Could I get pannus removal covered by my insurance if I paid for abdominoplasty?

Question

I know that an abdominoplasty is not covered by insurance, but what are the chances of getting the pannus removal covered and I pay for the rest? Do doctors do this? Any coverage is better than none. And it is needed medically.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

A panniculectomy will only remove the excess skin and fat that is forming the apron of skin, and won't do anything for anything above this. Panniculectomy is usually for people who have lost 100 lbs or more relatively quickly and when you have a BMI of less than 30.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  I hope that these answers 
help!  A panniculectomy is an excellent method for removing the excess 
skin and soft tissue of the lower abdomen (abdominal panniculus), often 
caused by weight loss.   It is mainly performed to ameliorate symptoms 
caused by the abdominal apron such as hygiene issues, excoriations, 
rashes/infections, back pain, etc.  A panniculectomy gives almost 
immediate relief from these issues as well as has been shown to 
stimulate additional weight loss as your activity level is increased 
after removal of the panniculus.  An abdominoplasty is more of an 
aesthetic procedure in that as opposed to simply excising this excess 
tissue in a wedge to relieve complaints, an abdominoplasty focuses more 
on abdominal contouring, abdominal wall tightening, re-insetting the 
belly button, as well as often times the addition of liposuction.

I would highly recommend continued diet and exercise prior to any 
consideration for a panniculectomy or body contouring as getting down to
 your ideal weight 
prior to the procedure will certainly give you the best results as well 
as be the safest for you.    Neither one is a weight loss procedure.  
Also, a
 continued healthy and active lifestyle will be needed in order to 
maintain the benefits that the procedure has given to you.   You should 
consult with a 
plastic surgeon at anytime to go over options and  in order to assist 
you in 
deciding which procedure(s) would be right one for you.   Depending on 
your examination, photo documentation, and discussion of your symptoms, 
insurance coverage may be possible.  Discuss our plan with your surgeon as these are two separate, but related procedures - it may be a possibility.  Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Could I get pannus removal covered by my insurance if I paid for abdominoplasty?

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Could I get pannus removal covered by my insurance if I paid for abdominoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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