Looking to get plastic surgery but worried about the cost? There’s no doubt about it, plastic surgery can be expensive depending on the procedure and the individual needs of the patient. But what if we told you that some procedures are covered by insurance? This is because some plastic surgery procedures are considered medically necessary to improve your health and quality of life.
For example, if you have a birth defect that affects your appearance, or you had an accident that caused functional impairments, insurance may cover your reconstructive surgery to correct it. With that in mind, it’s important to note that even if a procedure is covered by insurance, you may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs. These can include things like co-pays, deductibles, and any costs associated with anesthesia or hospital stay.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, be sure to do your research and consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options. To check if you qualify for compensation for your plastic surgery, the surgery must be considered medically necessary by a licensed physician or healthcare provider, who then will submit it to your health insurance.
What Plastic Surgery Procedures Could Be Covered by Insurance?
1. Upper Eyelid Surgery
If you are considering eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the cost. In some cases, insurance will cover upper eyelid surgery if it is considered medically necessary. For example, if your eyelids are drooping so much that they are interfering with your vision, insurance may cover the cost of surgery to correct the problem.
2. Ear Pinning
Ear pinning, also called otoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. It can be done for cosmetic reasons or to correct a birth defect or injury. Insurance seldom covers otoplasty, but it may if you need to correct a defect that affects your hearing. This is decided on a case by case basis by the insurance company.
3. Nose Surgery
Nose surgery can be performed to change the shape of the nose, correct a birth defect or injury, or improve breathing. In some cases, depending on your insurance provider and the type of surgery you need, your health insurance may cover it. However, if your main goal is to reshape your nose for cosmetic reasons, this is not covered by insurance. Thus, it’s crucial to check with your insurance provider ahead of time to see what, if any, coverage you have for nose surgery.
4. Male Breast Reduction
Male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is a procedure to remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts. This surgery is usually performed to correct a condition called gynecomastia, which can cause embarrassment and anxiety in men. While some men may be able to reduce their breast size through diet and exercise, others may need surgery to achieve their desired results.
Male breast reduction surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, and most men can return to work and normal activities within a week. The cost of male breast reduction surgery will vary based on the plastic surgeon, the extent of the procedure, and the location. Since this procedure is largely cosmetic, most health insurance plans do not cover it. However, under some circumstances, a plan may cover this procedure. You will need to discuss this with your provider to determine if those circumstances apply to your case.
The Bottom Line: Exploring Different Plastic Surgery Procedures Covered by Insurance Providers
Getting a plastic surgery procedure is not an easy feat, but if you need it to correct a functional defect and help improve your life, then there are some types that may be covered by some insurance providers. When you know you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs, you can push through with your surgery with greater peace of mind.
How Can We Help You?
Peninsula Plastic Surgery provides exceptional mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, breast lift and reduction, breast reconstruction, facelifts, eyelid lifts, tummy tucks, and more. Looking for a plastic surgeon in Torrance, CA? Learn more about how we can transform you today!