How is Having Your Muscles Ripped by Pregnancy and then Developing a Hernea Cosmetic?

asked 10 months ago by metropolis,il in Paducah, KY
Latest answer by E. Anthony Musarra II, MD
Question viewed 157 times
Tags: c-section, cosmetic surgery, twins, umbilical hernia

I had twins seven years ago, I was a fit 20 year old. I gained alot of weight with my twins and then my doctors insisted I have a c-section. In addition to my abdominal muscles being torn I have since developed a hernia above my belly button. How is this a cosmetic problem???

6 answers to How is Having Your Muscles Ripped by Pregnancy and then Developing a Hernea Cosmetic?

It's not

The changes in a woman's body after pregnancy are regarded by insurance companies as cosmetic, however, if there is a true hernia, it is always covered by insurance. Maybe if enough women complained, the insurance companies would change.

E. Anthony Musarra II, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tucks following pregnancy

Tummy tucks following pregnancy may have both cosmetic and medically necessary components. Hernias are usually considered medically necessary, whereas a muscle diastasis (stretching) is typically not. When you choose your health insurance plan, you should consider carefully the procedures your plan will cover.

David Stoker, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Hernia vs tummy tuck

Insurance companies consider a tummy tuck to be cosmetic and will not cover this procedure. They will usually cover a true hernia repair separate from the tummy tuck but not likely done together. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgery.

Donald Nunn, MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Hernia repair is not cosmetic surgery

If you really have a hernia which has persisted after a pregnancy, the hernia repair is not considered cosmetic surgery and falls under 'medical necessity' by insurance carriers. You might have to contact your benefits agent to sort things out or ask your surgeon to send a predetermination letter to your insurance carrier. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

A hernia is not a cosmetic issue

It is very likely that you have a hernia after your significant pregnancy. The hernia should be repaired and is always considered a medically necessary procedure with insurance companies. If you are requesting a tummy tuck as part of the hernia repair the insurance company will consider this cosmetic. Your surgeon will need to specify what is medically necessary and what is cosmetic so the insurance company will know what is going on. Best... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Hernia abd abdominal after pregnancy

Most insurance companies will likely consider rectus diastasis (spreading of the muscles at midline) a cosmetic issue. I would think that most insurance companies would consider and outright hernia (bowel protruding out of a hole or significant weakness in the abdominal wall) a medical issue.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

www.setonplasticsurgery.com

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