Would Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck After Gastric Bypass?

Question

I Had Gastic Bypass Surgery in Nov 2010 Have Saggy Breast and Inner Tights and Need a Tummy Tuck Will my Insurance Cover It

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover a tummy tuck. Occasionally with documentation of recurrent infection they will pay for a panniculectomy (simply removing loose skin).#tt#tummytuck

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You will have to consult your insurance provider to find out if your tummy tuck is covered. However, in general, the answer would be no unless it would resolve a physical impairment directly caused by excess skin and fat as well as separated muscles in the area you want to target, and a tummy tuck is proven to be the most suitable treatment for you.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! Surgical procedures for aesthetic 
purposes, to improve appearance, are not covered by insurance. 
Typically, these as well as complications resulting from such procedures
 are the responsibility of the patient. Procedures that are meant to 
correct functional issues and those which cause health-related issues 
should be covered by your insurance as a medical necessity, with proper 
examination and documentation.  Some insurance plans have exclusion 
criteria for certain procedures.  Also, it is an obligation of the 
surgeon not to attempt to authorize purely cosmetic procedures through 
insurance.  Commonly, body contouring procedures following massive weight loss is not covered by insurance.  Discuss your issues and 
complaints with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these as 
well as to examine and assist you in deciding which procedure(s) will be
 the best for you. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages will
 take place along with the risks and benefits. Insurance companies will 
vary on coverage and is always reasonable to discuss your issues with 
your surgeon and primary care. It would behoove you to get as much 
information as possible and even call your insurance yourself. 
Certainly, pay in advance prior to your surgical procedure and options 
such as financing are available if you qualify. Hope that this helps! 
 Best wishes!

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

What you want is considered cosmetic in nature and thus not covered by insurance. The most insurance covers is the removal of an apron of skin that hangs down over your pubic region. The cosmetic improvement needs to be self paid.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Insurers have tightened their rules, now that gastric bypass surgery is an everyday occurrence.  Unless your abdominal skin apron, or panniculus, has ulcerations or breakdowns which do not respond to dermatologic or antibiotic treatment, the major insurance carriers now deny coverage for this as cosmetic although, ironically, some government sponsored plans will pay for it.  Breast and thigh lifts are not covered by insurance and are performed on a fee forcservice basis.

Would Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck After Gastric Bypass?

Answers (7)

Answer: Usually not.

Answer: Usually not.

Answer: Tummy tuck coverage after gastric bypass

Answer: Tummy tuck coverage after gastric bypass

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Everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass

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

Would Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck After Gastric Bypass?

Answers (7)

Answer: Usually not.

Answer: Usually not.

Answer: Tummy tuck coverage after gastric bypass

Answer: Tummy tuck coverage after gastric bypass

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Bypass

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