Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure? (photos)

Question

I am type 2 diabetic and considered obese because of my size and height. I've tried water aerobics, zumba, work outs at gyms but my middle stays.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not covered by insurance and you are not a candidate for liposuction.  You may need bariatric surgery to help improve your weight and diabetes.  I suggest discussing this with your internist and considering a consultation with a medical nutritionist as well as a bariatric physician.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Medical insurance typically will not cover anything that is considered cosmetic.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

John Renucci, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, it is best to consider liposuction as a means of contouring areas that are resistant to diet and exercise not as a means for weight loss.  In addition, liposuction removes fat, but will not address the excess skin. Insurance companies consider procedures that will address medical conditions like chronic irritation within a skin fold secondary to excess/hanging skin.  In your case, I would recommend meeting with a nutritionist, medical weight loss clinic, or your local hospital clinic in order to treat your concern of excess weight.  Once treated, you would likely be better served by having excess skin and fat removed.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, most insurance companies do not cover liposuction or any other cosmetic procedures.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is not a substitute for other, more effective methods of addressing your "medical" concerns that are the result of excessive weight.  As a result, you are unlikely to find that your insurer will cover liposuction, and you should instead seek out the assistance of weight loss experts such as nutritionists, bariatric surgeons, etc.A plastic surgeon will likely be needed to address the residual effects of your weight loss (once that has occurred), but you will certainly be back in the self-pay category again at that time.Good luck.

Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure?

Answer: Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure?

Answer: Liposuction is almost never a covered procedure.

Answer: Liposuction is almost never a covered procedure.

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure?

Answer: Is liposuction covered by insurance as a medical procedure?

Answer: Liposuction is almost never a covered procedure.

Answer: Liposuction is almost never a covered procedure.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.