Tummy tucks considered re-constructive?

[Manny 0]

Hi there,

I know I need to give things a bit longer, but I think I will eventually need a tummy tuck.. I have quite a bit of flabby, loose skin on my stomach and it is really unattractive.. sometimes I almost wish I had a bit more fat there to at least fill it out and stop the wrinkles. (Of course, I don't really mean that)

I do remember hearing somewhere that this surgery is classed as reconstructive rather than cosmetic, and therefore attracts better health care rebates etc.

I realise that health insurance/ funding issues very by country, and I am from Australia, where things may be different, but am still interested in getting some idea about the costs involved.

Thanks in advance,

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[Carlene 12]

Some insurance companies consider it reconstructive, in that it is the direct result of another procedure (lap band). Others won't pay unless you meet specific guidelines (apron must hang down to your hootchie, for example. I think they use more clinical terms, however...LOL.) Most will pay if it's "medically necessary", but only on removal of the apron. They will not pay for tightening the muscles, etc.

[Woodys 0]

LOL @ Carlene.......Hootchie.....don't know if it is a word or not....but lets say it is, I love it!

Carol

[Chickie 15]

Hi there,

I know I need to give things a bit longer, but I think I will eventually need a tummy tuck.. I have quite a bit of flabby, loose skin on my stomach and it is really unattractive.. sometimes I almost wish I had a bit more fat there to at least fill it out and stop the wrinkles. (Of course, I don't really mean that)

I do remember hearing somewhere that this surgery is classed as reconstructive rather than cosmetic, and therefore attracts better health care rebates etc.

I realise that health insurance/ funding issues very by country, and I am from Australia, where things may be different, but am still interested in getting some idea about the costs involved.

Thanks in advance,

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If you get a referral from your GP to a reconstructive surgeon (not plastic), and it has been deemed necessary for you to have a Tummy Tuck (they don't call it that, they don't even call it an abdominoplasty, a re constructive job is billed for Medicare, and health funds as a radical lipoectomy. Not sure if that is the correct spelling, I don't have my bills in front of me)

If you jump through the correct hoops, and really it is not that hard, you can indeed have a good portion of you surgery covered. My hospital stay was covered 100%, I got back $1400 of the $2700 I paid the surgeon, and all of the the $800 I paid to the anet.

If you go to a plastic surgeon, without a referral, chances are that you will not get a cent back through Medicare, or your health fund.