Will my Insurance Company Cover Brachial Plasty?

Question

I have been over weight my entire life and finally lost weight, now my arms are so disgusting and flabby. My biceps measure 17.7 in. I am so disgusted with them! I live pay check to pay check and can not afford to pay for the whole procedure. Is there anyway to get my insurance company to cover some of it? Thanks in advance, for taking the time to read my question.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It has become very difficult to get this approved, and even panniculectomy is not as easy to get covered as it once was.  You may want to consider a few surgeons in your area who perform alot of body contouring procedures to determine what financing options may be available.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello srodriguez2112. Thank you for your question regarding insurance coverage for brachioplasty.

The possibility of insurance coverage for brachioplasty largely depends on the quality of your insurance and what they are willing to cover. It will be essential to go to your primary care physician (PCP) to document any rashes, burns, or other issues caused by your loose, hanging arms. Take detailed pictures and ensure your doctor documents everything meticulously. This documentation can help build a case for medical necessity, which is often required for insurance to cover such procedures.

Additionally, please note that many plastic surgeons offer financing options to help manage the cost of the procedure. We offer financing through Care Credit, which can make the surgery more affordable by allowing you to pay over time.

Good luck, and I hope this information helps you navigate your insurance coverage and financing options for brachioplasty.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for massive weight loss patients to develop significant amounts of excess upper arm skin. Under these circumstances, it would be extremely unusual for an insurance carrier to cover the cost of an arm lift procedure. Most insurance companies would view this procedure as cosmetic in nature. Faced with this reality, it might be appropriate to explore other options. In some cases, financing this type of procedure may be a  consideration.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Sorry, but arm lifting surgery is generally not a “covered procedure” by insurance companies that I know of.

	Arm lifting surgery can be an excellent operation for the right patient.  The ideal patient has loose skin/adipose tissue of the upper arms ( sometimes patients called the area “bat wings”),  especially common after significant weight loss.  This operation is best done when patients have achieved a long-term stable weight.

	Understandably, one of the main concerns/downsides of the arm lift surgery is a resulting scar. Careful planning of the operation is critical  in executing the operation and determining the final position of the resulting scar.  In my opinion, a scar that ends up along the very lower border of the upper arm is the best tolerated scar,  since it is hard to see from the front or back when a patient's arms are by his/her side.

	You may find it attached link helpful as you do your research.

	Best wishes.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, arm lifts (brachioplasties) are never covered by insurance.

Will my Insurance Company Cover Brachial Plasty?

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Will my Insurance Company Cover Brachial Plasty?

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Answer: Arm Lifting and Insurance Coverage?

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