Will Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck when Belly Hinders Normal Walking?

asked 2 years ago by barker56 in corydon In.
Latest answer by Robert M. Jensen, MD
Question viewed 891 times
Tags: weight loss, belly, insurance

I had lap band surgery and now my belly is hanging down, making it harder to walk.

7 answers to Will Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck when Belly Hinders Normal Walking?

Tummy tuck

Most insurance companies do not consider that a reason to cover the procedure. It is rare in fact for insurance companies to cover a tummy for any reason. Occasionally they will cover a panniculectomy if the patient has documented history of recurrent infections in the pannus.

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

Insurance may cover Panniculectomy

Unless you surgeon lies to the insurance company, they will never pay for cosmetic surgery. Depending on your policy, your insurance MAY pay for removal of the skin overhang. This operation is a PANNICULECTOMY NOT a Tummy Tuck (ABDOMINOPLASTY). In an abdominoplasty not only is the overhang removed, we also remove MORE loose skin from the lower tummy, tighten the tummy muscles and relocate the belly button - in all, a much bigger operation. I would suggest you check your insurance book and... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Usually no

There are many variables, both physical, and insruance related to this answer. However I feel it is safe to say that insurance MAY cover a panniculectomy (removal of the skin/fat apron), but won't pay for the full tummy tuck, which also involves more extensive dissection and tightening of the muscles.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Does insurance pay for a tummy tuck?

The answer is almost always 'no.' However, if you have a hernia as well then insurance will cover this and some of the costs for facility and anesthesia fees associated with the tummy tuck done simultaneously. If you're only looking for a panniculectomy, insurance may cover this, but you may need to have your plastic surgeon send in pictures and documentation for pre-authorization. The difference between a tummy tuck and panniculectomy is that in a tummy tuck the muscles are tightened... more

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.BaltimorePlasticSurgery.com

Tummy Tuck Under Insurance

They will not cover cosmetic procedures as a tummy tuck is such. They may cover a panniculectomy. This is different from a tummy tuck because it only removes the excess skin and it does not have any undermining and muscle plication. Again this has to be a medically necessary procedure. If you have problems with infections or dermititis in the abdominal crease then it may be "medically necessary". Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck and insurance

In general, no. Insurance companies only pay for "medically necessary surgery". Even though you may indeed have trouble walking, most insurance companies would not consider that to be a good enough reason to pay for the procedure (despite the protests of your plastic surgeon). In some cases, where the excess skin (we call it a pannus) hangs below the pubis such that you are left with chronic rashes that are not successfully treated by a dermatologist, insurance companies may actually pay. ... more

Elan B. Singer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Insurance coverage for panniculectomy

If your insurance companies coveredyour lap band surgery, they might cover panniculectomy for the deformity that resulted from extreme weight loss. There are usually certain criteria that each plan looks for including ulcers, dermatitis, fungal infections, etc. They will also usually require a photo for a nurse or reviewer to exam.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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