If I have diastasis recti, will a tummy tuck be covered under insurance?

Question

I have no fat on my tummy, just excess skin. If I need surgery to repair a diastasis would the doctor add the skin removal for free or can I pay extra for that ? I have had it for 8 m. I'm a physical therapist and it's still 5 cm deep!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question and I am sorry to hear about your diastasis frustration.  Unfortunately a diastasis repair is not considered medically necessary and insurance companies will not consider it for coverage.

Luke J. Curtsinger, MD · Answer

I am sorry to say that most insurance companies consider diastasis repair to be cosmetic. Most insurance companies take the position that diastasis doesn't cause a functional problem. However!! Despite tummy tuck being almost always cosmetic, and your financial responsibility, please remember that 97% of RealSelf patients self report that it is Worth It!! It is a happy place for many.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover a tummy tuck. Occasionally with documentation of recurrent infection they will pay for a panniculectomy (simply removing loose skin).#tt#tummytuck

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Unfortunately, diastasis recti is usually considered an aesthetic concern that most insurance providers won’t cover. However, you can definitely ask your provider to see if they would cover yours.Diastasis recti correction is generally included in the cost of a tummy tuck, a procedure that also include skin/fat removal.

Jennifer Greer, MD · Answer

From your question, it sounds as though you have a significant diastasis. In general, repair of a diastasis recti is not covered by insurance. But exceptions are sometimes made in extreme circumstances, e.g. if you have a history of pain due to the diastasis, which has not improved with therapy, and which is interfering with activities of daily living. But even if the diastasis repair is covered, you would likely have to pay for the skin removal portion of the surgery.  I recommend seeing a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in your area for more information.Best of luck to you!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello annaanna123. I find that insurance does not cover diastasis, but does cover hernia repair. You will have to pay for the tummy tuck portion regardless. Best, Dr. ALDO.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

A simple diastasis recti is not covered by insurance. A ventral hernia may be covered by insurance and is typically the only situation where insurance may be a factor in tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.It is imperative that you seek the advice of a plastic
surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has
extensive experience in tummy tuck/abdominoplasty.

I wish you the best.

Dr. Gabbay.

Kendall Roehl, MD, FACS · Answer

Almost all insurance companies deem diastasis as a cosmetic issue and thus it's not a covered benefit. So I would suspect you would pay for this out of pocket. You will definitely want to have the excess skin removed as just repairing the muscle will make the skin excess and sagging worse. You should have a great result with muscle repair and skin excision given how thin you are. Will be worth it!

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

This typically is not covered under insurance.  You would have to pay out of pocket.  Prices vary a lot according to experience and board certification of the plastic surgeon, facilities, quality of the practice, region, etc…

Cosmetic surgery in Colombia represents an increasingly attractive option for consumers looking for the ultimate combination of quality, price, availability, service, enjoyment, and value.  Prices for plastic surgery procedures can be very affordable, and often 30-50% less than in the United States and Europe.  When done with a board certified surgeon, patients can save thousands of dollars on cosmetic procedures while providing all of the safety and quality that they would receive in top U.S. and European centers. 
 
A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Mark Crispin, MD · Answer

The short answer is no.  Insurance typically covers functional problems such as hernias not cosmetic ones. Unfortunately exercise will not improve a diastasis only diastasis repair.

If I have diastasis recti, will a tummy tuck be covered under insurance?

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