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.

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

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