Will insurance pay for a tummy tuck with hernia repair?
Surgeries are costly procedures that incur huge expenses even after completion with post-surgical care, and the cost becomes more if a tummy tuck surgery is added to it. In such cases, it is best to have medical insurance that can at least cover some, if not all, the expenses.
But insurance does not pay in some circumstances, so knowing your policies in detail is essential before availing them. One critical question thus arises from this predicament. Will insurance pay for a tummy tuck with hernia repair? Read ahead to learn about it.
Will insurance pay for a tummy tuck with hernia repair?
| S.No. | Is it Covered by Insurance? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Yes | In most cases, your insurance will pay for a hernia operation. |
| 2. | No | A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance, unless it is deemed necessary for health reasons. |
| 3. | No | Insurance companies will not pay for a tummy tuck unless you can prove that the operation is necessary for your overall health improvement. |
| 4. | No | If you decide to undergo a tummy tuck with hernia repair, you will likely have to pay out of pocket for the tummy tuck portion. |
Is hernia repair included in the tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic operation designed to improve the abdomen’s appearance by removing excess skin and fat. While it may involve repairing a hernia, it is not always included in the procedure.
Whereas a hernia is caused when an internal organ, like the intestine, protrudes through a weakened area of muscle or tissue. It can occur in various body parts, including the abdomen, and may require surgical remedy. If a patient has a hernia in the abdomen, the plastic surgeon may also perform a hernia repair as part of the tummy tuck procedure. However, not all patients undergoing a tummy tuck require hernia repair.
Therefore, including a hernia operation in a tummy tuck procedure will depend on your decision and might require the assistance of a general physician along with the surgeon’s assessment. We recommend asking about all aspects of the surgery with your surgeon beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) How long is recovery from a tummy tuck hernia repair?
The recovery time is similar to the standard abdominal surgery, which is three to six months.
2) Should I avoid hernia surgery?
Are you diagnosed with a hernia? Well, the best possible way would be to consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the proper course of treatment. Generally, a hernia will not resolve independently and require surgical methods to prevent further complications.
While hernia surgery usually is safe and effective, like any operation, it does carry some dangers. Potential complications may include bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Additionally, there is always a risk of recurrence, especially if you continue doing activities that strain the surgical area.
However, not all hernias require surgery, and the decision to undergo such a procedure is up to you and your doctor.
3) Will my stomach go down after hernia surgery?
Yes, your stomach should go down after a hernia surgery within a few days or weeks. But there are cases where it might even take months for the swelling or bloating to go down.
Wrapping It Up
So, yes, in most cases, your insurance will pay for a hernia operation. But that might not be the case regarding a tummy tuck, as it falls under the cosmetic procedure. Insurance companies will not pay for it unless you prove the operation is necessary for your overall health improvement. Therefore, if you decide to go for a tummy tuck with hernia repair, you will have to pay out of pocket for that portion.
Also, read: How to get insurance to pay for skin removal on arms?
