Question:
Has anyone had plastic surgery to remove the excess skin on their thighs?

I wanted to know if anyone has had plastic surgery to remove the excess skin on their thighs and if it was approved by your insurance company becuse of all the weight loss? If so, what code was used for the surgery by your plastic surgeon? My problem is I have lost 250 pounds and the hanging skin on my thighs is enormous and uncomfortable but my current plastic surgeon says he has never know the insurance to cover that skin removal. He can cover my stomach a tummy tuck the arms and even the breasts but has never had experience where insurance companies have covered the skin removal surgery for thighs. He said if I could provide an example like a patient who was covered by insurance he would then know how to word the letter requesting coverage and the code to use for the surgery or treatment. Please anyone if you have had this type of surgery let me know. Thanks so much.    — jillygirl (posted on May 9, 2004)

May 9, 2004
I had excess skin removed from my thighs and legs. Someone online called it a thighplasty, but my doctor just referred to it as a thigh lift. I didn't try to submit it because I was not having any medical problems which would make it a medical necessity.
   — Lisa N M.

May 9, 2004
Hi Jill. The inner thighs may rub and cause skin problems...this can be covered by INS when properly documented. The wording is exactly the same as for a tummy tuck or panniculectomy. The diagnosis codes for skin rash are all the same regardless of the area of the body. The procedure codes are grouped together as to different areas of the body.
   — DrL

May 9, 2004
I'm having an inner thigh lift done next week. My insurance said it was cosmetic. I've had documented yeast infections (about 4 in 3 months) and it was still denied. However, if you've lost 250 pounds, you probably have more hanging skin then I do (I've lost 120 pounds) so you might be able to get it covered. Check for any kind of rashes on your thighs, if you've had any yeast infections - get all of this documented by a doctor and then send in there letters indicating what problems you've had and it might get covered.
   — Patty H.

May 11, 2004
After 2 appeals, letters of medical necessity, and several rash pictures. Also, a letter from myself describing the problems that it caused and mine was approved through Aetna EPO. Sorry I can't give you more information. Just don't give up and review Sue Barr's Web site for appeal letters. She has a very informative web site. Best of luck to you! Mary Beth
   — Beffy W.