NHS Tummy Tuck Criteria

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?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by toggs in London

Doctor Answers (4)
Community Comments (0)

NHS coverage of Panniculectomy VS Tummy Tuck

I am not aware of any major participation on this website by any of my British colleagues to whom I would gladly defer in this matter. From my understanding of the NHS which is solely based on reading and discussions with British patients, the system operates much like our Medicare / HMO gate keeper model. All patients must go through gate keeper primary physician screeners before being referred on to specialists. Cosmetic Surgery is never paid for while Reconstructive Surgery MAY be after... more

Insurance coverage for a tummy tuck

In the US, insurance does not cover elective cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck. I am not aware of the coverage options in London. I hope it works out for you.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Insurance sponsorship for Tummy tuck

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 establish that your excess skin does cause functional problems, such as intertirgo or heat rash, in the area above your pubic brim, you will need to enlist the assistance of your GP, so that you... more

Lavinia Chong, MD

22 reviews

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Insurance may help

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 be sacrificed, and the muscle is not tightened. This may be a good compromise between doing nothing and a full tummy tuck. Good luck!