Can I get liposuction with Medi-Cal? (Photo)

Unfortunately medi-cal does not cover cosmetic procedures, but based on your picture you seem to be a good candidate for a full tummy tuck for a nice flat abdomen, always see a board certified PS best of luck.

Unfortunately insurance, including Medical, does not cover cosmetic procedures. The definition of cosmetic surgery varies, though from an insurance perspective, cosmetic surgery refers to any surgery with the purpose to modify or improve the appearance of a physical feature with no specific medical reason to do so. A medical need could include a condition that causes significant physical dysfunction or psychological distress to a patient, but many health insurance companies have defined criteria to determine if the surgery meets the requirements for coverage. Good luck!

I can't speak to Medi-Cal coverage, but it is unlikely to cover liposuction. However, based on your pictures, you aren't a candidate for liposuction alone due to skin laxity. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction, which can be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck, depending on skin laxity. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Dear iayonnamclaughin,Its difficult to tell without examining you but from your photos you would benefit the most from a Tummy Tuck. Heres why:
Liposuction gets rid of excess fat. You have laxity of your skin based on the shadows portrayed in your photo. Liposuction alone would alone make this more lax and likely make the appearance less aesthetically pleasing.
A mini tummy tuck is great if you are just looking to flatten the skin below the belly button. It does nothing for the skin above the belly button. 
A full tummy tuck address all of the skin laxity and abdominal wall laxity. It repositions your umbilicus as well. It costs more and has more downtime associated then either of the above.
I would recommend consulting with a plastic surgeon that can go over in detail these three options and spends time answering your questions.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Safety net medical programs such as MediCal are a blessing and thank goodness it does not cover elective surgery like liposuction.  You want to be sure there will be money in the system to care for you should you become ill.  If you are covered under MediCal you should think twice about paying out of pocket for liposuction because if you are dissatisfied with the results you will find repair more expensive

From these photos, you seem to be a candidate for a tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck is the only thing that can address the skin laxity you have. Definitely seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with an expertise in Body Contouring Surgery for a consultation. Be sure to express your expectations and goals to the surgeon your choose. I do not think Medi-Cal covers any cosmetic surgery. Good luck! 
Dean Vistnes, M.D. 
Vistnes Plastic Surgery 
San Francisco Bay Area
#realself #tummytuck #drdeanvistnes