After 3 c sections isn't a tummy tuck free?

noblei 30 Oct 2012

i have had 3 c-sections and wondering if the goverment of alberta would pay for a tummy tuck..

sweetdreams34 7 Mar 2012

Believe it or not, in other countries tummy tucks are covered by their country's insurance programs at no cost. I believe women who give birth should have tummy tucks covered by their insurance for free. The leftover skin after childbirth is a hindrance during physical activity. This is why many weight loss patients get skin removal surgeries covered after surgery so they can be more mobile and free.

sweetdreams34 7 Mar 2012

What I mean is that the patient doesn't have to pay. The insurance company, of course, would have to pay.

finallygoingtodoit 1 Mar 2012

I actually do know what I'm talking about, they cut through the Fascia above the abdominal muscles and the muscles are pushed aside to move on to the other layers of tissue that need to be cut. While there is skin and tissue damage during a c section, there is no muscle damage by the actual procedure.

finallygoingtodoit 1 Mar 2012

Actually in all routine c-sections the actual abdominal muscles are not cut!

skidog 1 Mar 2012

Not sure what your talking about, but I think you should do some research. I'm sure you will find that you are not correct and the only way you might recover 100% from a c section is if you have a cosmetic surgeon deliver your baby and you stay under their care. Most doctors out here in the west are just over paid veterinarians (though I just had my dog in the other day and I think vets are catching up) and I guarantee there is damage in every surgery. I have been married to two different women with c section damage. My wife now is a marathon runner and she is beautiful, but the damage left from birth is depressing to her. Nothing on her bothers me, but I think it is a woman thing and I would support after care for these women under an insurance plan.

skidog 23 Feb 2012

I think they would say they would rather pay for that then drug treatment for abusers. How do you not comprehend that having your stomach muscles cut leaving you with excess skin on your front is not a medical issue? If nothing else, it causes depression because you normally can't fix it without surgery. I think disfigurement caused by a surgical procedure should be followed up until that body is as close to original condition as possible. I believe C-section operations are left grossly mismanaged by care takers.

Arie Benchetrit, MD 2 Oct 2010

There is no such thing as "free surgery". Someone ultimately has to compensate the surgeon, anesthetist and nursing staff for their time and also pay for the materials and equipment used during surgery. Since a tummy tuck is not necessary surgery (a loose, flabby tummy may not look nice but is not a health risk)that "someone" should be the patient. In Canada, where I practice, government health plans pay for all necessary medical care but NEVER for cosmetic surgery. When my patients ask me why the government doesn't pay for cosmetic surgery, I tell them that government money is taxpayer money, i.e. it is like asking your friends and neighbors, through their taxes, to pay for your tummy-tuck. What do you think they would say?

View answers from Arie Benchetrit, MD