Question:
Will Medicare cover a thigh lift? Can it be done at the same time as Lap RNY?

I have problems such as chronic rashes and irratation because of the excess skin on my inner thighs. I want to have it removed before I lose any more weight, because I am sure it will only worsen as the weight comes off. Will medicare cover this procedure since it is (IMO) necessary? And should I do it now or wait?    — kscott6260 (posted on February 22, 2003)

February 24, 2003
Hi Kelli. I have had Medicare pay for abdominal surgery before but it was a real struggle. If you have a rash, then that is favorable for approval. My advice would be to get the weight off, then combine your plastic surgery procedures when your weight loss stablizes. Different doctors feel differently about this, but when I am doing a procedure involving chronically infected skin, I (and many general surgeons) are concerned about also doing an intrabdominal procedure for fear of infection. Good luck. JL
   — DrL