 Panniculectomy
The
solution is to get rid of this excess skin with a cosmetic
surgery procedure called panniculectomy. "A
panniculectomy simply removes the overhanging skin and fat
from the lower abdomen," according to Dr. Allan Parungao, a
board certified plastic surgeon. "A
tummy
tuck removes excess abdominal skin and fat as well -- but
unlike a panniculectomy, it also tightens the muscles of the
abdominal wall and repositions the navel."
Does insurance cover a panniculectomy?
In many
cases, insurance will cover a panniculectomy if:
- The pannus hangs below the crotch level;
- The patient has lost 100 pounds or more,
has been at a
stable weight for at least six months, and, if the
patient has had
weight loss surgery, the operation was at least 18
months ago;
- The patient has a documented history of
recurrent rashes or non-healing ulcers for at least three
months; and
- The pannus causes demonstrated difficulty
with walking, sitting and standing, or interferes with the
activities of daily living.
Each insurance
plan has its own provisions for panniculectomy -- check your
policy for details. If your insurance covers medically
necessary panniculectomy, your
plastic surgeon can provide the documentation the
insurance company requires before surgery. |
