Question:
How much is a tummy tuck?

Thinking about getting one. Does insurance EVER pay for it? Thanks alot!    — jengrz (posted on April 14, 2003)

April 14, 2003
Hi, I had a tummy tuck 3 years ago in July. It was $6000 but the Dr charged me $3000 because I had a breast reduction at the same time. I am a part-time worker so he gave me a big break. But I am told that a tummy tuck is only about $3500 now. It is very hard to get the insurance to pay for it. They only pay for it when you have a hernia or things of that nature.
   — Lisa F.

April 14, 2003
Yes, some insurers will cover the tummy tuck, each is different, call and schedule an appointment to get a ball rolling. Research Plastic Surgeons, chose one within network and go from there. Good luck.
   — Sandy W.

April 14, 2003
When insurance pays, it will usually do so only if it's considered medically necessary. The things they're looking for are medical reasons to have your apron removed. Things like rashes and infections on the skin, back pain because of the weight of the skin throwing your back out of good alignment, and difficulty walking because of the excess skin are the most common ones. If you are having any of those things, get to a doctor and get them documented. That's the most likely way to get your insurance to pay for it.
   — garw

April 14, 2003
I just had a Belt lipodectomy<sp?> The surgeon charges $10000 and insurance will cover about $5400. I was in the hospital and they cover 90%. So i guess it will cost me $5000. Good Lux
   — Robert L.

April 14, 2003
I had a TT almost exactly a year ago. My Dr costs were $4300, the hospital was right about $8600, & misc charges (anesthesia, lab tests, prescriptions, assisting Dr, etc) probably added another $1500 or so. My out of pocket was probably about $1200. So, yes, insurance does cover this, at least some times. I didn't really have any documented problems other than the excess skin. I had to appeal an original denial & had to deal with some other problems, but in the end, it came out pretty well. My ins co has denied my requests to have other plastic surgery covered, so I'm pretty sure the TT is all I can get. I have heard of insurances covering all kinds of other plastic surgeries, tho.
   — Kathy W.

April 14, 2003
My plastic surgeon charged $3000 for my panniculectomy and $3200 for my brachioplasty (armlift). Both primary and secondary insurance providers approved and paid for the procedures. It is generally necessary for the documentation from the plastic surgeon to support existing problems, such as chronic rashes or skin irritations/infections in the skin folds, limited ability to comply with a prescribed exercise program, emotional/psychological "trauma", etc... It is also critical that the surgeon stress that the surgery is "reconstructive" instead of "cosmetic" in nature. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

April 14, 2003
My surgeon charged $3080 for my panniculectomy. The hospital bill was over $13,000 but I also had hernia repair at the same time and was in the hospital 4 days. (The hernia repair was an additional $3600). So, the entire thing was about $20,000 - just about what my RNY was. My insurance covered it all except for the $100 co-pay to the hospital.
   — Patty_Butler

May 12, 2003
My surgeon's fee is $3750 AND the hospital fee is $6000 and I'm paying an additional $1750 for lipo. Its costing me over $10K and insurance (tricare prime) will pay for NONE of it.
   — Skinny M.