How to Get a Tummy Tuck Paid for by Insurance – Beauty and body work enable people to look as well as feel the best way possible however undergoing these procedures can be costly. Tummy tucks are known to be invasive procedures that help to make the abdomen look better and give a proper body shape, however if you’re trying to know how to get a tummy tuck paid for by insurance you must read this comprehensive guide.
Highlights of this Post
What Are Tummy Tucks?
A tummy tuck is significant as it helps people to stand straight and feel better about their shape and physique. It is interesting to note that it is one of the most widely used cosmetic procedures in the United States of America. A lot of people grow an unattractive protruding stomach because of pregnancy, fat, or losing weight. If you are self-conscious about the excess skin on your stomach then you can go for a tummy tuck. Tummy tuck known as abdominoplasty is a type of surgical process that removes the additional or excess skin from your abdomen.
The procedure helps in tightening the abdominal muscles. In most cases a mild liposuction provides a formal look to the patient’s stomach. They are known as cosmetic surgery and are one of the most sought-after operations performed on women who give birth or undergo significant weight loss. If you want to get your tummy tuck surgical procedure covered by health insurance programs then you need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
What are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?
There are many benefits to having a Tummy Tuck operation, but some of the most common are:
- Reducing weight – A successful tucking will result in losing pounds overall, which can lead to improved physical health and reduced risks of Obesity and heart disease
- Improving posture – Properly reducing belly fat allows for better breathing, drinking habits, and reduced risk for various chronic conditions
- Decreasing anxiety – Studies suggest that people who are tucks tend to experience less anxiety than those who don’t
- Reduction in back pain – A properly fitted tucker reduces back pain by increasing blood flow throughout your body
- Improved circulation – A properly fitted tucker helps improve your circulation by increasing blood flow to your limbs and organs
How Tummy Tuck Procedures Are Conducted?
The medical procedure of tummy tuck is quite a straightforward one. If you are seeking tummy tuck as a cosmetic procedure then you can expect the following
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Consultation
Individuals who are going for a tummy tuck procedure have to make an appointment with their cosmetic surgeon to find out if they are a right fit for undergoing the tummy tuck procedure. You need to pay a consultation fee that will generally go towards the surgery. At this stage, the surgeon will explain all the details of the surgery as well as the cost involved in the procedure.
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Book Your Appointment
If you decide to go through the surgery then you have to book an appointment at your local cosmetic surgery center where the healthcare professional will give you details and instructions about how you can prepare for the entire procedure.
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Surgery
The next step is undergoing surgery which is done in 2 main phases. The first and foremost step is when multiple incisions are made to tighten the abdominal muscles and the excess skin is removed which makes your stomach cleaner and flatter.
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Recovery
Once you undergo the surgical procedure you will be instructed by your doctor for the recovery process. In this you have to take the medications as prescribed.
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Follow Up
A follow-up visit with your doctor or surgeon is important after the surgery. This follow-up visit will help your doctor to know that the surgery went well.
What Is The Cost Of Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks are generally affordable unlike other cosmetic procedures and it is advisable not to go for cheaper options as it is related to your health.
The cost of a tummy tuck operation on average is somewhere $6154 as per the report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This figure does not include the price of connected charges, cost of operating room and anesthesia.
If you are undergoing a tummy tuck operation in the San Diego and La Jolla region then the cost of treatment may jump high to $12,000 to $15,000. The price of a tummy tuck depends on a wide array of factors such as the credentials of the surgeon, the type of tummy drug treatments, the location of the surgery, and the type of anesthesia that is being used.
If the cost seems out of your budget then you can talk to the cosmetic clinic where you have decided to undergo the surgery and go for a payment plan. This way you can not only enjoy a good quality of life after the surgery but need not worry about paying a huge sum of money all at once.
Just like any other medical process, it is advisable to sit with your healthcare professional when it comes to tummy tuck surgery and understand what you expect out of your tummy tuck procedure.
How Can You Finance A Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery costs a lot of money and if you’re serious about getting one then you need to plan about the finances. Following or the options outlined that will help you to cover the tummy tuck cost.
