Hidradenitis Suppurativa-covered by insurance BUT...

[FinallyFit50s 202]

I need advice! I went to see the plastic surgeon on Wednesday for consult on TT, thigh lift and breast lift. At my consult we discussed everything, brachioplasty, 360 lift, etc., spending almost an hour with pictures, and questions answered. Getting a breast lift would have to be done later and I'm not too concerned with my arms at this time.

I have Hidradenitis Suppurativa, sweat gland abscesses on my upper thighs, groin and under my arms. Had them so long that I just deal with them unless they get too infected and I need to go on antibiotics. I also had twins by c-section with a vertical scar, so my stomach looks like a front-butt. I was surprised to hear back from the surgeon on Friday with some news on insurance. He had submitted paperwork for another patient with similar condition to the same insurance company.

The good: Due to the severity of my hidradenitus, my insurance should cover plastics to removie the areas affected. They will also cover a panniculectomy.

The not-as-good: Being covered by insurance, I cannot get a full thigh lift, nor can I get a TT with abdominal placating. By using insurance, I cannot do these add-ons and would need to do additional surgeries. Both surgeries would take care of the major problem, and not the full aesthetic.

I'm thankful for having insurance that covered my wls and now will cover some plastics. My question, has anyone else gone this route with a panniculectomy? How pleased were you with the result?

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

could you pay out of pocket for the additional work to be done at the same time as what insurance covers?

[FinallyFit50s 202]

@therealmeishere No, my insurance won't let the surgeon perform any surgery that is related.

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

@therealmeishere No, my insurance won't let the surgeon perform any surgery that is related.

Darn, that's too bad. Maybe they will surprise you and cover more than you expect. Mine covered TT & panni. I was SHOCKED! I actually started with a referral from my pain management dr. due to spine issues. The insurance website had criteria for panniculectomy & TT, I printed and brought to him. His referral touched on every point they were looking for. Then I included a letter stating how much weight I lost and the fact that exercise is crucial to maintaining. I also mentioned that I am already limited in exercise options, and extra skin was limiting me further. Then my plastic surgeon took pictures and The moon & stars aligned and my info landed on the right desk and I had an approval in less than 2 weeks!

Best of luck!

[FinallyFit50s 202]

Thank you! I have some pics and I am going to prey that out. I will have another appt with the surgeon in May. My weight has to be stable for eight months.