Question:
Can someone please tell me how much they paid to have their ARMS done?

And if you have insurance, how did you get them to pay? i dont have any rashes, but cannot buy the correct shirt size, because my arms wont fit. I have BC/BS Federal. Thanks.    — charrise R. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
The surgeon's fee for my arms was $3600. The insurance didn't cover this. It would be VERY difficult to get insurance to cover this unless you can prove you have some sort of problem (e.g., rashes, etc.).
   — Patty H.

December 4, 2002
I had my panniculectomy and brachioplasty (armlift) done one year ago. I would imagine that rates vary somewhat from state-to-state, and rates in metropolitan areas usually are higher. However, in suburban NC, my plastic surgeon's fee for the brachioplasty alone was $3500...that did not include anesthesia, medical supplies or hospital. I have Acordia and CIGNA PPO and both providers completely covered the panniculectomy AND brachioplasty. My plastic surgeon was surprised because he had never had an experience with insurance providers who covered brachioplasty. In his letter of medical necessity that was submitted to the insurance providers after my original consultation, he listed "infrequent, but recurrent rashes in redundant skin folds...limited range of motion which interferes with full participation in a physician-prescribed exercise regimen...and the emotional impact of disfiguring skin redundancy and inability of this client to purchase appropriately-sized clothing due to excessive arm size". He also included frontal and profile photographs....trust me, a picture truly does say a thousand words! CIGNA approved the surgeries, no questions asked. Acordia denied the surgery initially, but I immediately filed an appeal in which I resubmitted the plastic surgeon's original letter, as well as letters of medical support from my internist and my bariatric surgeon. In addition, I included a copy of the 1996 Position Paper from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, entitled "Treatment of Skin Redundancy Following Massive Weight Loss". Consequently, Acordia approved the surgeries within a week of the appeal. I am absolutely thrilled with my plastic surgery results and wish you the same positive experience.
   — Diana T.

December 4, 2002
Here in southeast Michigan I've had 3 quotes and they range from $3,900 to $5,200. I'm in the process of an appeal to get the brachioplasty paid by my insurance company. Hopefully I'll know by the end of the month.
   — Lynette B.