Question:
Does insurance cover tummy tucks after surgery?

Hi! I have not had my surgery yet, but I was wondering if anyone has had a tummy tuck after losing weight and approx. how much did it cost? Was any of it covered under insurance? Thanks!    — Sandra K. (posted on August 22, 2005)

August 22, 2005
Not all insurance companies cover PS. For my DH his was covered because it was medically necessary and he had lost over 150+#. His pannis hung down over his privates rendering him with rashes, sweatiness all the time, smelly times and for him he physically had to lift up the panni to go to the potty. For me mine was not covered. I just had a small amount of hanging skin, not too many rashes that were bothersome. I had to pay out of pocket, $7,800 for a modified belt lipectomy. I basically had a TT that went in an inverted T and the lower incision went almost all the way around my back. I am in the Chgo area. PS costs are different in most areas of the country.
   — ChristineB

August 23, 2005
Hi, I had a lower body lift 7/2005 that I had to pay for out of pocket. The cost with the operating room and anestetiologist was 10,000.00. My surgeon lifted my inner and outer thighs along with removing all the extra skin on my stomach and back (he said it was 7lbs of skin) as well as removing the long scar from the gastric surgery. This was the most painfull surgery I have every experienced, I have had a total of 14 surgeries in my life some were optional some were not. Remember if you lose alot of weight and your skin hangs and causes rashs keep a log with dates, times and pictures of each occurance. If you have insurance go to the doctor every time and have him document it too. Insurance may pay for it with your documentation. Good Luck, Shana
   — shana1569

August 23, 2005
It depends on your insurance; however, their is a criteria that has to be met in order for it to be considered "medically necessary". Your skin fold (pannus-extra skin) has to hang below the bikini line. Also, at the 6 month post op period begin going to your PCP and compaining on rash and irritation under the skin fold. That will document you complaining about the problem for over a 6 month period. The next thing is to find a plastic surgeon who will accept your insurance, I live in Tampa, Florida. My plastic surgeon accepts insurance, his name is Dr. N. Baddoura 813-971-1010 both he and his staff were outstanding. He did my tummy tuck and breast reduction/lift. I hope this helps.
   — smithmic

August 29, 2005
I routinely try and get coverage for patients, and assist them afterwards trying to get reimbursed. It is not always successful, but can result in cost savings, plus we all know this is not beauty or vanity surgery...it's reconstructive so I think they ought to cover it. Email me and I'll get you a sheet of tips caled "Tips for Getting Your Plastic Surgery Covered" [email protected].
   — DrL