We live in a world where being overweight is criticized by the entertainment industry, media and even by our friends. While the majority of Americans are overweight we still seem to treat those that are fatter than us as second-class citizens or do we? Most of us have experienced hitting bottom as our issues with obesity have crashed down around us. So often we feel all alone as we fight that very vicious Obesity Monster. It is natural that we question if weight loss can really help us to develop a positive self image. Read more
As some of you may know Medicare, Medicaid, many state programs and private insurance plans will cover weight loss surgery. As a matter of fact my own laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery was covered by Medicare and my supplement plan Secure Horizons. What about that loose and saggy skin that does not go away? Will Medicare pay for a tummy tuck?
The answer to that question is NO and Yes. In most circumstances they will not cover a tummy tuck for they consider it cosmetic surgery. In situations where the surgeon determines that a tummy tuck is medically necessary because of infections they may cover it. Your surgeon will diagnose the situation to determine if a tummy tuck is necessary and then present an honest evaluation to Medicare. A person that has lost a huge amount of weight and has heavy masses of hanging skin causing serious infections has the best chance of getting a tummy tuck approved. If the request is turned down the surgeon can appeal but there is still no guarantee that it will be covered.
Terry
Do you really believe on the marketing gimmicks that plastic surgeries are as easy and acceptable as going to a holiday? Can you just have it done by any person and from anywhere? Sorry, a logical brain can not subscribe to this view. Read more
For those of us that are morbidly obese and decide to loose a lot of weight, sagging skin especially skin folds of the abdomen, arms breasts, thighs and neck will sometimes become a concern. If we are considering “bariatric” surgery, including gastric banding and gastric bypass perhaps sagging skin is more of a concern as the result of the quicker weight loss.I am looking forward to the future where I will feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit in public. As I started to fantasize about a wonderful new figure my thoughts turned to sagging skin. I wondered if Medicare would cover the cost of corrective surgery to remove this flabby skin? Obviously the loose skin would be a result of weight loss due to a surgery authorized by Medicare! After doing considerable checking I learned that Medicare considers the removal of loose skin to be “cosmetic surgery” and therefore do not cover it. I also learned that many insurance carriers would not cover this surgery as they also considered it cosmetic. Still, a person should always check with there own physician and insurance company and even Medicare, as there are carriers that will cover skin removal if it is found to be medically necessary.
As I browsed the Internet I learn that body contouring designed for those that go through weight loss surgery is becoming a specialty of many surgeons. I also learned that the costs associated with this type of plastic surgery could often be as expensive as the bariatric surgery. I can certainly see where having a tummy tuck along with other areas of sagging skin removed would be a desire. I can also see where the removal of flabby skin can also be a necessity for some that loose a large amount of fat and are now experiencing problems such as rashes, blisters and infections.
Our skin has pretty good elasticity. For many if not most of us time and exercise will take care of the sagging skin problem. Sure we may always have a few areas that we would like to have tuned up. For me, while I see the weight loss as a real health concern I will look upon the remaining sagging skin as a battle scar from a battle that I am winning against the Obesity Demon.
