Will abdominal liposuction help with my medical conditions? If so, is there a way to get insurance to cover it (even partially)?

Question

53 y/o male, 6'1", 300 lbs. non-smoker on disability for back injury (L1-L5 - 2 bulging, 3 herniated). Other med problems - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm w/o rupture, Asthma, Sleep Apnea. Doctors say abdomen is causing pressure on my diaphragm adding to diff breathing and to back pain. Only exercise I get is walking through stores. I have lost 10 pounds in past 13 months. Will abdominal liposuction help with my breathing and help ease some of the back pain? If so can I get insurance to pay?

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't think liposuction is your answer. There are many significant medical problems that need to be addressed! Consult with your internist and with a bariatric surgeon who may be able to do your surgery via the endoscope.
Until then, continue your exercise regimen and diet so you can get ready for surgery.
Good luck!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is a contouring tool which is a less than optimal debulking option. It will also only address subcutaneous fat (not visceral or internal fat...which is where men tend to accumulate).Insurance coverage is based upon demonstrating medical need. You may qualify for surgical weight loss but this is not liposuction but rather bariatrics.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately liposuction will not improve any of the conditions you are referring to, nor does insurance rarely, if ever cover this procedure.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear johnny_arizona,liposuction will only remove part of your fat tissue which should have no significant influence on your conditions so it is unlikely that your insurance will pay for it. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

No and No. It would merely remove some of the extraabdominal fat which would not likely relieve your intrabdominal pressure. Men carry most of their fat internally. Insurance would not pay, but as I said you would not benefit from it medically anyway. In addition, you are quite high risk for elective anesthesia/surgery.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your multiple medical conditions.  Liposuction is used to improve contour in areas which are refractory to diet and exercise. The procedure is not used for weight loss and its effects would have no impact on your breathing and back pain.  Insurance does not cover liposuction.

Will abdominal liposuction help with my medical conditions? If so, is there a way to get insurance to cover it (even partially)?

Answers (6)