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Has anyone's insurance ever covered reconstructive surgery



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Hi everyone,

I am a year and seven months out surgery. My weight before surgery was 342lbs. and I am currently 185lbs. I have a serious amount of excess. My insurance covered my VSG and I have IEHP. But know I am left with this skin and I am ashamed to look at my self or even let my husband touch me. I was wondering for and one who has IEHP do they cover reconstructive surgery? I am do embarrassed to ask my doctor due to the fear of them saying no and crying in front of them. PLEASE HELP

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I can't speak for myself but my girlfriend had excess skin and they wouldn't do anything for her as it was considered COSMETIC but because it was rubbing she complained of odor and skin was very irritated from rubbing and that's how she got her excess skin taken off. I'm not sure of the insurance she had but if I was a betting woman that may just work for you as well. Sorry I couldn't be of much help.

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You can go the the insurance website and search for criteria for panniculectomy.< /p>

I did that, took it to my pain management doctor who wrote a referral for plastics. Then the plastic surgeon took pics. I also wrote a letter regarding my weight loss, my disabilities, the co-morbidities that were resolved, the importance of exercise on maintenance and how the excess skin impedes me.

They ended up covering panni as well as TT

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If you have dermatitis or problems with your stomach overlapping and causing problems some insurances will pay for a paniculectomy. Google it but it's like a Tummy Tuck. Breast reduction or lift rarely but same thing like causing problems. Excessive skin on your arms or thighs never seen it.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

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If you have dermatitis or problems with your stomach overlapping and causing problems some insurances will pay for a paniculectomy. Google it but it's like a Tummy Tuck. Breast reduction or lift rarely but same thing like causing problems. Excessive skin on your arms or thighs never seen it.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Actually a panniculectomy is different from a tummy tuck.

Panniculectomy just removes the "apron" Muscles are not touched.

Tummy tuck pulls the muscles taught, suturing them together

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If you have dermatitis or problems with your stomach overlapping and causing problems some insurances will pay for a paniculectomy. Google it but it's like a Tummy Tuck. Breast reduction or lift rarely but same thing like causing problems. Excessive skin on your arms or thighs never seen it.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Actually a panniculectomy is different from a tummy tuck.

Panniculectomy just removes the "apron" Muscles are not touched.

Tummy tuck pulls the muscles taught, suturing them together

I didn't see your comment that you had the surgery. Loose skin is still removed.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Edited by olamae

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My insurance did approve and fully cover a panniculectomy and abdominoplasty at about 20 months post op. I was super pleased with the results. I called my ins ahead of time to find out the requirements, then once I had them all completed it was submitted and I had an approval 2 days later. I had to be 18+ months post op, have 4 months of PCP documentation of skin issues and other treatments tried, and have a surgeon submit photos. They did not, however, approve my arm lift. Good luck!

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