NHS Tummy Tuck Criteria

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

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.

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

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!