Patients often come to the office seeking third-party insurance coverage for their abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). That almost never occurs, as, by definition, tummy tuck is an operation performed for cosmetic procedures, and, as such, is not medically necessary. With a tummy tuck, the abdominal wall is aesthetically re-shaped, the abdominal wall muscles tightened, the belly button is re-shaped, and liposuction is often used to recontour the love handles and upper abdomen. To see many examples of before and after tummy tuck pictures, see Dr. Jejurikar’s photo gallery.
Insurance companies may some times cover the cost of panniculectomy. Patients often believe that this is equivalent to a tummy tuck, which could not be further from the truth. Panniculectomy is a functional operation that is not cosmetic in any way. With extensive documentation of skin rashes or infection, nonhealing wounds, or interference with walking. This is a typical before and after picure of a panniculectomy; note the drastic differences compared to abdominoplasty.
THIS IS NOT A TUMMY TUCK!
Panniculectomy only removes the lower abdominal skin (pannus) is removed – that’s it. Because of that, the abdomen still has excess skin, a misshapen belly button, fat excess of the love handles and upper abdomen, and an overall flaccid appearance. A panniculectomy can be combined with a tummy tuck, but the tummy tuck is, yet again, considered a cosmetic procedure, not eligible for insurance coverage.
If you have questions, or would like a complimentary consultation, contact Dr. Jejurikar’s office at 214-827-2814.