all of these women I'm scared 3 will not be enough. I will have enough sick time to take 3 weeks and one day paid. And have no time left for the rest of the school year for me or my kids. The benefit of waiting till April was I could get 3 more days out of it that I would not get charged for. BUT when I would return I'd be in full force and stressed. If I do it now I will be walking back into very little work and minimal stress. 

[mel]

Aug 15, 2019 6:57:26 GMT -5 isabel said:

Another vote for #3. He’s not inexperienced and yes, he’s giving a discount because he wants to fill a cancelled slot. Discounts don’t equal a bad surgeon. He has a business like anyone else.

You know someone who had good results and the cost is significantly less. Plus it’s a better time of year for you.

I get that #1 dazzled you, but you don’t actually know anyone who has worked with him. I’d prefer the surgeon whose work I have seen.

Good luck! I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

100% all this.

Plus you've said a couple times the timing is better for you to do it now (outside of your DH leaving for drill). If you can get your mom to help out, for sure do it now. 

Can you look into using FMLA instead of using sick/vacation time to extend your recovery period? 

[lifesapeach]

I would go with doctor number 3, but I would get the Exparel.

I had a mommy makeover 16 months ago, and I went with the more expensive surgeon who gave me warm, fuzzy feelings. She has absolutely rave reviews. She left me lumpy in the lipo spots- she really specializes in breasts and the TT overall looks great, but her tone changed when I pointed out areas I wasn't happy with, and they weren’t as friendly. She offered a discount to fix the areas, but I ended up going with a second doctor to fix the areas because he specializes in lipo and was only 1500 more than her discounted rate. That lipo looks great, but I definitely didn’t have the same relationship with his staff.

All of that to say that the warm and fuzzy vibes don’t really amount to much months after the surgery. Pocket that extra money if you like number 3 too.

My Exparel injection was only $300 and I felt almost no pain in my abdomen where they used it. I felt the lipo areas much more, so I would imagine I would have felt the abdominal pain more without it.

Oh, and I booked 3 weeks before my surgery and I’m so glad I didn’t have to worry about it for months. It was kind of nice to get it over with.

I have looked at hundreds of Real Self reviews so if you wanted to DM me the doctors’ sites I would give my honest opinion about their work.

[campermom]

lifesapeach, yes I will! I just reread the tummy tuck thread and read your posts in there. I'll message you their names.

[shauni27]

#3. My only hesitation would be the marathon and 50K if they were important to you.

Also, no judgement at all. I am totally jealous!

[campermom]

Aug 15, 2019 7:34:38 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

#3. My only hesitation would be the marathon and 50K if they were important to you.

Also, no judgement at all. I am totally jealous!

I know!! I had training runs paid for too. I will still run my trail 15k for my enjoyment and a 10 miler plus a couple miles with a friend as a training run, for her. These are before surgery. 

The half in sept was only $25 and I can transfer the bib. Someone in my group will pay me for it. If not, that's ok. 

I can pay $20 to defer the marathon to next year. Then H and the kids can join me! I'll transfer the hotel to my friend. The 50K I can either quit ($40) orrrrrrrr......maybe do it or walk the 25k. That's in January. We'll see! 

[lilypad1126]

I'd go with number 3, hands down, and I'd take the spot in a few weeks. I liked my doc well enough, his staff was pleasant, his office was in a surgery center attached to a major hospital, so I felt safe there. There was no warm and fuzzy with him, but he was pleasant and answered all my questions. He didn't sugar coat anything, was straightforward and completely unruffled when I asked all sorts of questions my mother (who's a nurse) told me to ask. I would never make a decision totally on price alone for something like this, but knowing someone IRL who used that doctor and is happy with the results is huge.

I only had a tummy tuck and some lipo in the same area, none of the other stuff you are getting. I took ~10 days off of work (I work a desk job) and was fine. Surprisingly, the lipo was actually the worst for me pain wise (it caused a lot of bruising) and by ~1 week out, I was able to sleep in my bed (with pillows under my knees, and it was hilarious to watch me roll out of bed, but overall it was worth it). By the end of the day at work I was taking tylenol for some pain. What I would say about this is that you are super fit, which will help in your healing. On the flip side of that, I'd say don't force your recovery and return to running/exercise too soon.

I know nothing about the pain injection. It wasn't offered to me as an option (and may not have been a thing in 2012 when I had mine done). I took a narcotic when I got home from the hospital, and maybe one or two on day 2, then I was fine with tylenol or ibuprofen. Again, though, I can only speak to the tummy tuck.

Good luck! I'm excited for you that you are getting to do this.

[wambam]

I would go with #3, no question.

[ohgillian]

Anecdote alert.

FWIW, I had Exparel about 8 weeks ago during an outpatient procedure. I just logged into my medical billing and it was $1920 of the total bill. I know that with medical cost allocation formulas, it would be a different price in different circumstances but I thought that data might be helpful anyway.

The anesthesiologist told me that in his experience it doesn’t really give 96 hour of coverage but more like 48 to 72. 72ish was my experience also.

[rupertpenny]

I would also go for number 3. I'm interested in doing this in a year or two and I'm curious about the prices. What is the cost of living in your area? I have a feeling things are going to be more expensive where I am.

I'm also curious if anyone has had a c-section and a tummy tuck and can compare the recoveries.

[cville]

When it comes to surgeons, I don't care if they're nice. Ha.

[flex]

#3 for sure. There's going to be pain no matter what, but it won't be excruciating and will be manageable. I had a face lift a couple years ago. The anesthesia made me quite ill for 24 hours and the pain meds they gave me added to my misery. I wound up just using Tylenol, which worked fine. Granted, you're having a lot of surgery all in one day but still...