How Much Does It Cost to Remove Excess Skin and Stretch Marks After Losing 150 Lbs? (photo)

Question

I used to weigh 356 lbs after years of exercise, watching my diet. I finally lost close to 150 lbs. My current wt is 217 lbs. My left cartiledge is wearing down. My doctor gives me synvic shots. My breasts are a 48 DDD. The skin under my arms has alot of stretch marks. My entire body has loose drappy skin which I would donate to a burn center. I don't have any money. I am separated from my husband. Times are tough. I just need a cost for this surgery. Thank you, Andrea Yanochko

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your massive weight loss!  Thank you for your pictures and history. It is difficult to answer your questions without more pictures or a thorough physical examination. However, I will try to answer this question as best I can.
I am not sure exactly what surgeries you are seeking.  However, with a 150 pound weight loss, I would imagine that you would need a series of surgeries.  Typically, I would stage these surgeries. During the first surgery, I would suggest a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  This procedure to remove excess skin and fat of the abdomen, hips, and buttocks.  During the second stage, I would suggest a medial thigh lift.  The medial thigh lift would remove excess skin and fat from the inner leg. The incision extends from the groin to the inner knee.  During the third stage, I would suggest breast reduction and brachioplasty or arm lift. The breast reduction would  reduce the size of the breast. The brachioplasty would remove excess skin and fat the upper arm.  The brachioplasty incision would extend from the armpit to the elbow.  
First of all, I would suggest trying to have your insurance to cover. Your medical insurance may cover part of these surgeries. If you qualify, Medicare may even cover your breast reduction.  I would also look into the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America.  This foundation may have some suggestions and ways to fund your reconstructive surgery.  
I hope I have answered your questions regarding reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss and ways to get your surgeries financed.
Good luck with your weight loss journey. If you have any questions, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Siamak Agha, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

It is really difficult to answer your question regarding costs.  Costs are dictated by how many procedures you need, who is doing your surgery, the quality of the work, the number of hours in the operating room, the fees for the anesthesiologist, the after care, and many more factors.   I suggest seeking a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in plastic surgery after weight loss. Best of luck.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's unclear from your question what procedures you're interested in undergoing. Furthermore, your pictures don't help to clarify this issue. It's not unusual for patients who experience massive weight loss to have redundant hanging skin in multiple areas and to require multiple procedures. The cost of these procedures is variable and depends upon multiple factors. These include the surgeons fee, facility fees and anesthesia charges. Fees in the Midwestern United States typically range between $7,000 and $11,000 for these procedures. When procedures are performed in combination, additional savings can be anticipated.If you're considering massive weight loss surgery, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience performing this type of procedure. Although the cost of the procedure is an important consideration, it's not the only consideration. Patients should also consider the surgeon's experience and qualifications. It's absolutely essential that you're able to communicate and have a comfort level with the surgeon who will be performing your surgery.

Harold Bautista, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank  you for sending your photographs and question into Real Self. The typical massive weight loss patient, like you, has a wish list of areas that would like improved with regards to appearance. Usually those areas have significant laxity of skin and stretch marks are present. An extended abdominoplasty in the Washington DC area will run an average of 7 to $9,000. A posterior trunk lift which would remove the excess skin in the lateral and posterior waistline areas would run approximately 5 to $7,000.
Always consult a board certified plastic surgeon. 
I hope this helps.
Dr B

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss, but to get a better result,  you probably need to lose more weight.Good luck.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Excess Skin and Stretch Marks After Losing 150 Lbs? (photo)

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How Much Does It Cost to Remove Excess Skin and Stretch Marks After Losing 150 Lbs? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Skin removal after massive weight loss

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