In Style Radio » tummy tuck cosmetic surgery

Taxing elective cosmetic surgery to help fund health care?

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:07:50 +0000

"Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% excise tax on elective cosmetic procedures… that includes things like Botox injections, breast implants, tummy tucks, face lifts, liposuction, teeth whitening, eyelid repairs, etc."

I can not believe democrats actually think this is a great idea. What do think? Do you think it is ok to tax people who do this, just because they have the extra money to have procedures done?

Of course it makes sense.

The only effective way to change people’s practices is to make it an economic choice. Making elective/no life threatening medical procedures taxable will cut demand for them, thereby contributing to reducing health care costs. Sure, those with the money will still choose them … but at least the tax will help pay for other procedures. Not taxing them means some other form of tax to raise the money. The other option is a tax on the middle class and rich. The money has to come from somewhere and the best choice is from those most directly benefiting and also choosing to have an optional procedure.

While at it, the value of employer paid heath insurance benefits accruing to workers should also be taxed as income … something that for some strange reason doesn’t happen in the US (unlike most countries).

In Canada we have universal health care, but cosmetic surgery is not covered. If you want it, you pay and pay taxes on the services. Makes perfect sense to any rational individual.

do surgeons put you to sleep for cosmetic surgery?

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:34:13 +0000

like for a mini tummy tuck & thigh and but reduction ?

For anything like that, yes I think so. The tummy tuck they have to actually cut out bits of skin and they have to be sure you won’t move.

Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery For MtF ($)?

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:42:07 +0000

So I’m sure there are some transgenders out there who have had a there fair share of this. I’m wanting to know, with out insurance for the surgeries, how much is it for:

1.) SRS
2.) Facial Feminization Surgery
3.) Tummy tuck? (I’m average for a male, but not for a female)
4.) last but not least, possible breast augmentation

I know these prices differ surgeon to surgeon as well as personal experiences, but a generalization would be nice.
Thanks Lois Griffin for the link, according to the link SRS runs about $12-18US, but as stated there appears to be a lot of ways around that.
$12-18K-US*
I call myself male and go by Mr.B because family members who I have yet to come out to (who call me Mr.B) have this email, but good question.

I actually have very good insurance that pays for all therapy, speech, doctors visits, and most everything but detail and vision (witch I choose to use another provider).

My brother thankfully is a lawyer, so that covers some legal cost (Texas is very picky about getting a name change, and and changing Birth Certificate, and wants detailed documentation of the surgery along with the letters from your therapist i believe)

First of all it is NOT cosmetic surgery. The following paragraph is from ther Benjamin Standards of Care, please read it carefully!

"Sex Reassignment is Effective and Medically Indicated in Severe GID. In persons diagnosed with transsexualism or profound GID, sex reassignment surgery, along with hormone therapy and real-life experience, is a treatment that has proven to be effective. Such a therapeutic regimen, when prescribed or recommended by qualified practitioners, is medically indicated and medically necessary. Sex reassignment is not "experimental," "investigational," "elective," "cosmetic," or optional in any meaningful sense. It constitutes very effective and appropriate treatment for transsexualism or profound GID."

Clear enough?

1. SRS. Depends on the doctor you see and where. North American surgeons run $16-26K. Thai surgeons roughly half that. My surgery was a couple years ago and Dr Bowers fee was $17,500 at the time.

http://www.MarciBowers.com

2. FFS. Not only does it depends on who you see, but what you need. Not everyone gets the same procedures done. In general FFS can run $20-40K. Mine with Dr Ousterhout was about 36K.

3. Tummy tuck: Have no idea, I’ve never had a the need for one.

4. BAS (Breast augmentation surgery). Again it varies depending on who you see, where you have it done and the type of implant used. Dr Bowers did mine at the same time as I had my SRS and the fee was $5500 I believe.

Very, very few insurance companies cover our care. It’s called discrimination. The AMA passed Resolution 122 last year calling on the insurance industry to do away with it’s exclusions regarding our treatment and to start covering us.

Lastly, your list only covers surgery. There are many other costs involved with transition.

Facial hair removal. Electrolysis runs $55-70/hr and most require between 150 and 300 hours worth. Laser is a little cheaper, but isn’t usually 100% effective, you usually need some electro to finish up.

Therapy. A good gender therapist runs $100-150/hr.

Wardrobe.

Legal costs. Name change, driver’s license, birth certificate etc.

Voice. It takes thousands of hour of practice to re-train your voice. Although it’s usually free, some people have to resort to hiring a speech therapist.