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Cash
If you are willing to go for an expensive cosmetic procedure like tummy tuck or plastic surgery then cash is known to be the king. If you can afford it you can pay the tummy tuck procedure upfront in cash.
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Medical Loans
If you are not eligible to get tummy tuck coverage under an insurance program then you can avail of medical loans which is a good alternative to cover the costs of the surgery. Availing federal government grants and loans when you are unable to pay for the procedure upfront in cash is a viable resource. Look for sources that can help you to get a medical loan at affordable interest rate
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Health Insurance
There is health insurance that will help you to cover a part of your tummy tuck surgery that too in certain exceptional cases. It is worth knowing that generally, health insurance programs do not cover the whole cost of this surgery, however you can still consider them to cover a part of the cost.
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Medical Credit Cards
To pay your medical bills including the cost of Tummy Tuck operation you can use medical credit cards. The cards provide more flexibility on how much amount you can borrow but they come with a higher rate of interest than medical loans.
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Payment Plan
You can get a payment plan depending on the clinic or office you are visiting for your cosmetic surgery and tummy tuck operation. They come with no interest rate and are paid directly to the surgeon.
How Often Should I Have a Tummy Tuck?
There isn’t any set number of times you should have a tummy tuck surgery. Your doctor will tell you how much weight you want to lose and how often you need to have surgery. However, if you maintain good post-operative health, most doctors would recommend having their surgery every six months or so. Some people experience minimal pain after a tummy tuck operation while others feel significant discomfort for several days afterward. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to have a procedure depends on your health condition and the surgeon’s Practice Guidelines.
Does Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks are seen as discretionary and aesthetic operations since the treatment procedure does not require medical treatments that can save lives or help people with medical emergencies. Elective and cosmetic operations are not covered by health insurance programs. Likely, your insurance program will not give coverage for a tummy tuck if you are going for the surgery for cosmetic reasons.
However cosmetic insurance programs may help you cover subsequent medical expenses. For example, if you have developed an infection that requires immediate treatment just after a tummy tuck operation then your cosmetic insurance program will give coverage for the expenses.
This type of insurance will pay you in case you experience any complications during the cosmetic surgery. Even though the coverage will pay you for the cosmetic treatment, they are comparatively more expensive than an ordinary health insurance policy.
The general truth is that cosmetic treatments and surgery are not designed to be covered by health insurance programs. Cosmetic surgery is something that healthcare providers do not pay for in general circumstances as these operations have fewer medical advantages and are not important for the medical health of the patient.
What Is The Difference Between Panniculectomy And Tummy Tuck?
A medical procedure known as panniculectomy will be covered by health insurance companies which is more expensive compared to a regular abdominoplasty but cheaper than the expensive version. This is a procedure in which your surgeon will remove the excess skin that is caused due to significant weight loss. This is the reason why this surgery is known to be a medical procedure.
A tummy tuck on the other hand comprises tightening of stomach muscles and helps in contouring one’s waistline. This is the reason why tummy tuck is known to be a cosmetic procedure. If you’re looking for ways to cover your procedure through health insurance then you can go for panniculectomy as guided by your healthcare professional.
Does Medicare And Medicare Program Cover Tummy Tuck?
You may be surprised to know that Medicare and Medicaid both federally funded government grants for struggling families can help you to cover some cost of tummy tuck procedures although most of the insurance companies do not provide any coverage for stomach tucks. The programs will not pay for the operation in case you are undergoing surgery for cosmetic reasons.
Stomach tuck is generally an elective cosmetic surgery and you must demonstrate that the treatment is essential for you medically to get coverage under the Medicare and Medicaid program. Because of medical necessity, the loose skin in your stomach may prevent you from performing routine activities.
Candidates who want to qualify for the Medicare program to cover tummy tuck costs have to maintain a constant weight for a minimum of six months and in addition, they have to look for different options to deal with the skin in the abdomen for a minimum of three months. Candidates must make sure the healthcare professional who proposes the surgery records their medical progress.
