Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Will Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Surgery if Delayed?

asked 2 years ago by rbaker in Houston,Texas
Latest answer by Farbod Esmailian, MD
Question viewed 370 times
Tags: abdomen, hernia, insurance

I need to have my hernia repaired in my abdomen that is the size of a cantaloupe. The insurance will cover that; but if I wait 3-5 months to have the Tummy Tuck, will the insurance cover it? Also, is it safe to do the 2 surgeries seperately?

4 answers to Will Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Surgery if Delayed?

+1

Tummy Tuck and Insurance

Tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Now, you may be able to have a panniculectomy, which is the sole removal of the skin and fat, without the muscle plication and undermining if you qualify. What is commonly done is to have the hernia repair done and have your tummy tuck at the same time. You would have your hernia repair covered by the insurance and then would have to pay for the tummy tuck portion out of pocket (cash). Good luck.
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominoplasty and Hernia Repair Insurance Coverage?

Of course, much depends on your insurer, but it's unlikely that insurance will cover the abdominoplasty regardless of when it's done. Of our recent cases involving a covered procedure, like a hernia repair, and a cosmetic procedure, like an abdominoplasty, insurance won't cover the abdominoplasty or any anesthesia, operating room fees or surgeon's fees associated with it. As far as safety, you're usually safer to minimize the number of times you're anesthetized, so it would probably be a... more
H. Steve Byrd, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance does not cover 'tummy tuck' surgery

It sounds like you have a large abdominal hernia which should be repaired. Depending on the anatomy of your hernia, it may be technically possible to do a hernia repair and abdominoplasty at the same time, but I do not think such a combination surgery is in your best interest. It would be a long procedure, and I believe the risk of wound infection may be higher with this combination surgery. It would make the most sense to have your abdominal wall hernia repaired, and wait several months... more
Scott Sattler, MD

Bellevue Plastic Surgeon
+1

Insurance will probably not cover Tummy Tuck

Hello,Tummy tuck surgery is considered cosmetic by most insurance companies unless it is simply billed as something else. It is not the same as a panniculectomy (simple removal of a lower abdominal "apron.") Be careful on this one. It might turn into a billing nightmare.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon

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