HRT and endocrinologists both cost money. HRT doesn’t have to be expensive, you just have to shop around. Doctors visits and lab work are expensive and usually not covered by insurance.

In addition there are many hidden costs of transition:

Spouse divorces you. You may never see your children again.

Family and friends desert you.

Employers commonly fire you when you come out.

Housing discrimination.

Churches may expel/excommunicate you.

And more.

That’s a general list of costs.

Desirex: You are wrong. SRS is paid for by several provinces in Canada and will eventually be covered by all.

edit: If you’re a transsexual woman….. why do you call yourself male and why is your screen name "Mr. B"?

According to this question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag_bTaQUIMutgv3H533BJ9Xsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090625110743AAd40SM

You’re 16 and possibly self-medicating. Unless your parents are supportive none of this treatment can begin until you’re 18. And, as those folks who answered that question warned, self-medicating is dangerous.

edit: If your brother the lawyer needs help contact:

http://www.transgenderlegal.com/

Phyllis is VERY experienced in handling our needs in Texas.

Desirex: SRS is NOT cosmetic. Read the paragraph above from the Standards of Care. Also Ontario has moved to re-list SRS as a covered procedure. The problem for trans folks is it’s through CAMH (formerly known as the Clark).

For anyone who’s had a tummy tuck and boob lift?

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:23:47 +0000

I’ve had 3 kids in a very short time and I’m not having anymore. I don’t feel good about myself (physically). I want to look better, not just for me, but for my husband (even though he says he loves me anyway). I don’t think his insurance will cover cosmetic surgery. If I decide to, do you have to pay for the money upfront for it to happen or can you give them a certain amount every month? I was just wondering.

Yes most will give you a payment plan and there are many companies that finance plastic surgery. Ask your Dr at a consultation and he will provide a list of companies for you to apply with.

*just to add, my girlfriend did a tummy tuck, boob lift, and eye lift at once. She said the tummy tuck was the most painful thing she ever went through. Just know what your getting into!
Good Luck

Are there any doctors in Birmingham,Al. that will do pro bono cosmetic surgery?

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:15:46 +0000

Had a c-section almost five months ago and need a tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck surgery is very safe nowadays. My cousin got her breast reduction, tummy tuck and facelift surgery in India by the company called Forerunners Healthcare .The Price for the surgery she paid in India was very less. She paid 30% of the cost she was quoted in America.

Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. They arrange cosmetic and plastic surgery for foreigners in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as the breast reduction, tummy tuck, facelift and other cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.

if you are going to get a tummy tuck , do u have to tell ur employer when asking for time off?please read?

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:53:54 +0000

if someone is planning to to a cosmetic surgery and is going to need more than a week to recover, Does your employer have to know what you are getting done, Will disability insurance pay you will the time you are out. how do people go about keeping ther jobs and getting enough time to recover without loosing there jobs?

Just say that you’re getting surgury, or a medical procedure done, and thats all.
If they ask just say its a very sensative topic and you care not to talk about it.

Can you have Cosmetic Surgery, and have a payment plan on it instead of paying it all at once?

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:22:06 +0000

I’ve had Gastric Bypass, and need a tummy tuck, Is a payment plan an option?

Almost all plastic surgeons have payment plan options. The interest rates are pretty high though. So, make sure you check out all of the info. carefully.

i heard a rumor that rather tricare or the military will cover one cosmetic surgery is this?

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:21:59 +0000

im navy wife and would like to have either a tummy tuck or boob job im just curious if they really will cover it.

I don’t have anything to back it, but I’ve heard that too. And the enlisted person can decide whether to use it themselves or donate it to a spouse.

Am I a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:45:54 +0000

I want to have a breast augmentation and a tummy tuck. I have had two boys and my breasts have gotton smaller each time. They are a 34AA now. My stomach isn’t fat it is just extra skin that is all wrinkled up. Am I a good candidate?? If not what can i do about my stomach? Also what is that cheapest way to do it in the UK???

your the same as me and Ive only had the one child, i really want a tummy tuck and breast enlargement as well. Ive had a free consultation at the Harley medical group, i was quoted around £4000 and that was only for a mini tummy tuck, but i just cant afford that I’m only 19 and my daughter is 1 and I’m only in part time employment. here is a link for you to look through.

i want a tummy tuck, for reals!

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:32:37 +0000

ok so I am wanting to have cosmetic surgery, first i want a tummy tuck, saggy skin will never firm up, I dont have to much young life to try naturally.

ok so bout (in real numbers) will this cost?

SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY!!

I thought you LEFT Los Angeles at 13? why do you want to go back?