Generally, there are two stages to the treatment procedure of tummy tuck. Your surgeon will tighten the abdominal muscles to give the right shape to your belly. The excess skin will be removed and this will give a firmer appearance to your stomach. The insurance coverage will cover only the second stage as the loose skin will put you at risk for infections and rashes.
How Can Medicaid Cover Tummy Tucks?
You are really wondering how to get a tummy tuck covered by insurance. There are some cases when Medicaid can cover Tummy Tucks. There are circumstances in which the federally funded Medicaid program will pay out for your tummy tuck operation. In most circumstances, doctors perform a medical procedure that is similar but not identical to a tummy tuck and this may help you to get covered under the Medicaid program. You need to prove that you need a medically necessary tummy tuck operation for your health requirements.
One such situation in which the federally funded Medicaid program will pay out for the tummy tuck is when the excess skin is causing you intense back pain due to the additional weight that is being put on your spine.These are the exceptional and only cases in which the tummy tuck will be covered by the Medicaid program.
Federal and State government social programs like Medicaid and Medicare can help you to cover the tummy tuck surgery in case your daily life activities are impacted due to the excess abdominal skin. You also need to attach proof from your surgeon to any of the following reasons:
- Impaired mobility
- Pain in stomach and lower back
- Signs and symptoms of panniculitis
- Obstruction in personal hygiene
- Skin irritation and infection caused due to recurrent intertrigo to the overhanging panels
- Presence of lymphedema, hernias and abscesses
- Extra large skin or fat fold that hangs below the groin
- Photographic documents of the shape and dimension of the pannus
- More than or equal to 30 BMI.
Further there are situations when your healthcare professional or surgeon may perform a tummy tuck at the same time as another medical procedure. For instance, if you are going for a hernia repair and your healthcare professional performs a tummy tuck at the same time then it may be covered by the Medicaid program.
When Will Insurance Coverage Pay For My Tummy Tuck?
There isn’t a specific answer to whether insurance will pay for your tummy tuck or not. A part of the insurance will give coverage for panniculectomy. In this situation, the excess lower abdomen scheme has to be removed.
Not all insurance coverage pays for tummy tuck as it is considered to be a cosmetic surgery however in some cases insurance company will cover your treatment. To determine whether you qualify for the coverage you can take the help of a provider with a contract with Medicaid, Medicare, or other health insurance programsn
Conclusion
There are a few ways to get a free Tummy Tuck for no income or low income. Public and private insurance plans generally do not cover any elective or cosmetic surgeries as they are medically unnecessary for candidates. However, if your healthcare professional recommends surgery as the only solution to an underlying health problem for instance back pain or incontinence procedure will become medically necessary. This will make it easier for you to receive coverage from your health insurance program for all the tummy tuck surgery costs. You can talk to your insurance company and discuss the underlying health issues with your doctor to get coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are going to answer some of the frequently asked questions on tummy tuck. Go through the question and answer to gain some extra knowledge on the topic.
Is tummy tuck painful Process?
Yes, it is a little painful as in the beginning you might get a little fatigued, sore and swollen. However, the pain is moderated during the first few days but the pain will decrease with time. But in that period it is important for you to rest and give time to heal the area.
How long does i t take to recover from a tummy tuck?
It generally takes around six to eight weeks to recover from a tummy tuck. But remember you should not resume working any non-strenuous job within five to seven days. However, you can resume the household work after four weeks. It is also important for you to adopt yourself with an exercise routine for four to six weeks.
Does insurance cover tummy tuck after weight loss?
No, insurance does not cover tummy tuck after weight loss. First of all you should understand that tummy tuck is not medically necessary and therefore it won’t be covered by any insurance.
What is Panni Surgery?
Panni Surgery means Panniculectomy that is a surgery done to remove excess fat, stretched out and overhanging skin that is present in the abdomen. This generally occurs when a person has a massive weight loss. The skin is so much that it hangs down that covers your genitals as well as your thighs.
Does tummy tuck last?
Yes, tummy tuck can last if you exercise regularly and follow a proper exercise routine. It is also necessary for you to follow a balanced diet and maintain your weight. In such a situation it is better to avoid pregnancy and also stay in touch with your tummy tuck consultant.