Tummy tuck via PMI

[FrazzledMum22]

Has anyone successfully had a tummy tuck through their private medical insurance and if so, can you share any advice on how to get it?

I have diastasis recti and the worst over hang I’ve seen from 2 C-sections. I look 5 months pregnant, but I’m not overweight. It’s massively impacting my confidence. Further weight loss and exercise isn’t going to fix it…. ☹️

Hi @FrazzledMum22 I don’t have any advice on going through PMI unfortunately as mine doesn’t cover cosmetic surgery. Have you checked your terms and conditions as a lot of them don’t cover it at all even if it’s for a medical reason/health risk. If they do cover it be worth a call to them to see what health reasons they accept to fund a tummy tuck.

I had my tummy tuck 3 weeks ago (breast reduction at same time), had to use savings, although hospital offered a 0% loan. Like you I had a severe Diastasis recti along with the overhang and excess skin. Had constant back pain from my back overcompensating for the separated stomach muscles and my confidence was at zero.

I’m only 3 weeks out but it is honestly the best decision I’ve ever made and completely worth the money. So if you’re not able to go through PMI I hope there may be another option for you. I had to live with it for 5 years while we completed our family, and it got worse after each pregnancy, and to finally feel myself again has been quite an emotional thing.

Thank you so much for the supportive advice. My post was the first step in acknowledging it’s something I need to do and you’ve given lots of encouragement.

Hi@CheeseFiend40 - sorry for tagging on another thread but just wondered if you could give an idea of how the surgery you had was - as in recovery time etc?

Im considering this ( also think will have to be private!) as following fibroid surgery I now have really obvious diastasis recti. I have heaps of scars etc which have never bothered me but I’m really finding it difficult to deal with as it makes me feel not like me!

Hi @Lemursandions so I'm just about 3 months post op now. The only thing that reminds me I had the surgery are the scars, they're still very red at the moment. But physically I felt completely recovered about 2 months post surgery. The first 2 weeks were the hardest as we have 3 young children, so we needed a bit of extra help with that. After that it was just being careful, a few muscle twinges from the diastasis repair (my surgeon had to do 4 layers of stitches), trying not to overdo it. Then after 6 weeks I got the all clear and life could carry on as normal.
I had a c section with my last child and that recovery was much harder than the tummy tuck!

Thank you for replying. I was a bit worried it would be equivalent to my myomectomy ( which was itself way harder than my c section) as I’m
a single parent with primary aged kids.

Your post was so helpful btw as somehow it feels ‘wrong/vain’ to even consider a major op for aesthetic reasons but I honestly just find this new shape so hard to accept.

Yeah I’ve kept it a complete secret, apart from my husband and inlaws, and only then because we would need them to help with childcare, as I didn’t want any judgement from people about what would be considered cosmetic surgery.
But for me the Diastasis recti was so severe that I looked 6 months pregnant and couldn’t even go for a walk with my children, or sort out washing, without back pain.
So for my physical health it was essential, and for my mental health also. There was also an awful lot of skin removed as well!

My DC keep telling me I look pregnant!

I also have a historic lower back injury from when I broke it. I’ve been in agony with it recently but assumed it was going through a bad phase but now wondering if linked ( and perhaps something I should think about as well)

Yes it would definitely be exacerbated by the Diastasis. Basically when you’re standing up your internal organs push through the weakened connective tissue/muscle separation, giving you the pregnant belly look! Your lower back is then overcompensating for the lack of stomach muscle, causing incredible back pain. If it’s affordable for you, I would 100% recommend it.
I also had a breast reduction at the same time, from a 34H to 34E, which has also helped my back

Thanks so much again @CheeseFiend40 . Apologies for one final question - and do feel free to ignore - but could you give me an idea of a rough ball park for costs ( my insurance also won’t cover even for health reasons). I’m always a bit wary of quoted figures as know there can be lots of add ons as it were in hospital costs etc.

also to say I’m glad it’s all worked out for you!

Hi op! I work in PMI industry. All insurers are really very similar and even if this is causing pain/discomfort won't be covered as seen as cosmetic....

You may get physiotherapy but would be a short burst of sessions and like you say- exercise isn't helping.

Best thing to do is give the company a call and see what they offer. They may have an agreement with private hospitals/providers on offering better self pay rates to their clients too

Hi @Lemursandions costs can vary between hospitals but you'd be looking around £8-9k for a
decent surgeon

Thanks - that was what I thought.

Better get saving!

Could I ask how much it costs please?

Where did you do it? I am based in London so looking for recommendations on private surgeons. Also… did you suffer from bloating and constipation before due to it? If so, has the surgery helped? What would you say surprised you the most about the surgery? Ie: what should I expect…? 😅