lindafromwisconsin

Hi there I was at my PS last week and found out that insurance covers a panniculectomy but not a tummy tuck. I had no idea what the heck a panniculectomy even was so I went to research it.

Panniculectomy is removing just the apron of fat that hangs down after major weight loss. They are able to get away with calling it reconstructive because it can have complications on the body; infections, rashes, lower back pain, and what not. Insurance usually will pay for it if your PS can document it. The insurance co. needs the doctor to submit photos and written documentation saying why it's required and why it's reconstructive surgery and not just cosmetic. When it's just a tummy tuck though I've never heard of any insurance companies that will front the bill.

My gf I found out did have a panniculectomy that was covered by insurance. She had gastric bypass and lost over a 100 lbs. She was happyshe did it because she had a big chunk of fat that was almost 20 lbs that hung down to the knees almost. It was all fat not just loose skin. The surgeon cut it out and she could fit into normal clothing again.

When all is said and done I don't think I qualify for a panniculectomy because I don't have an extreme case like that. But before that I never even knew insurance would cover anything I gues sI had just assumed they were all stingy cheapskates but apparently not all the time. I Just wanted to share this in case you might qualify. Ask your p.s.

la_angel

I never heard that before. So insurance will cover fat removal, but not muscle tightening if it's needed? Let me see last i checked muscles were just as much a functional thing needed as bones. Go figure, insurance will cover repairing a broken bone but not broken muscle from weight loss... those cheap ducks lol

GAURAV

Panniculectomy is the surgical removal of the pannus, a hanging "apron" of excess abdominal skin left behind after massive weight loss.

A panniculectomy differs from a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in that it does not necessarily involve the tightening of the abdominal muscles. Although it can be done in conjunction with the muscle-tightening of a tummy tuck, the term is generally used to describe a removal of larger amounts of skin and fat than is the case with most tummy tucks.

In some cases, the procedure is covered (partially or in full) by insurance, due to health problems created by the presence of the pannus.

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck or simply TT, is a cosmetic surgery of the abdomen to remove excess skin and fat, and to create a slimmer, more toned appearance. A protruding or saggy abdomen may be the result of pregnancy, obesity and/or rapid weight loss, or simply age. A full abdominoplasty can include the tightening of loose stomach muscles in addition to the removal of excess skin and fat. A surgeon can move or rearrange the navel (belly button) for a more pleasing appearance. Abdominoplasty can be performed on both men and women.

A full abdominoplasty is major surgery. However, there are less extensive procedures, including one called a partial abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as a “mini-tummy tuck.” This procedure may be done as out-patient surgery, with the patient going home that day.

DEV

A panniculectomy removes hanging fat and skin, typically after massive weight loss. It may be performed as a single procedure or combined with a tummy-tuck, depending on the patient's condition. Panniculectomy is different from abdominoplasty, in that abdominoplasty tightens the muscle as well as removes excess skin and fat, but a panniculectomy only removes excess skin and fat. A panniculectomy may also be performed with another abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy, or repair of the abdominal wall or hernia of the belly button.

Tummy tuck Plastic surgery of the abdomen involving removal of excess fatty tissue and excess skin; abdominoplasty.

Renew Myself

No way!! How is it possible that they not cover something SO important!!!!!

I bet there are ways to make them pay at least part of a needed operation.

RM