What Affects The Cost Of A Tummy Tuck

If youve decided that a tummy tuck might be the right procedure for you, its time to start considering the financial aspects of a plastic surgery procedure. The variables mentioned above have large impacts on cost. To reiterate, the information on this page is a general guide and consultations with providers always offer the most accurate estimates of tummy tuck procedure costs.

The outline below can help you get a better sense of the questions to ask and factors to consider when preparing for a consultation.

There are numerous two types of tummy tucks and the most appropriate procedure for a candidate will depend on their unique needs. The table below provides a few more details specific to each tummy tuck type.

What Is A Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a set of cosmetic surgeries that are performed together or in quick succession, all with the same goal: to restore a womans pre-pregnancy body after shes given birth.

The most common combination of surgeries in a mommy makeover consists of a breast lift and a tummy tuck. In some cases, it can also include liposuction around the thighs and a breast enhancement procedure.

Does Medicare Cover Plastic Surgery After Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery can be crucial when treating certain skin cancers. A dermatologist often recommends this surgery to help remove cancerous skin cells.

This procedure involves removing skin tissue to remove the cancerous cells. However, Medicare will not cover plastic surgery after Mohs surgery in most cases.

Original Medicare will cover the Mohs surgery procedure. However, it will not cover the cost of reconstructive surgery for the removed skin.

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Does Medicare Cover Plastic Surgery For Breast Reduction

There are cases when Medicare will cover breast reduction surgery. These include when you suffer from neck and back pain from large breasts. You can curb this pain and improve posture and breathing habits by receiving a breast reduction.

To qualify for a breast reduction surgery, you must have ongoing symptoms for at least six months and try non-surgical treatments with no improvement. However, Medicare will only cover breast prostheses if you have breast cancer.

If you have breast cancer, a lumpectomy or mastectomy can occur immediately or years later, depending on your needs.

Covering Tummy Tuck Costs

One of the first questions that many of our patients ask is, Can a tummy tuck be covered by insurance? The answer to this question is both yes and no. In many cases, a tummy tuck is merely a cosmetic procedure, and most insurance plans will not cover this. However, if you are experiencing rashes or skin infections, it then becomes a medical need to have the surgery. In this case, you may be able to get some of the costs of your tummy tuck covered by insurance.

Why only some of the costs, you ask? A tummy tuck is performed in two stages. The first stage involves tightening the underlying abdominal muscles to create a smooth contour. The second phase involves removing the excess skin so that the remaining skin can be tightened over your middle. For medically necessary procedures, insurance will cover the second phase of the procedure, as removing the excess skin is required to eliminate the risk of rashes and infections.

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Youll Need A Medical Referral With Your Documented Concerns

In order to claim your surgery on Medicare, you will need a Medical Referral from your General Practitioner. You can get it prior to booking an initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon or after the first appointment.

It is important to demonstrate medical necessity, including skin problems. While consulting with your GP, it is worth discussing your symptoms to ensure the clinical need is documented in your referral.

The GP referral will last for 12 months.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck may be a good option for mothers who are done with childbirth, but rapid weight gain and pregnancy can reverse all the work from the procedure. After undergoing surgery, youll likely have a permanent scar on your lower abdomen. Results can also take time to fully show, and recovery may be slow and painful.

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Eyebrow / Eyelash Tattooing

Yang and colleagues reported on 2 patients with epithelioid granulomatous inflammation on the eyebrows after undergoing cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. These investigators analyzed the causative elements from biopsy specimens and tattoo inks with X-ray micro-analysis. The authors suggest that granuloma caused by cosmetic eyebrow tattooing was a complication worthy of mention.

Ro and Lee reported one case of epithelioid granuloma that occurred at the site of a previous cosmetic eyebrow tattooing. A biopsy specimen showed the organized appearance of epithelioid cell granulomas containing little pigment as well as occasional giant cells, primarily of Langhans’ type thus, showing the characteristic features of granulomatous hypersensitivity. With the use of energy dispersive X-ray micro-analysis and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, the presence of copper, iron, cobalt, and chromium was demonstrated.

Lee and associates noted that eyebrow and eyelash tattooing are commonly performed procedures that have a very low rate of reported complications. These investigators described 1 case of infra-orbital pigmentation following eyelash tattooing and another of peri-orbital pigmentation following eyebrow tattooing. The authors concluded that although most complications related to eyelash and eyebrow tattooing, including pigment fanning, have been reported by ophthalmologists, pigment fanning was also of concern to dermatologists.

When To Have A Tummy Tuck

If you are still in the process of losing weight, you should wait until you have achieved or nearly achieved the size you desire before considering a tummy tuck.

It is worth noting that a tummy tuck is a bad idea if your physical health is compromised, you smoke, have unstable weight and have unrealistic expectations of what the surgery can do for you. In addition, you dont need to have the cosmetic procedure if you arent bothered by how your body looks.

