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Panni Vs TT. Can I Pay the Difference to Get A Full TT Instead? (photo)

I have been approved by my insurance provider for a pannilculectomy-I am wondering if I can get a full tummy tuck and just pay the difference? Is this acceptable with insurance companies? I have BC/BS Federal Plan. Gastric bypass 2005. Thank you for any feedback.

Doctor Answers 1

Can I pay difference between panniculectomy and tummy tuck?

August 3rd, 2013
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Speak with your surgeon. There will be a portion of the procedure which will be considered cosmetic and non-reimbursable. Tummy tuck is mainly to improve shape and contour by plicating your core tight then re-draping the skin. Without the core tightening (muscle repair), its not a tummy tuck, but a panniculectomy (skin and fat resection). Massive weight loss almost always requires tightening of your core but if approved fro a panniculectomy only then core will not be tightend by PS.. See a board certified plastic surgeon.

Raj S. Ambay, MD
August 3rd, 2013

Can I pay difference between panniculectomy and tummy tuck?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Speak with your surgeon. There will be a portion of the procedure which will be considered cosmetic and non-reimbursable. Tummy tuck is mainly to improve shape and contour by plicating your core tight then re-draping the skin. Without the core tightening (muscle repair), its not a tummy tuck, but a panniculectomy (skin and fat resection). Massive weight loss almost always requires tightening of your core but if approved fro a panniculectomy only then core will not be tightend by PS.. See a board certified plastic surgeon.

Raj S. Ambay, MD
*Treatment results may vary

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