Will my Medicare cover the cost of Body Lift? It hurts my back and I get sores under the flaps.

Thank you for your question regarding Medicare coverage for a body lift. Medicare typically covers procedures that are deemed medically necessary, rather than cosmetic. In your case, if the excess skin is causing significant medical issues—such as chronic back pain or sores under skin folds—there is a possibility that Medicare may cover a portion of the procedure.

To improve your chances of coverage, you’ll need thorough documentation of the medical problems caused by the excess skin, such as back pain, infections, rashes, or sores. These conditions need to be chronic and not easily resolved by other treatments like topical medications or physical therapy. Your primary care physician and plastic surgeon should both document the medical necessity of the body lift, including any treatments you've tried for the sores or pain without success.

Additionally, Medicare may require photographic evidence and a letter of medical necessity from your surgeon to justify the procedure. While Medicare may cover portions of the surgery related to addressing medical issues, such as the removal of excess skin, purely cosmetic enhancements are unlikely to be covered.

I recommend consulting with your plastic surgeon and Medicare to fully understand your coverage options and how to proceed with the necessary documentation.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thanks for your question. I suggest you consult a plastic surgeon that currently accepts Medicare for help. The procedure has been covered when medically necessary. Good luck. Dr. Aldo

Occasionally a panniculectomy (removal of the lower belly skin) could be covered but generally not a body lift.  Check with your insurance provider regarding coverage.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for your question, jake2014. Sorry to hear about your back sores.
Each insurance provider has different criteria for covering various plastic surgeries. In the case of Medicare, they rarely cover body lifts.
Still, if you’re having medically related problems because of the excess skin in your body (like sores, infection, etc.), it’s worth a try. Make sure to document it so that you can back up your need for a body lift surgery. If not body lift, you might get approved for a panniculectomy, which trims excess skin in your abdomen.
The best thing to do is to consult a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon who can assist you with your condition. If you don’t get covered by Medicare, your plastic surgeon may still be able to offer pocket-friendly financing options to help you out.
Best of luck!