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Does Health Insurance Cover a Mommy Makeover?

Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD

Mommy Makeovers are generally classified as elective cosmetic procedures, so insurance providers usually do not cover the expenses involved. Insurance companies only cover medically necessary treatments for health-related issues or injuries. However, there are specific methods that patients can use to lessen the financial strain.

Key Takeaways of Does Insurance Cover Mommy Makeover

  • A mommy makeover usually consists of a tummy tuck, breast augmentation or lift, and liposuction combined into one surgery package deal.
  • Insurance does not cover the cost of a mommy makeover as it is considered an elective procedure, meaning it’s not medically necessary.
  • Financing options such as payment plans and loan programs from third party lenders may be available for eligible patients interested in mommy makeovers.
  • A big chunk of a mommy makeover’s total cost comes from paying plastic surgeon fees. So, it’s best to check the surgeon’s qualifications before committing to the surgery to avoid reconstructive surgeries that may incur additional costs.

What is a Mommy Makeover Procedure?

A mommy makeover is a combination of individual cosmetic procedures that are designed to restore a woman’s body to its pre pregnancy shape. While each patient’s mommy makeover cost and plan are tailored to their specific needs, some common procedures include tummy tucks, breast augmentations or lifts, liposuction, and fat grafting. These treatments are combined into one package deal for moms to reclaim their bodies, restoring natural curves and contours they may have lost after childbirth.

The overall purpose of a mommy makeover procedure is to provide a comprehensive solution that addresses any issues caused by significant weight loss during pregnancy so moms can regain their figure and improve their mental wellbeing.

The Cost of a Mommy Makeover

The cost of a mommy makeover varies depending on the procedures and extent of work done, plastic surgeon fees, and the geographical area of the facility where the surgery is performed. The overall cost usually falls between $10,000 and $20,000.

The cost includes fees paid directly to the surgeon for their services and anesthetics used during the procedure. Additional charges may also be incurred for diagnostic imaging techniques or choosing more expensive medical products like body implants, particularly in the case of breast augmentation surgeries.

Sometimes, patients may find at their plastic surgeon’s office available financing options to help with this hefty investment, including payment plans or loan programs from third party lenders in partnership with local health practices.

Image Credit: Andreyzaretsky / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Will Insurance Cover Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Insurance does not cover mommy makeover surgery as it is considered an elective procedure. Mommy makeover surgical procedures are often considered cosmetic and are excluded from coverage under most health plans.

Plastic surgery procedures are performed as part of the treatment, including tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentations. These treatments contain elements that could be classified as medically necessary, which insurance companies can partially cover.

In rare cases when medically necessary components have been included in the overall package, some limited exceptions to insurance coverage may exist for a portion of those costs. However, this tends to depend on individual provider policies and must be assessed case by case.

How to Determine if Insurance Will Cover Your Procedure

Determining whether insurance will cover the cost of your mommy’s makeover procedure can be complicated. The best way to determine if you’re covered is by contacting your health insurance provider or reviewing their policy online.

Some insurers may offer coverage for medically necessary procedures only, like breast reduction after pregnancy. Still, they are unlikely to provide any coverage for other components of a mommy makeover package.

Check if pre authorization is required from the insurer before undergoing these types of surgeries. Pre authorization involving multiple procedures requires submitting medical records, evaluation by an independent reviewer approved by the insurer, or providing evidence supporting the necessity of certain operations included in a mommy makeover treatment plan.

Doctors may appeal on behalf of patients requesting more extensive surgery than what would ordinarily be determined medically necessary. This differs on a case by case basis and is ultimately up to the discretion of each particular health insurance company.

Finding the Best Doctor for a Mommy Makeover

Patients should thoroughly research when seeking the right plastic surgeon for a mommy makeover. Anyone should want a knowledgeable team that is highly experienced and a qualified doctor who specializes in providing mommy makeovers.

Talk to other patients or go online to find mommy makeover reviews and testimonials from people who have already had similar procedures done by the same doctor you are considering. Also, look at before and after photos of their work. This will give you an idea of the results they can achieve.

Image Credit: Bnenin / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Make sure to schedule an initial consultation with the prospective doctor to get answers to any questions or concerns about the procedure, including possible risks and how long the recovery time should be expected to take.

When choosing an experienced surgeon for your mommy makeover plastic surgery, be sure to ask lots of questions and discuss all aspects of safety, cost, and recovery time before making any decisions. Consider factors such as accreditation from recognized professional boards like the American Board of Plastic Surgery, years in practice, client feedback, reputation, financial terms transparency, and reported lawsuits.

Financing Options for Mommy Makeover Surgery

Financing options are available to help cover the cost of a mommy makeover. Also, plastic surgeons may offer payment plans, credit cards, or loans to help patients pay for their mommy makeover procedures.

Patients may explore outside financing companies specializing in cosmetic surgeries and procedures, such as CareCredit or Alphaeon Credit. Patients must research all potential financing and payment options before deciding on one to find the most suitable option, depending on their situation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Does Insurance Cover Mommy Makeover

1. What Is a Mommy Makeover?

A mommy makeover refers to cosmetic surgery procedures often used to restore a woman’s youthful look after childbirth, pregnancy, or severe weight loss. Common surgeries may include breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, and post pregnancy body contouring. 

2. Does Insurance Cover a Mommy Makeover? 

Insurance companies don’t cover the costs of a mommy makeover because the procedure is considered an elective procedure, not a medical necessity. Certain cosmetic treatments for restoring natural shape can qualify for coverage if deemed medically necessary, but eligibility and requirements should be clarified with your particular insurance provider.

3. Are There Financing Options Available for Helping Pay for a Mommy Makeover?

Yes, many plastic surgeons offer special financing through companies like CareCredit, which provides low interest or deferred payment plans, making those who consider getting this type of work done avoid paying substantial upfront costs.

Plastic surgery centers also typically offer promotions, making costs more bearable for budgeting.

4. How Successful are The Results of These Types of Procedures? 

Researchers found that most women who undergo mommy makeovers experience satisfactory outcomes after the operation, with a 95 percent satisfaction rate six months after the surgery. Long term improvements have been noted among surveyed patients, speaking positively about corrective factors and emphasizing dramatic overall appearance that boosts their self-esteem.

Image Credit: Lightfieldstudios / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Conclusion and Summary of Does Health Insurance Cover a Mommy Makeover?

Mommy makeovers are elective cosmetic procedures, so insurance usually does not cover them. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a mommy makeover can range from $10,000 to $20,000 US dollars if paid out of pocket. This amount can be financially straining for most people.

While paying for the procedure isn’t easy, financing options may be available to make the surgery more financially feasible. It is best to research all your options before committing to a mommy makeover and consult a reputable plastic surgeon to see if other surgeries can improve your body without breaking the bank.

Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.

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About the Author

Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.

To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.

Dr. Richland is actively involved with healthcare and medical societies, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Contact Dr. Richland today by visiting RichlandMD.com, scheduling a cosmetic consultation, or by calling 949-867-4496 directly.