Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hello All,

I have a question, when you have the wls and lose all this weight and have sagging skin. Do your insurance cover the plastic surgery due to you losing the weight from your wls or do you have to pay out of pocket for these procedures? I know a lot of people say it all depends on how your doctor code the procedures. I just want to hear it from you all since I am pretty sure some of you had the same question.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello All,

I have a question, when you have the wls and lose all this weight and have sagging skin. Do your insurance cover the plastic surgery due to you losing the weight from your wls or do you have to pay out of pocket for these procedures? I know a lot of people say it all depends on how your doctor code the procedures. I just want to hear it from you all since I am pretty sure some of you had the same question.

It depends I have Aetna insurance and they will cover a Tummy Tuck if the skin sags and hangs below the pubic area and you have documented irritated or skin rashes documented by the doctor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hope mine does but am not optimistic. My doctor said very few do. His nurse had gastric bypass 4 years ago. She had plastic surgery for her breasts, tummy, and rear but not legs, neck, or face. She said hers was 38k, no insurance. But she is glad she did it. There's no possible way I could ever spend that. I've seen ads for face/neck lifts for about 15k.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the replies.....38K wow that's a lot of money. I can't see myself paying that much out of pocket for plastic surgery either. Do anyone know if BCBS cover plastic surgery after wls?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just had plastics - I lower body lift with autologous fat aumentation in the butt, and brachioplasty. Insurance covered the Tummy Tuck portion, and I paid the rest. Funny, because my abdomen was the least of my issues, but I was glad for any assistance.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

it depends on if your particular policy has ANY coverage for plastics. most do not.

the exception with bariatrics is if after your weight loss, you have a significant apron on your lower abdomen, some insurances will cover removal of it due to mobility, infection and hygiene issues. generally, this is usually NOT a Tummy Tuck, but a paniculectomy.

many of the BCBS policies have clauses that if they will provide ANY coverage of this sort, it involves a specific amount of time also- ie you must lose your excess weight AND maintain a weight within certain BMI parameters for 6 months-1 yr before they will cover it...

lots of clauses, loopholes, etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Insurance companies have all kinds of different requirements IF they cover it at all. I had just resigned myself to the fact that I would have to save and save and pay out of pocket. But then I ask my PCP about it at an appointment and he was AMAZING and started the process of documenting problems for me so that I have a better chance of getting it approved as a "medical necessity" rather than cosmetic. I have 2 insurance plans (one through my husband's work and one through mine) so I'm really hopeful that one of them will approve with all the medical documentation. My PCP said 8 times of 10 when he documents things as a medical necessity it gets approved. Fingers crossed!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • ChunkCat

      I have no clue where to upload this, so I'll put it here. This is pre-op vs the morning of my 6 month appointment! In office I weight 232, that's 88 lbs down since my highest weight, 75 lbs since my surgery weight! I can't believe this jacket fit... I am smaller now than the last time I was this size which the surgeon found really amusing. He's happy with where I am in my weight loss and estimates I'll be around 200 lbs by my 1 year anniversary! My lowest weight as an adult is 195, so that's pretty damn exciting to think I'll be near that at a year. Everything from there will be unknown territory!!

      · 3 replies
      1. AmberFL

        You look amazing!!! 😻 you have been killing it!

      2. NickelChip

        Congratulations! You're making excellent progress and looking amazing!

      3. BabySpoons

        So proud of you Cat. Getting into those smaller size clothes is half the fun isn't it?. Keep up the good work!!!!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I changed my profile image to a molecule of protein. Why? Because I am certain that it saved my life.
      · 1 reply
      1. BabySpoons

        That's brilliant! You've done amazing!! I should probably think about changing my profile picture at some point. Mine is the doll from Squid Games. Ironically the whole premise of the show is about dodging death. We've both done that...

    • eclarke

      Two years out. Lost 120 , regained 5 lbs. Recently has a bout of Norovirus, lost 7 pounds in two days. Now my stomach feels like it did right after my surgery. Sore, sensitive to even water.  Anyone out there have a similar experience?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Eve411

      April Surgery
      Am I the only struggling to get weight down. I started with weight of 297 and now im 280 but seem to not lose more weight. My nutrtionist told me not to worry about the pounds because I might still be losing inches. However, I do not really see much of a difference is this happen to any of you, if so any tips?
      Thanks
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Well recovering from gallbladder removal was a lot like recovering from the modified duodenal switch surgery, twice in 4 months yay 🥳😭. I'm having to battle cravings for everything i shouldn't have, on top of trying to figure out what happens after i eat something. Sigh, let me fast forward a couple of months when everyday isn't a constant battle and i can function like a normal person again! 😞
      · 1 reply
      1. kezbeth

        I may have to have gall bladder surgery during my weight loss surgery. Not thrilled about it either but do not want 2 recovery times. Just want it over with.

        Thanks for your post. I may need to rethink my decision... :(

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×