Will NHS help me get a Tummy Tuck?

I am 21 and have had 2 children, and I'm left with a huge over hang on my belly. If I held the excess skin up and pushed it in, I would lose about two dress sizes. I am a size 18 with this belly and without it I would be about a 12-14. It's really big and disgusting, and it really depresses me to the point where I won't even leave my house. I am a single mum and can't afford to pay out for a Tummy Tuck, but I can't live like this any longer. Will the NHS help me?

2 answers to “Will NHS help me get a Tummy Tuck?”

A: Insurance sponsorship for Tummy tuck

Lavinia Chong, MD

I hope that you have taken "mywish"'s recommendations to heart.  Having grown up in London, I know that the NHS does provide coverage "from the cradle to the grave", however the procedures which are covered do have to be "functional" rather than cosmetic.  In order to... more

A: Insurance may help

Jeffrey Horowitz, MD

If you have medical symptoms related to your belly ie. rashes under the overhanging skin, your health insurance may pay for a panniculectomy.  This involves simply excising the skin and fat below your belly button.  It differs from a tummy tuck because there is less undermining, the belly button may... more

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Comments

mywish_
2 posts
19 Mar 2009

The best thing for you to do is to see your GP. Express how you feel about your tummy & see if he will refer you to a surgeon. I'm also 21, although I've had no children I have struggled with weight issues. My doctor referred me to the surgeon, I had a meeting with him within 2-4 weeks. I went back after 3 months and a little more of a weight loss & was put on the waiting list, where I waited around 3 months to hear about my surgery. I'm having it this saturday! So it is possible, it just depends on how this is changing your life etc.

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