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How To Finance A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck costs a pretty penny out of pocket, so if youre serious about getting one, youll need to plan ahead. The options below outline some of the ways you can cover the cost of a tummy tuck.

• Cash. Cash is king, especially for an expensive cosmetic procedure like plastic surgery or a tummy tuck. If you can afford it, pay for your tummy tuck procedure upfront in cash.
• Medical loans. If you need any type of medical procedure that wont be covered by your insurance company, medical loans can be a good alternative to cover those costs. You can take out a medical loan to get the money you need at a reasonable interest rate.
• Medical credit cards. Yes, you can get credit cards specifically for paying medical bills. These cards offer more flexibility on how much you can borrow, but they often come with higher interest rates than loans.
• Payment plan. Depending on the office you visit, you might be able to get a payment plan for your cosmetic surgery. These typically come with no interest rate and are paid directly to the surgeon.
• Health insurance. Yes, your health insurance may cover a portion of your tummy tuck, but only in certain situations. Its worth noting here that health insurance wont cover the whole surgery, so you should still consider the above options to cover the rest of the cost yourself.

Tummy Tuck Medicare Code Confusion

Changes to Medicare rebate structures for plastic surgery with functional benefits vs primarily cosmetic benefits remain confusing to patients. The primary reason for Medicare code confusion is that the answer can vary from patient to patient. Post-pregnancy problems on their own do not indicate the need for a Medicare rebate you must meet the criteria. Post-weight loss, if you meet strict criteria, might attract a Medicare code for redundant skin reduction.

Criteria for post-weight loss patients is strict and includes patient obesity versus weight change differences and skin conditions.

Patients need to be aware the Medicare coding system is in a state of review and change. Read the ASAPS research indicating functional benefits of abdominoplasty after pregnancy, and their call for the government to change abdominoplasty surgery coverage for womens health improvements after pregnancy.

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Can You Make Monthly Payments On A Tummy Tuck

The benefit of using CareCredit for tummy tucks is the opportunity to use promotional financing and pay with convenient monthly payments*. To apply, go to carecredit.com/apply/ Then, to find a cosmetic or plastic surgeon near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card, go to carecredit.com/doctor-locator/.

Some Concerns And Medical Conditions After Pregnancy Include:

• core strength reduction from separated abdominal muscles
• constipation or low back pain caused by separated recti abdominus
• sagging skin on the abdomen and a bulge in the abdominal area that prohibits exercise or good posture
• mild urinary incontinence caused by torn abdominal muscles
• excess, redundant stretched skin that hangs like an apron over the belt line

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Surgical Removal Of Silicone

Levy and Emer stated that various modalities including systemic and intralesional corticosteroids, minocycline, anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies or surgical removal can be employed to treat silicone granuloma formation.Park, et al. reviewed the management of silicone granulomas. The authors stated that a diverse spectrum of therapies has been utilized to treat silicone granulomas and some may resolve spontaneously, but most are excised surgically or given pharmacological therapy with varying success. The authors stated that surgical excision may be employed, but silicone is a permanent filler and is known to migrate to other areas of the body, making complete removal of the injected material impossible. They noted that this may lead to even more disfigurement, making it an unlikely treatment option particularly for facial granulomas.

Lopiccolo, et al. reviewed the management of silicone granulomas after soft tissue injection of the buttocks. The authors noted that the treatment of silicone granulomas can be challenging, and a number of modalities have been implemented with varying degrees of success. Surgical excision was attempted in three reported cases. Two of the three resulted in complete resolution. The granulomas involved in both of these cases were well-circumscribed nodular lesions. In the case that did not result in complete resolution, adequate surgical margins could not be achieved because of the unknown extent of the granulomatous reaction.

Does Insurance Cover Fat Transfer

Liposuction and other liposuction procedures are typically covered if they are performed as a direct result of a medical problem.

For instance, if you have a medical condition that impairs your ability to tolerate caffeine, diet pills, or similar medications then you can use them to improve your general oral health.

Lipoproteins, fats, and other substances can be used to successfully perform fat transfers from one part of your body to another.

If it is performed to repair a physical defect then it might be covered.

For example, if you have a scar on your abdomen that causes you to be very overweight, then you can remove that scar and use the fat that comes off as gummy bear implants.

Insurance wont cover the process, though if it is being done to enhance the aesthetics of your body.

Fat transfer and other types of cosmetic procedures can be a bit tricky.

If youre looking into getting liposuction performed because of a physical problem then you need to make sure that youre also doing everything you can to correct that problem.

And if youre trying to get your butt implants removed because they dont fit anymore then you need to consider getting breast reconstruction after the operation.

The insurance might cover the procedure if it is being performed for the medical benefit of the patient but will likely charge you an increased rate because of it.

Unfortunately, some insurance companies have begun to reject the idea that fat transfer is covered by their policies.

