Does Aetna Cover a Tummy Tuck

[Lady Lap Band 71]

I had such an easy time with Aetna covering the lap band surgery...was wondering if anyone who has Aetna knows if they cover the Tummy Tuck or not?

[baps813 0]

If you had excess skin for longer than a year, they would pay for the removal, but I'm PRETTY sure they wouldn't cover a Tummy Tuck. I'm in Insurance and usually that's purely cosmetic.

[Kellster 1]

What do they call the removal of excess skin?

I have Aetna PPO and am wondering the same thing regarding them paying for it... I'm anticipating a panniculectomy for sure, and possibly an abdominoplasty aka Tummy Tuck.< /p>

[baps813 0]

I'm sure your doc would have to be involved, but basically if once you lost a lot of weight (say 100 pounds) and you still have lots of skin, they would pay for it to be tightened b/c it's a health risk. The excess skin can lead to infection...a Tummy Tuck is never medically necessary.

[Kellster 1]

But isn't a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) the removal of excess skin, so therefore a medical necessity in some cases?

I don't want to put the cart before the horse, so I haven't looked at my current policy regarding medically necessary plastic surgery - but I'd recommend it if you're curious!

[baps813 0]

Good luck!

[CarmenPonce 0]

I am also in Insurance (I am a health insurance agent) and at this point no insurance carrier is covering cosmetic surgeries post weight loss.

Now panniculectomy is the removal of excess skin which may be medically necessary in some cases, such as in the case of the excess skin causing infections or ulcers. So, in this case the panniculectomy would be covered if you doctor recommends and insurance approves.

An abdominoplasty is not only the removal of excess skin but also tighten of the abdominal muscles and Lipo sculpture. This procedure is considered purely cosmetic and not covered by insurance.

I hope this answers some of you questions.

Edited April 25, 2009 by CarmenPonce

[Kellster 1]

It totally does help, thank you!!