Will Insurance Pay for Liposuction?

Question

Will insurance pay for lipo if obesity is causing medical problems and depression and who is the most successful and most known doctor to do the operation?

Francis X. Fleming, MD · Answer

Insurance does not pay for liposuction because it is an elective procedure. However, many surgeons have payment programs in place.

Tyler Angelos, MD, FACS · Answer

No, liposuction is deemed an elective procedure by insurance companies and they will not pay for the procedure. Liposuction should be thought of as a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss procedure. Problem areas are contoured as the fat is removed to improve the appearance of these areas but it is not the treatment of choice for people struggling with obesity. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will give you further direction as to which treatment is best for you.

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

In my 23+ years of experience in plastic surgery, I have never seen any third party payor foot the bill for liposuction procedures of any kind.

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

In short, NOT A CHANCE ! and for good reasons - unless you change your lifestyle, eating habits etc the weight will likely come back so the risk of surgery will out weigh any temporary benefits.A nutritionist would be more helpful for you in this situation. See the below link on how to find the #BestPlasticSurgeon for #Liposuction

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You will have to consult your insurance provider to find out if your liposuction is covered. However, in general, the answer would be no. There are several prominent and reputable plastic surgeons who perform liposuction, but the most important is that you go with the surgeon that you have good rapport with and can trust.

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.   Liposuction is not a covered benefit.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!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In the vast majority of cases, insurance companies don’t cover expenses associated with liposuction. Although there are always exceptions to the rule, they tend to view this procedure as strictly cosmetic.

	Insurance carriers require documentation of medical necessity before covering any surgical procedure. They would argue that weight loss associated with liposuction is minimal and there are far better options including medical weight loss programs and bariatric surgical procedures. In addition, insurance companies are not likely to approve liposuction for mental health benefits. The psychological benefits of this type of procedure are difficult to document. For these reasons, the vast majority of liposuction cases are cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

	If you’re considering liposuction, it’s important to understand that in most cases, it won’t be covered by insurance. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. Also, keep in mind that if weight loss is your primary goal, there may be options that are far better for you and they may be covered by your insurance carrier.

Derby Sang Caputo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general plastic surgery is not covered by your insurance , this can differ depending on the insurance that you have and the country where you live. Best of luck

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

No, insurance will not pay for liposuction. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is primarily for sculpting small areas that are resistant to weight loss and considered "figure faults". It is considered purely cosmetic.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

We live in a society where insurance companies are publicly held companies that have to answer to share holders. They don't care at all about health, only about business. So liposuction is a cosmetic procedure and will never be viewed as medically necessary. The insurance company's response will be for the patient to lose weight. Sorry that this is the reality. Wait till nationalized health care is enacted and we will all see how little will be covered.

Will Insurance Pay for Liposuction?

Answers (15)