Will insurance cover or help with any skin removal surgeries after major weight loss?

Question

I've always been told that insurance won't cover any skin removal surgeries because they are considered cosmetic. i have also been told they might cover certain surgeries. I am at a 160 pound weight loss and I have excess skin on my abdomen, inner thighs, arms, back, my breasts are sagging, etc. Basically, I have excess skin almost everywhere and it makes me uncomfortable. I have united healthcare. Does insurance usually help with skin removal surgeries after weight loss?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question regarding insurance coverage for reconstructive plastic surgery procedures after massive weight loss.  Over the past 20 years, I have specialized in reconstructive plastic surgery procedures after massive weight loss.  I have seen lots of things.  Small tummy tuck are approved, large panniculectomies are denied, big arm lift are denied etc.  Basically, I have had tummy tucks, thigh lifts, arms, and breasts approved by medical insurance companies.  HOWEVER, medical insurance coverage varies from one company to the next company.  Even within the same medical insurance company, there are many variations in coverage.  Furthermore, medical insurance company coverage varies from state to state.  Regardless of the statistics, I would suggest you seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has worked with insurance companies in trying to secure insurance authorization for procedures. Insurance companies can cover these procedures, but it needs to worded correctly.  I hope that I have answered your question about insurance coverage for plastic surgery procedures  after massive weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding plastic surgery or medical insurance coverage, please contact my office.   Please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in plastic surgery after massive weight loss.    Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery.)

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

First, congratulations on your weight loss, no doubt this has transformed you life and your health!  Insurance policies vary widely from company to company and even across the country, but in my experience, the only time insurance usually gets involved in paying for part of the skin removal is for a "panniculectomy" or "apronectomy" which removes the excess skin below the belly button but does not remove excess skin above (thus does not move the belly button) or tighten the belly wall.  Usually they only pay in this instance if you are having problems with recurrent rash and infections under the lower skin fold "pannus" despite appropriate medical therapy.  Beyond that, I have rarely if ever seen coverage for inner thighs, arms, back, or sagging breasts.  Best of luck with any body contouring you pursue!

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In general these procedures are not covered. Occasionally panes removal can be covered(excess lower abdominal skin). Please se a board certified PS for evaluation

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your successful weight loss! In my experience, a body lift is never covered by
insurance. If deemed medically necessary, some insurance companies will cover a
panniculectomy on a case by case basis, but at no time an abdominoplasty. This is
great question to ask your insurance company regarding your plan’s coverage. I also advise consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with body contouring procedures. Best of luck to you, Dr. Brian Coan

Jeff Walding, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct that most often insurance will not cover body contouring procedures after massive weight loss. There are the occasional exceptions. Recommend evaluation by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss surgical options.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss. Yes insurance does sometimes cover the removal of excess skin, usually only the excess tummy skin. They never cover a tummy tuck  (even when they say they do) but do a panniculectomy, which is removal of excess skin, without contouring.Peter Fisher M.D.

Will insurance cover or help with any skin removal surgeries after major weight loss?

Answers (6)

More Body Lift Questions

Will medicaid pay for a body lift or tummy tuck?

Does driving after a lower body lift widen scars?

Compression Garments are killing me! Is it shaping me or reducing swelling, reducing scars etc? Super excited re results (Photo)

Flight after lower body lift?

Huge ugly stretch marks. Can a body lift eliminate them? (Photo)

I had a lower body lift and am unhappy with the amount of lipo/excess skin removed. What can be done? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS