I want to have the Panniculectomy and Abdominoplasty. Can this be done at the same time?

Question

I had gastric surgery 10/28/14 and have lost 100lbs and have maintained my current weight for 8 months. I would like to have the panniculectomy and abdominoplasty done and wanted to know if they can be done at the same time. Also is this something that insurance will cover?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss!  These two procedures can be performed together, and often after 100 pounds of weight loss your insurance will cover removal of the apron of lower abdominal skin.  Best to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation and consultation as they can discuss your possibility of panniculectomy coverage as well as what the additional expense in an abdominoplasty would be, as this is not covered.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is very common for these two procedures to be completed together. You would need to contact your insurance and find out what their requirements are for covering a Panniculectomy. Then find a PS in your area that accepts your insurance.  The requirements by insurance are usually pretty specific, but if you meet their criteria you should have no problem getting the procedure covered. Good luck with everything.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Thank you for  the question and congratulations on the weight loss.  An abdominoplasty will take care of the panniculectomy so if you were to have an abdominoplasty you would not need to also undergo a panniculectomy.  If you were to try and have insurance cover the panniculectomy, your plastic surgeon would then reduce his/her fee for the abdominoplasty as there is theoretically less work involved.  I would start by seeking a plastic surgeon to perform the abdominoplasty and then see if the plastic surgeon can help you submit the panniculectomy to insurance for pre-authorization.I hope this helps.All the best,Dr. Remus Repta

Alain Polynice, MD · Answer

It is very common indeed to do both of these together since they complement each other. The first step would be to contact your carrier to get the list of specific criteria that you have to meet, that way you can avoid denials. Then of course do some research to find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who specializes in this type of operationBest of luck

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  Insurance will sometimes cover a panniculectomy, however, there are certain medical criteria that they look at when making that determination.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can help you to understand what your options are.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and the answer to both questions is YES - both procedures can be done at the same time and if you are symptomatic from the excess skin causing persistent rashes and infections, it may be covered by insurance.  So see some experts in the area and try to get prior surgical approval from your carrier.Dr. Corbin

I want to have the Panniculectomy and Abdominoplasty. Can this be done at the same time?

Answers (6)

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