Can I get a panniculectomy, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lipo at the same time?

Question

Can I get a panniculectomy, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lipo at the same time? My Tri care Insurance covers panniculectomy. Can I pay the difference for a full tummy tuck, liposuction for my back and maybe breast augmentation?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you can undergo a panniculectomy, tummy tuck, liposuction, fat transfer and breast augmentation at the same time.  Medically it is possible to undergo these procedures if you are healthy. Often, this is called “mommy makeover.” However, I would not combine this many cosmetic procedures with surgeries covered by your medical insurance.  The problem is if you combine a cosmetic procedure with an insurance related procedure, it is possible that your insurance company denies coverage AFTER the procedure is performed. In the fine print on your insurance company policy, they are allowed to do this. Therefore, you may be stuck with the ENTIRE surgical bill. If you decide to have the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, liposuction, fat transfer and breast augmentation, be prepared to pay everything, if the insurance retroactively denies your surgery.  Therefore, in my opinion it is better to separate your procedures. Therefore, in my opinion I would suggest you have the panniculectomy and then, at a later stage have the tummy tuck and breast augmentation with liposuction. Alternatively, you can consider paying cash for the better procedure, namely a tummy tuck. Therefore, be very careful when combining insurance covered procedures with cosmetic procedures because your insurance company may deny the entire surgery after the surgery has been completed. It has happened to several of my patients in the past and then they are stuck with the entire bill and have no recourse. This is a real problem and it has happened to real patients. I hope that I have answered your questions about whether you can undergo a panniculectomy (covered by your insurance company), tummy tuck, liposuction, fat transfer and breast augmentation at the same time.  I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the panniculectomy, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy, please contact my office. Since the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 panniculectomies or extended tummy tuck surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, panniculectomy or extended tummy tuck surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not recommend having two surgeries (panniculectomy, TT) to obtain the result that could be obtained with one (TT). The panniculectomy portion of the surgery can still be covered by insurance. Lipo of the back and breast augmentation can be performed at the same time if you are in good health. Consult with a board certified PS for an evaluation of anatomy to determine the best path ahead.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Blankstkk,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Can I get a panniculectomy, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lipo at the same time?

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Can I get a panniculectomy, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lipo at the same time?

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Everything you need to know about Panniculectomy

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