When is Tummy Tuck Medically Neccessary?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a purely cosmetic procedure - nobody "needs" a tummy tuck.  This surgery removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, tightens up the rectus muscles and often involves some liposuction - I always liposuction the flanks for a better overall result.  You might be thinking of a panniculectomy which can sometimes be covered by some insurances.  This surgery only addresses the excess skin - skin that hangs below the pubis.  In some people this skin can be heavy and cause back pain, it can cause irritation and chronic rashes in the fold and can cause a considerable amount of distress.  Despite this, in my experience it can be very challenging to get insurance companies to authorize a panniculectomy.  Hope this helps!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

Thank you for your question. Tummy tucks are rarely covered by insurance.  Occasionally, a smaller component of a tummy tuck can be covered.  This is referred to as a panniculectomy, and the procedure removes some of the excess skin fold on the lower abdomen.  For this to be covered, there has to be medical necessity such as documented skin infections with multiple attempts at medical interventions.However, it is not uncommon for patients with medical necessity to still have a tummy tuck because they are concerned about the aesthetics of the final result.  I would visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can review your different options with you in more detail.

A  Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) consist in removing excess skin on anterior abdomen with plication of abdominal muscles ( suturing muscles together)  this is purely a cosmetic procedure.  In some patients, specially in the obese or patients after massive weight loss,  the insurances may cover removing only the lower apron that hangs over the Mons. Usually is covered on occasions where there is documented frequent rashes and infections.  This only eliminates the lower part and does not change anything with the rest of excess skin or tightening of the muscles.