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When Is Panniculectomy Medically Necessary

Functional impairment is defined as complete or partial loss of function of a body part. panniculectomy should not be performed until at least 18 months after surgery and only after weight has been stable for the most recent 6 months. Abdominoplasty is considered cosmetic and therefore not medically necessary.

Medicare Rebate & Health Fund Eligibility

Medicare will NOT cover most plastic surgeries, but some corrective plastic surgery procedures may be. For example, abdominoplasty after significant weight loss, meeting strict criteria, may attract a Medicare rebate or health fund coverage. So, too, might a breast reduction or breast lift after pregnancy if the patient meets the strict Medicare rebate criteria and has moderate to severe breast ptosis.

Health fund policies are notoriously complex and include numerous disclaimers, exclusions and waiting periods. However, there have been changes in the industry to simplify policies into key plans, to help consumers choose their best health funds.

Some corrective plastic surgery procedures may have a Medicare rebate if you meet strict patient criteria and require a medically-necessary procedure.

Your GP and specialist may be able to ascertain if your requirements meet the strict Medicare rebate criteria for plastic surgery.

For patients who are concerned about Medicare rebates or surgery funding, it may be helpful to ascertain your current eligibility for coverage and to schedule procedures before any sudden further changes in Medicare or health fund policies.

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Instances When A Tummy Tuck Is Not Eligible For Payment

Most insurance companies specifically will not pay for the liposuction or diastasis repair component of a tummy tuck. But, when in doubt, a patient should seek a consult with an appropriate physician.

A plastic surgeon and general surgeon can evaluate a patients condition to determine whether a tummy tuck would be medically necessary.

Answer: Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Or Panniculectomy

First we need to define some terms. A panniculectomy removes the overhang of skin and fat that in some people hangs over the pubic area. A panniculectomy does not tighten up the abdominla muscles nor does it address any loose skin or excess fat of the upper abdominal area. An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat of the entire abdominal area and tightens up the muscles underneath. A panniculecotmy may be covered by some insurance companies while an abdominioplasty or “tummy tuck ” is not.Criteria for coverage of a panniculectomy can vary between insurance companies but most require a history of rashes under the pannus which have been unresponsive to treatment with prescription medications by the patients primary care doctor, a history of low back pain and the pannus needs to hang below the pubic area.

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Can You Breastfeed After Breast Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the breast generally restores form to the breast, but currently, a reconstructed breast may not function in terms of breastfeeding however, ongoing research and advancing technologies in cellular 3D printing may eventually change the outlook for patients who wish to breastfeed after reconstruction surgery.

Can A Tummy Tuck Or Panniculectomy Be Covered By Ohip

Medical insurance may cover the cost for some post- weight loss surgical procedures. Ontarios OHIP coverage does not pay for cosmetic surgery unless medically necessary.

In Ontario, surgery to assist with weight loss, also called bariatric surgery, is covered by OHIP. Qualifications for this coverage include: failing to lose weight through a medically supervised program and having a BMI or body mass index over 40.

Bariatric surgeries may involve reducing the stomachs capacity with the application of a band, removal of part of the stomach, or bypassing part of the intestines to reduce nutrient absorption. This surgical solution is not the first step, but will be considered after trying medications and other diet assistance. Because it can lead to increased mobility and improve many aspects of ones health, bariatric surgery is often considered medically necessary and can even be life-saving. Bariatric surgery should be accompanied by counseling and guidance for long term maintenance, including post weight loss skin removal surgery if required.

There are a few surgical options to address excess skin which can often remain after the success of a bariatric procedure and drastic weight loss. Both abdominoplasty and panniculectomy can effectively remove the excess abdominal skin or, apron left after weight loss, however, the two procedures are different.

Talk with your primary care doctor about the best options for you.

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How Can I Get My Insurance To Cover A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is often just a cosmetic treatment, and most insurance policies will not cover it. However, if you are experiencing rashes or skin infections, the procedure becomes a medical necessity. In this instance, you may be able to acquire insurance to cover some of the costs of your belly tuck.

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Answer: If You Can Prove Your Back Issues

are directly related to your tummy, coverage may be extended but this is a rarity indeed. You’re better off saving for this and having it done cosmetically where there are standards to meet in terms of aesthetics. If your insurance did cover this, there is no incentive at all for your surgeon to do the best job possible when it comes to aesthetics as a completely different mindset is involved with cosmetic versus medically necessary procedures.

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Answer: Medical Insurance And Tummy Tuck

The short answer is No. However in some cases with documentation of history of skin to skin contact wounds due to over hanging pannus or “apron” and or chronic lower back pain some insurances will cover a Panniculectomy. This is the removal of the over hanging skin. This would not include the plication of the abdominal muscles. In my experience most plastic surgeon’s do not take insurance for these types of procedures.All the best to you.