Cost-Saving Idea for Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation

I have had children. I am in good shape 5'7 and 128lbs I am looking to to have a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. My question is I am anal about my tummy tuck and its scar and placement. I am a premed student and in this economy I don't have alot of extra money. I am thinking about having my BA done by a fellow at Lennox hill and saving the extra money to have a tummy tuck by a very well respected Doctor in NYC.I assume a BA is a much easier procedure.Is this a reasonable idea?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by NicoleNY in NY

Doctor Answers (12)
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Saving Money on Surgery

It may not always be the best idea when it comes to surgery, but if it feels to be a necessity, you can best decide what compromises are acceptable to you.

Breast augmentation and abdominoplasty

Hi Nichole, breast augmentation is not as simple as it seems. I suggest saving your money and using a board-certified surgeon for both procedures. You can also look into CareCredit, which allows you to pay for your surgery over time. Many surgeons accept this, although some hospitals do not. Good luck, /nsn.

Cost saving idea

I don't know if you have received this surgery yet, but if you are interested in saving, I would go with the Fellow for both procedures. They are both relatively straight forward procedures, but can have much less than optimal results if done poorly. I, in fact, completed the same fellowship and know the system there. The best way to ensure a good result is to ask the fellow to involve a surgeon of your choosing that has privileges at Lennox Hill Hospital. Get the... more

Using a resident clinic to reduce costs associated with breast augmentation with implants

To some degree the ability to achieve a successful breast augmentation outcome depends on the appearance and amount of symmetry as well as the size of the implants selected. Your outcome will depend on this and going to someone with greater experience will probably provide you with greater insight as to what to expect as well as to provide you some guidance in your decision making process. Otherwise if it is a straightforward augmentation with modest sized implants, you may achieve and... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation by different surgeons

Hi there- Your plan sounds fine. I would not necessarily say that breast augmentation surgery is "easier" than a tummy tuck, but as long as there are no extenuating circumstances (that is, your breasts are not significantly asymmetric or otherwise requiring more advanced techniques), this should work out fine for you.

Your Cosmetic Plan

Your Idea is okay. Whether your breast augmentation will be easy depends on the size and shape of your natural breast. If money is the main issue maybe you should get the higher cost procedure done by he resident. Dr. ES

Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck

Most plastic surgeons trained in places which had resident clinics. These clinics are valuable teaching tools for the students. Patients agree to have students operate on them in exchange for a lower cost of surgery. This is a decision that you need to make. As for the complexity of surgery, I think you have some misunderstandings. Breast surgery is not simple and neither is abdominoplasty. Both surgeries require an intimate knowledge of the breast... more

Cost-Saving Idea for Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation

I see no problem with your plan. Only you will need 2 operations at different times sop an additional anesthesia and healing time. Please explore all options.

It should be fine

As long as the fellow is appropriately supervised, your results should be fine. You should interview the fellows -more than 1- and if possible speak to the nurses to guage skill. Also make sure that the attending is in the room for the entire case. Some clinics will have supervising attendings in name only and never enter the OR during your case. That being said, the optimal technique would be to have an experienced plastic surgeon perform your surgeries. more

Choosing a surgeon

While having a resident in a clinic setting do your surgery is OK with proper surpervision. Remember it is a teaching experience. They do not have the expertise as a seasoned veteran might have.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon

I do not think breast augmentation is a much easier procedure and I am willing to bet that a much higher percentage of breast augmentations require revisions than abdominoplasties. I do not think having the procedure done by a fellow is an issue in and of itself but it sounds like you are willing to spend money on a tummy tuck but not on breast augmentation. I do not think that is a wise way to go about this. You need to pick the surgeon you feel most comfortable with doing the procedure... more

Saving on your Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck

I understand the desire to save money in this economy. There are several "Resident/Fellow clinics" in New York City that offer discounted procedures in exchange for letting plastic surgeons in training perform your surgery. The results can be very good but there is always a risk. Keep in mind that fixing a problem can often cost more than the original surgery did. Breast augmentation can be tricky - it is not as simple as it seems and nothing can replace... more