[Guest_Dinah_Harris_*]

I've had two children, one by C/S. I have severely separated abdominal muscles and an umbilical hernia. I went to my GP to get a referral about the hernia, and yesterday i saw a plastic surgeon regarding getting it all fixed up.

You know it's bad when the plastic surgeon puts her hand on your tummy and says, "Oh, that's your liver I can feel" because the muscles do not cover up my organs anymore!

I am having the operation in October. I'm just waiting on the final costs from the surgeon to come through. It is not considered a cosmetic procedure because of the hernia and the separated abdominals. Therefore, Medicare offers a small rebate. They cover the scheduled fee for the procedure, which is close to $1,000 (but plastic surgeons generally charge a LOT more than this for the procedure). My private health insurance will cover some of it as long as Medicare does, but I'm not exactly sure how much yet. My plastic surgeon seems to think they'll cover the cost of the hospital. That means I'll be out of pocket for the surgeon's fees. However, you have to see a plastic surgeon (not a cosmetic surgeon) for Medicare or health insurance to cover it.

If you are interested, I can come back and update regarding the costing and how the procedure goes. I am both scared and excited!

This post has been edited by Dinah_Harris: 20/10/2012, 08:16 AM

[Tankboy]

Definately interested in how you get on OP. I have an abdominal hernia and separation from having DS. I am pg with number two and hope to have surgery next year after baby is born to fix it all up. Sometimes when I sneeze I pop my hernia out.

I had thought I would have to get it all done privately though. I know lots of surgeons do stomach muscle reconstruction while doing a tummy tuck so that was the path I was prepared to take.

[Guest_Dinah_Harris_*]

Hi Tankboy,
Yeah, I'm having it done privately. My surgeon is also a reconstructive surgeon which is another reason I'm seeing her.
Medicare (and thus your PHI) will cover the procedure at least partially as long as your youngest is older than 1 and younger than 7. You definitely need the Medicare item numbers so that PHI will cover.

[greengoddess]

Definitely keep us informed re costs etc. I also have quite bad abdominal separation, but am hoping to get pregant again before getting it sorted.

[evalynnI]

Would love to know final costs etc, thanks very much.

I have thought a few times about tummy tuck, but for me it would be purely cosmetic as I don't have any muscle separation problems or similar. Still have a bit of weight to lose after having my kids, but SO much flab!! So I guess that means I would get nothing back? We do have highest level PHI but I think from your first post you say it only covers anything if it is medical rather than cosmetic procedure? In that case it's gonna be out of my price range.....!! But interested to know anyway.

[Guest_Dinah_Harris_*]

The surgeon I saw definitely recommends finishing having kids and losing all the weight you want to, or else you'll just be wasting your money
I don't know, Evalynn, but I"m guessing the operation wouldn't be quite as big so might be less expensive?
In any case, I got a referral from my GP to see the plastic surgeon. It cost $104 for the consultation, and I'll get $70 back from Medicare. So it's not really much to see them, get an opinion and get a quote. At least you'll know what you are dealing with!

[evalynnI]

Mmm, hadn't thought seriously enough about it yet to consider that but I have a GP appt coming up so maybe I should. Thanks for the idea

[sparkle-tiffany]

I too have an umbilical hernia and seperated abs. I have been feeling so down about my flabby mummy tummy that makes me look 4 months pregnant, when the rest of me has bounced back into shape.

I have always thought a tummy tuck would cost a fortune, so I would be extremely appreciative if you could update on the cost and your experience!

[Guest_Dinah_Harris_*]

Well, the quote arrived today and I am pleasantly surprised.

The cost is as follows:

* Tummy tuck: $3,500
* Hernia repair: $435
* Assistant: $500
Total: $4,435

Less Medicare/Health Insurance Rebates:
* Tummy tuck: $967
* Hernia: $200
* Assistant: $338

Out of Pocket Costs: $2,930

Plus anaesthetist costs - I don't know the cost of this yet, but Medicare covers 75% of the scheduled fee and my health fund coves 25% of the scheduled fee. I have to pay whatever is left.

My health fund totally covers the hospital costs. It is being done in a private hospital.

I am in Queensland by the way. I'm happy to PM anyone who would like it the name of my plastic surgeon.

If anyone has any other questions, also happy to answer them if I can.
Looking forward to 15th October!

[Mummzy]

Thank you so much fr posting your info.

I also will need surgery to fix my separation once I am done having kids.

Could you pm me the name of your surgeon and does he/she have a website?