Tummy tuck after car accident?

Sorry to hear about your accident and glad you are doing okay.  Photos would help determined me what needs to be done to make your tummy look better and there are probably several options.  However, I think you should wait at least six months prior to reopens tin, although you could certainly get a few opinions at this point.

Hello Salina760,I'm sorry to hear about your accident.  I'm glad that you are getting well.I agree that 6 months is the minimum to wait for elective general anesthesia.Insurance will not cover a tummy tuck for a scar revision.  They may cover scar revision surgery if the scar is causing physical problems, but that will only be known with time.If the incision was from the belly button down, a tummy tuck in the right patient can result in complete scar removal.  Scar above the belly button may be permanent.There are non-surgical options like laser and microneedling that can be used to make your scar less obvious.I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation and to discuss your options.Good luck and feel better,Dr. Shah

Insurance is unlikely to cover a tummy tuck, but an insurance company may cover a scar revision.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Be proud of your scars from the general surgeons at Palomar, reminders that your life was saved.Maybe abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or plastic surgical revision would improve them, but wait at least a year or so after your initial procedure.Because the procedure is aesthetic, unless you have an incisional hernia, it's not likely your health insurance benefits include abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, or scar revision.

Without examining you in person, it is impossible to answer your question. Yes, tummy tuck surgery could improve the appearance of your abdominal area. It is unlikely that it would be covered by your insurance. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to be assessed in person. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

It sounds like you were in a very serious car accident.   Glad that you are doing OK despite the liver laceration and internal bleeding.   Tummy tucks can be extraordinarily beneficial to help improve the contour of the abdomen - even after exploratory laparotomies with large midline incisions.   Unfortunately, these are not covered by insurance and are considered cosmetic.   Additionally, most of us recommend waiting for 6 - 12 months for the scars to completely mature prior to any elective procedures.   Best to you on your continued recovery. 

I'm sorry to hear about your involvement in the car accident; hopefully you have fully recovered at this point.  It is difficult to give you good advice regarding abdominal wall contouring surgery without photographs or in person consultation. Generally speaking it is usually possible to improve the appearance of the abdominal wall after the type of trauma and exploratory laparotomy you have undergone.  Timing of surgery will best be determined after in-person consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. You may find the attached link/video helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

You should wait at least 6 months following the intra-abdominal surgery to make sure all of the intra-abdominal swelling has resided. Please note that insurance will not pay for your tummy tuck, but it might be possible to get them to pay for a scar revision. Please see link below to get your cheat sheet on "How to get a great tummy tuck".

Dear Ms. Salania760,Thank you for your story and questions. I am  thankful you survived and understand your desires.Unfortunately without a examination I can advise you in general terms, however I hope you will find them helpful.You may negotiate with the insurance company for a scar revision and you would probably need to pay for the cosmetic tummy tuck..This is a situation that occasionally occurs (a combined insurance approved procedure and a cosmetic procedure). Unfortunately it is my experience (while logical) it will be difficult at best to work with insurance company to understand your position and credit the insurance covered benefit towards the cosmetic portion.Most insurance companies follow the concept proposed by the American Medical Association:I have copied directly from the Am. Medical Association:(1) Our AMA supports the following definitions of "cosmetic" and "reconstructive" surgery: Cosmetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem. Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally performed to improve function, but may also be done to approximate a normal appearance. (2) Our AMA encourages third party payers to use these definitions in determining services eligible for coverage under the plans they offer or administer.(CMS Rep. F, A-89; Reaffirmed: Sunset Report, A-00; Reaffirmed, A-03; Reaffirmed: CMS Rep. 4, A-13).In my experience, unfortunately most insurance WILL pay for medically indicated scar revision and with almost certainty that insurance WILL NOT pay for a abdominoplasty.Here are my suggestions:1)work with your insurance company and document ALL in writing 2)with preapproval in writing pay the difference between a pannieculectomy and abdominoplasty to your surgeon, facility and anesthesiologist and have Plastic Surgeon accept the insurance payment3)with preapproval pay all fees up front and have Plastic Surgeon for abdominoplasty and have Plastic Surgeon agree to forward you the insurance fees collected.4)with preapproval pay all fees up front and have Plastic Surgeon for abdominoplasty and have Plastic Surgeon agree to forward you directly the benefits of the insurance policy.Find a Plastic Surgeon who will work with you, is experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition ideally he/she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).I wish you my best and success,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Insurance may cover a scar revision, but not a TT. But you need to give the scars a year to mature and quit changing before any surgery is undertaken. Sounds like it was a very serious injury. Glad to hear you are recovering.