Body lift: Will Medicare pay for it? (photos)

Thank you for your question.
When it comes to a full body lift, it is not common for insurance to cover this procedure in its entirety. A procedure after weight loss that is commonly covered is a panniculectomy, where the panis is removed, or the tissue from the umbilicus to the pubic region and a breast reduction. Insurance will determine if it is medically necessary for this tissue to be removed. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and treatment options.

Thank you for your question regarding whether Medicare will pay for your body lift. Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for your body lift. The only thing Medicare may pay for is a panniculectomy, though this is rare. For Medicare to pay for your panniculectomy, the abdominal pannus has to cover the pubic region and cause rashes. I would suggest you consult with a Medicare plastic surgeon. However, with your significant weight loss, a panniculectomy is not the best procedure. The best procedure for your weight loss would probably be a 360 circumferential lower body lift. This would include an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), hip lift, hip reduction, buttock lift, buttock reduction, rectus abdominal plication, and pubic lift and pubic reduction. The 360 circumferential lower body lift takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to perform under general anesthesia. Plan for a 3 to 4 weeks recovery. Thank you for your question regarding whether in body lift is covered by Medicare.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Congratulations on your weight loss! That is a fantastic achievement! Medicare will typically cover the following procedures: Panniculectomy: Excision of anterior abdominal overhanging skin only. This procedure is distinct from both an abdominoplasty and a body lift in that it only removes extra skin and does not include undermining, tailoring, tightening of skin, tightening of muscles, liposuction or saving the belly button. And it only removes skin and tissue from the front of your abdomen.Breast reduction: Removal of excess breast skin and tissue. This does not include upper body lift procedures.
Thank you for your question and best of luck!

Dear Glorious209056,
it is unlikely that insurance will cover the costs of your surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! On some occasions insurance may cover the removal of a pannus which is a hanging loose apron of abdominal skin. It is unlikely that a body lift would be covered. Many surgeons accept financing through companies that specialize in funding for medical procedures.