I am 64.5 years old I I have lost 136 lb and and my current BMI is is 32. With my age and approaching medicare I am trying to decide when to schedule an appt. I am still losing weight but slowly at about 1lb per week. I would like to get a tummy tuck and breast lift but also would like insurance to cover at least some of the cost. I am concerned whether age restrictions or medicare will make this more difficult so looking for guidance on this. Thank you!
Answer: Bellesoma Method, tummy tuck with mesh and posterior lift I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained. After this has been completed, then you can consider a tummy tuck. You will most likely need a circumferential approach. The technique I recommend is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight. After this has been completed, then you can consider a posterior lift.
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Answer: Bellesoma Method, tummy tuck with mesh and posterior lift I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained. After this has been completed, then you can consider a tummy tuck. You will most likely need a circumferential approach. The technique I recommend is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight. After this has been completed, then you can consider a posterior lift.
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Answer: Surgery No insurance will cover the breast lift. That is always considered cosmetic. If you are close to your goal weight, consider doing the breast lift now. Once you are where you wish to be or are no longer losing weight, then discuss doing the tuck. Many surgeons do not take Medicare for the tummy tuck surgery since Medicare pays poorly. If you want Medicare to cover this, you may need to go to a University Hospital. You will need a medical clearance from your primary physician for both procedures. If Medicare does cover your tuck, do not do it at the same time as the breast surgery or they will deny payment. Also, Medicare does not give prior approval for surgery.
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Answer: Surgery No insurance will cover the breast lift. That is always considered cosmetic. If you are close to your goal weight, consider doing the breast lift now. Once you are where you wish to be or are no longer losing weight, then discuss doing the tuck. Many surgeons do not take Medicare for the tummy tuck surgery since Medicare pays poorly. If you want Medicare to cover this, you may need to go to a University Hospital. You will need a medical clearance from your primary physician for both procedures. If Medicare does cover your tuck, do not do it at the same time as the breast surgery or they will deny payment. Also, Medicare does not give prior approval for surgery.
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July 18, 2022
Answer: Insurance likely not a factor... Congratulation on your successful and ongoing weight loss journey! BMI should optimally be under 30 for a cosmetic procedure, but based on your individual presentation you may still be a candidate for surgery. For example, we have a hard stop at BMI 40 in our surgery center for all procedures and take into account the individual patient when offering surgery. It is unlikely that insurance will offer coverage for any part of either procedures, so don't worry so much about insurance or medicare. Age is only a part of the evaluation and your entire health picture should be optimized prior to surgery. I would recommend hitting your maximal weight loss goal with at least 3 months of stability before proceeding with surgery.
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July 18, 2022
Answer: Insurance likely not a factor... Congratulation on your successful and ongoing weight loss journey! BMI should optimally be under 30 for a cosmetic procedure, but based on your individual presentation you may still be a candidate for surgery. For example, we have a hard stop at BMI 40 in our surgery center for all procedures and take into account the individual patient when offering surgery. It is unlikely that insurance will offer coverage for any part of either procedures, so don't worry so much about insurance or medicare. Age is only a part of the evaluation and your entire health picture should be optimized prior to surgery. I would recommend hitting your maximal weight loss goal with at least 3 months of stability before proceeding with surgery.
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June 12, 2022
Answer: Considering surgery Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! You should consider surgery after you have reached your goal weight and are able to maintain it. Typically a tummy tuck and breast lift are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. Your age will not eliminate your consideration for surgery if you are generally healthy and otherwise a good candidate for the procedures that interest you. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.
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June 12, 2022
Answer: Considering surgery Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! You should consider surgery after you have reached your goal weight and are able to maintain it. Typically a tummy tuck and breast lift are considered cosmetic procedures and are not covered by insurance. Your age will not eliminate your consideration for surgery if you are generally healthy and otherwise a good candidate for the procedures that interest you. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.
Helpful
June 11, 2022
Answer: Age and surgery. Congratulations on your weight loss journey!! 136lbs is very impressive! More important than your age, is to confirm that you are in good health to undergo an elective procedure such a breast lift or an abdominoplasty. During the consultation with your plastic surgeon, any risk factors can be identified and at that point, timing for surgery can be determined. It is important, that prior to undergoing any procedures, you have reach your weight loss goal and that your weight has remained stable for at least 6 months. Continuing to loose weight after surgery may lead to development of additional excess skin and suboptimal results. Good luck!!!!
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June 11, 2022
Answer: Age and surgery. Congratulations on your weight loss journey!! 136lbs is very impressive! More important than your age, is to confirm that you are in good health to undergo an elective procedure such a breast lift or an abdominoplasty. During the consultation with your plastic surgeon, any risk factors can be identified and at that point, timing for surgery can be determined. It is important, that prior to undergoing any procedures, you have reach your weight loss goal and that your weight has remained stable for at least 6 months. Continuing to loose weight after surgery may lead to development of additional excess skin and suboptimal results. Good luck!!!!
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