Does insurance cost for liposuction if medically needed?

Question

Have had 4 back surgeries. Still have problems. Would liposuction on tummy help and would insurance cover it if medically needed?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I can't speak to your insurance coverage, but it is unlikely to be deemed medically necessary. Liposuction may not improve your back pain, but it can improve your body shape, if you're a candidate. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jimmy C. Sung, MD · Answer

Hi, 
Thank you for your post. Liposuction is never covered by insurance because it is not considered a medical necessity. Most plastic surgery practices have some form of financing available for patients if they do not want to pay all up front. I would recommend setting up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for you.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Liposuction is not considered medically necessary so insurance would  not cover this procedure. There are other financing options like Care Credit. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago Orland Park

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

Unfortunately liposuction is not considered a medical necessity by health insurance companies and would not be covered. However most plastic surgeons offer financing options for their patients. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear karlajh,liposuction won't have any effect on your back pain and no insurance will cover the costs of aesthetic procedure. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Don Fontana, MD · Answer

Sorry, I have never  had liposuction considered to be medically necessary.  Your insurance company would say " lose the weight."  It is unlikely that liposuction would improve your back symptoms, especially after 4 back surgeries. I wish you the best with your back problems !

James A. Hoffman, MD · Answer

Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. It is also not a weight loss treatment but rather used to shape up areas that are left behind when you are near a goal weight already. Perhaps a dietary or bariatric surgeon consult can help you treat this area. Best Wishes

Terence Michael Myckatyn, MD · Answer

There are rare circumstances where some forms of insurance will cover liposuction for a condition called lipoedema. However, most insurance companies do not cover this, and this is a condition with severe swelling that accompanies fat deposition in the legs and is quite rare itself. There are also rare instances where liposuction may be covered to facilitate other surgical procedures but these are very rare. If the goal of liposuction is to trim up or lose weight, it will not be covered by insurance. >99% of liposuction cases are not covered by insurance.

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

I have never seen liposuction being a covered benefit. It will really not change your weight or shape enough to modify your back pain. If it is weight that is causing the problem I would advise seeing a bariatric surgeon in to help reduce your overall weight and that can definitely help your back pain. Best of luck!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Health insurance will not cover elective cosmetic surgery, including liposuction.  It is not a weight reduction procedure, just contouring the existing fat deposits.Sorry!

Does insurance cost for liposuction if medically needed?

Answers (12)

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