Cosmetic Surgery for a Military Spouse?

Question

I know that a service member is allowed one cosmetic surgery while in the military, but what about the spouse?


I have really low self esteem when it comes to my breasts. Every time I look at them I always see something wrong, (i.e.: they're not big enough, they're not perky enough, my nipples don't look like they're in the right place). I would like to get a breast augmentation, but I currently live in Germany and I would not like to go off base to a civilian clinic.

Does anyone (current, non or former military) have any information that could help me out?

free plastic surgery isn't a reason to join the military. sorry oc_boomer.

okay michael f - the military will only do one cosmetic surgery for service members. that i know.

i'm asking about spouses-a military wife. like me! duh.

if i had a link supplying information about cosmetic surgeries in the military....don't you think i would have skipped out on asking this question?

Answer 1

I have heard about military dependents getting plastic surgery, but it was on an experimental basis so that new doctors can practice on you. There is NO WAY in He*l you could get me to sign up for that! Military doctors have a bad enough reputation as it is.

Next time you go to your OB/GYN, ask. Maybe they have information. Still, I would never go to a military doctor for elective surgery.

Save your money and you might have enough saved up once you get back to the States. Or, come home for an extended visit and do it while you're here. The recovery time for surgery is about a week so plan for at least that long.

Start looking for surgeons near your hometown online and let them know when you'll be in town. Make an appointment to see at least 3 different doctors (it would be better to have 4 or 5 consultations). You might not get an appointment for surgery right away, but some will do one within a week or two.

As for the person who wanted to know about service members getting cosmetic surgery... You can't have it just because you want it, there must be a medical need. I know of a woman who was in an accident and her breasts were damaged, so she had cosmetic surgery on her breasts (including implants). It happens, but it's not a reason to join the military by any means.

Answer 2

That could happen for you it den pends on where you are stationed at. I was in the navy and I retired in 2000, I have been married to my wife for 23yrs anyway when I stationed on a ship in the bay area yrs back My wife met a lady who had some cosmetic done at Letterman army hospital in San Fran. So its possible just have to ask the right ppl. When she had hers done it really helped her and doc was so cool I think it cost me maybe $18 all I had to do was pay for the meals she had in the hospital. I am sure its a little more these days but it very possible. Maybe your hubby knows some one in the medical field who can help. It also helps if you near a large military hospital because e there are always doctors look to specialize in there craft so that when they leave the service they have the experience to open there own practice. My wife surgery was very successful so check it out good luck.

Answer 3

Check with your primary care physician. They could possibly refer you to psych and you could talk to someone there and at least get documentation in your medical records that this is an ongoing issue for you. It is a long shot, but the first step is to document your 'mental anguish' so that you can at least have a leg to stand on and a place to start.

Also, I do know that there are Military Hospitals stateside that do various plastic surgeries when they do not have a full surgery schedule so that they can keep up their surgical experience. When we were at Ft Hood several years ago (before the war) I knew a few people that were on the wait list, but none got called at least while I was there. Even if you want to go that route, being in Germany I am pretty sure that Landstuhl is booked for awhile as far as reconstructive surgeries go.

Best of luck to you in getting your surgery. If it means that much to you, perhaps you should just go to your Dr. on the economy and pay outright. It would be a long drawnout process to even try to have Tricare pay for it and you will probably get a no anyway.

Answer 4

I'm not sure who fed you the bullsh#$, but servicemembers are not allotted 1 plastic surgery each. If they did, everyone will have had them. The plastic surgery is based on need. Sorry, but just because "daddy didn't love you enough and told you that you were pretty enough and I have poor self esteem" isn't the right reason to take that capability from someone who needs it as a result of combat or severe accident while serving. If you want plastic surgery, join the military, go to combat and earn it. Or better yet, get a job and earn it yourself.

There are so many deformed servicemembers out there who need reconstructive/plastic surgery. I don't think this capability should be wasted on military spouses with poor self esteem.

Answer 5

Well i don't know details but what I've heard is some wives out there have gotten boobs paid for! The way It's been told me is that first you go to your PCM and tell them your uber depressed and then from there you got to a shrink and talk about your body issues and so on and so forth. You have to really want em. From there it's the only way you'll be happy and mentally sound..lol. So they refer you to a military plastic surgeon. I don't know if this is true, it's just what Ive heard. Good luck!!!

Answer 6

i hear if you go through counseling and tell the shrink that you feel like your husband doesn't like them and you really don't like them and its affecting your sex life and all that you can get cosmetic surgeries done it takes some effort but can be managed you have to really really want it i believe it is only one that you can have. i have known some women that had to get there breast reduced due to back problems and tricare when through with it it really depends on how tricare feels it will affect your health.

i live in Germany also i am believe other bigger bases will have the means to perform it here you would just simply have to do some traveling to a larger more efficient post in Germany if they don't then you may wind up traveling stateside for a few days that's all and probably shelling out a Little cash to fly over for your surgeries but i seriously doubt that the Army makes sure that we are well taken care of in every country.

germany isnt the only country that has post to take care of wounded soliders it really depends on where the soliders home post is if a soliders home post is in the states then a wounded solider my wind up stateside to recover dependind on how wounded he is.

Answer 7

The military will only pay for cosmetic surgery if it's in the interest of the military or if it's directed by a doctor for medical reasons. Other than that, it's out of pocket. Sorry.

Answer 8

well, for one thing.. it's an urban legend that each AD member is entitled to one free elective surgery.

and two: such surgeries are NOT done at every base hospital, and they are done STRICTLY On a space Avaialble basis. Bethesda, Walter Reed, Portsmouth, Balboa and Tripler are the only ones that I know of for sure that offer this service. the waiting list is often 12 months or longer.

Germany won't do it, they are focusing on Wounded Warriors.

you start with your PCM. they are the only ones who can refer you to this program.

Answer 9

Does the military really pay for even the soldiers to get breast implants?

Could you provide a link or some info about this cosmetic surgery the military provides?

Answer 10

you will have to pay for it out of pocket unless your primary care physician deems it necessary. necessary as in you NEED it, not WANT it. so you are going to have to pay for it. now, would you rather do it in Germany or America? sorry.

i know the military dentists can do cosmetic dental work. i would never let a military doctor do cosmetic surgery on me. to be honest, even if they did allow it. which, they dont.
Im in the Navy if that helps you out at all.