Plastic Surgery and Insurance

Most plastic surgery procedures cost thousands of dollars. This makes it difficult for many prospective patients to afford the cost of their desired procedures, considering most cosmetic treatments are not covered by health insurance policies. In the majority of cases, plastic surgery is considered elective treatment that is not medically necessary to maintain patients' health. However, there are specific cases in which health insurance will cover the entire cost of, or a portion of, cosmetic surgery procedures.

Overly Large Breasts

When women have overly large breasts that cause back and neck problems, they may be able to obtain insurance coverage for their breast reduction procedure. Patients will need to show proof of other treatments for back or neck problems, including chiropractic, massage, and medication receipts.

Eyelid Ptosis

Upper eyelid skin can become lax due to the aging process, genetics, and other factors. If upper eyelid skin begins to block vision, your health insurance company may cover the price of upper eyelid surgery to tighten the skin.

Breathing Obstructions

A person's nasal passage can be obstructed due to congenital flaws or injury. When nasal blockages make it difficult for people to breathe, your doctor may recommend nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, to correct the problem.

Reconstructive Surgery

When a person needs reconstructive surgery to address birth defects, traumatic injury from an accident, or areas affected by a disease, your health insurance policy should cover the cost of cosmetic reconstructive surgery. Some of the reconstructive surgery procedures that can be covered by health insurance include:

  • Breast reconstruction
  • Skin cancer reconstruction
  • Cleft lip and palate repair
  • Scar revision
  • Skin grafts

Contact a Plastic Surgeon

If you are interested in undergoing plastic surgery, contact a plastic surgeon in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. A plastic surgeon can write a letter of recommendation to your health insurance company and help get you coverage for treatment.

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