How would costs differ if getting a tummy tuck with an insurance approved tubal ligation?

Question

My medical insurance will cover a tubal ligation at 100% and I have been told I can have the tummy tuck at the same time. How much would that cut down on the cost of the tummy tuck?

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Remember patient safety concerns are the most important factor not costs. Many Plastic Surgeons do not advocate doing a tubal ligation at the same time as a tummy tuck because the risks for complications increases when anesthesia time and combined procedures are performed. Be sure you understand those risks before combining two procedures in which one is a skin operation (tummy tuck) and one is an intra abdominal operation that requires insufflating the abdomen with air to perform the tubal ligation. If after these risks are explained and you choose to move forward, most hospitals have a combined charging system, whereby the insurance is charged for the tubal ligation and you are responsible for the anesthesia, facility fee and the equipment costs for the cosmetic procedure. Good Luck!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

First of all I would not have a tubal ligation in a tummy tuck. It is not the right time. In a tubal ligation they stick instruments through the abdomen and fill your abdomen with air. This is counterproductive in a tummy tuck.  Secondly, the insurance for your tubal ligation will not decrease the cost of your tummy tuck. You will still be responsible for the surgeon's fee, the anesthesia, and the facility fee for your entire tummy tuck.

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

Having combined insurance and cosmetic surgery is possible and will reduce the cost of your cosmetic portion slightly as the time for beginning and end of the case as well as the time spent doing the insurance portion can be billed to insurance. The cosmetic procedure as well as the operating room and anesthesia time will be billed to you separately. We do this routinely and record the times in the operative record so there is no question.Having a tubal ligation and tummy tuck may not be advisable as the tummy is filled with air to inflate it so the deeper structures may be visualized. Most of the air is released, but some persists and may make the tightening of the muscles a little more difficult. Another option is to have your gynecologist do the tubal ligation through a small opening in the fascia or lining of the abdominal wall and directly visualize to perform the surgery. This will not add significant time to your case. It is best to discuss with BOTH your gynecologist and plastic surgeon to see if they are comfortable combining the two. If not, do the tubal ligation first!

Florence Mussat, MD · Answer

Dear Liz,a Tummy Tuck is considered 100 % cosmetic.It is usually not a good idea to combine an intra-abdominal procedure with it, since it will lengthen the operating time, and increase the risk of infection.F. Mussat

How would costs differ if getting a tummy tuck with an insurance approved tubal ligation?

Answers (4)

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