How to get insurance to cover loose skin removal?

Asked by: Malinda King  |  Last update: August 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (28 votes)

Your insurance may cover surgery to remove excess skin if you experience frequent skin infections and/or rashes, if it interferes with your quality of life or if it is deemed medically necessary by your plastic surgeon. Often, you would still be required to pay out of pocket costs.

Does insurance cover getting rid of loose skin?

Medical necessity: For any procedure, insurance providers usually require that the procedure be deemed medically necessary. In cases where loose skin poses a health risk or leads to chronic skin conditions, such as infections or rashes, it may be considered a medical necessity.

How do you get approved for loose skin surgery?

Lost 100 pounds or more, a body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 30, or weight loss less than or equal to 40 percent. Stable weight for at least six months. A documented history of chronic, recurring symptoms due to excess skin for at least three months.

How much weight do you have to lose for insurance to cover skin removal?

Below are examples of criteria cited by insurance companies: You lost at least 100 pounds. You have held a stable weight for at least six months. You had bariatric surgery, and it was performed at least one year ago.

How to get skin removal surgery approved by insurance?

Answer: Insurance Insurance may pay for your skin removal as you have a medical condition that is exacerbated by the excess tissue. Please keep in mind that coverage, if provided, would include skin removal only and not cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck which include muscle tightening.

Panniculectomy Update

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What makes skin removal medically necessary?

Excess/redundant skin or tissue removal is being requested by a patient with documented recurrent chronic rashes, infections, cellulitis, or non-healing ulcers under the excess skin or tissue with documentation of at least a 3-month trial and failure of treatment with prescribed or over-the counter topical medications.

How to afford skin removal surgery?

Even if your insurance company will pay for your surgery, it's sometimes more cost-efficient to pay out of pocket if you have a high deductible plan. Paying in cash is also another way to save, as many hospitals and plastic surgery clinics offer small 5-10% cash discounts for paying in cash upfront.

Will insurance pay to remove an apron belly?

A panniculectomy might be covered by health insurance if it's deemed medically necessary. A tummy tuck, however, is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance.

Can you lose 150 pounds and not have loose skin?

Not quite. If your skin is slightly loose following moderate weight loss, it will retract by itself. For weight losses of over 100 pounds, you will need to undergo medical procedures to tighten it up.

How much does full body loose skin removal cost?

Full-Body Lift: For those who have lost a significant amount of weight, a full-body lift might be needed to remove excess skin from multiple areas. This comprehensive procedure can cost around $15,350 on average.

Will losing 100 lbs cause loose skin?

When you lose a lot of weight, such as 100 pounds or more, your skin may not be elastic enough to shrink back to its natural shape. This can cause the skin to sag and hang, especially around the upper face, arms, stomach, breasts, and buttocks. Some people don't like the way this skin looks.

How to get insurance to pay for brachioplasty?

Most insurance plans won't cover an arm lift procedure. However, if you are experiencing limited arm functionality or have an infection near a skinfold, there's a chance that an exception can be made. Talk to your insurance provider for more information.

How much does a 360 body lift cost?

As we mentioned, you can expect to pay between $11,000 – $15,000. Your current health insurance providers may not cover body contouring surgery since it is an elective procedure.

How do you qualify for loose skin surgery?

In general, you may be a good candidate for excess skin removal surgery if you:
  1. Maintain your goal weight for at least six months following major weight loss.
  2. Commit to a healthy lifestyle (nutritious diet and exercise) to help keep off the lost pounds.
  3. Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.

What reasons will insurance cover a tummy tuck?

Examples of medically necessary cases:
  • Postpartum complications: Issues like diastasis recti or severe back pain after childbirth.
  • Hernia repair: When a tummy tuck is needed to correct a hernia.
  • Chronic conditions: Persistent rashes or skin infections due to excess abdominal skin.

How much does it cost to fix loose skin?

The cost of skin tightening varies depending on the type of treatment, your provider, and your location. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, average prices can range from as low as $400 to as high as $2500. The cost for your SkinTyte™ treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated.

Does fat get jiggly before you lose it?

This releases energy for your body to use, but as the fat cells shrink, they leave behind a softer layer beneath the skin. Think of it like a balloon losing air—it deflates, but doesn't disappear immediately. Over time, your body adjusts, but the jiggly feeling can be a temporary step along the way.

Can you actually tighten loose skin after weight loss?

Yes. There are a variety of methods of tightening loose skin, including diet and muscle- strengthening exercise, over-the-counter creams and lotions, noninvasive medical procedures, and surgery.

How do you prove panniculectomy is medically necessary?

A panniculectomy is considered medically appropriate when there is documentation of a significant functional impairment, such as persistent cellulitis, abscess, or skin ulceration that has been refractory to medical therapy, not recurrent (i.e., does not clear up then recur), for at least six months, including a ...

How do I get rid of my hanging apron belly?

The result is often a large apron of extra skin that hangs from your stomach. Unfortunately, no amount of dieting or exercising will correct this problem. It's simply a manifestation of the fact that the skin has been stretched too far for too long, and surgically removing it is the only option.

How to get a tummy tuck for free?

Here are some of the ways to potentially qualify for a free or subsidized tummy tuck: Medical Necessity: If excess abdominal skin causes medical problems like rashes, infections, or back pain, a tummy tuck may be deemed medically necessary. In such cases, your health insurance might cover the procedure.

How do I get my insurance to pay for skin removal?

To increase your chances of getting a tummy tuck covered by insurance, you'll need to meet specific requirements: Medical Necessity – your surgeon must document the medical necessity of the procedure, outlining how the excess skin or abdominal wall laxity negatively impacts your physical health and quality of life.

Is removing loose skin expensive?

The cost of skin removal after weight loss surgery can vary depending on several factors such as the extent of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, geographical location, and additional fees. However, on average, the cost can range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a single procedure.

How to tighten loose skin on abdomen?

How To Tighten Skin On The Stomach After Weight Loss
  1. Strength Training. ...
  2. Professional Skin Tightening Treatments. ...
  3. Surgical Procedures. ...
  4. Long-Term Lifestyle Changes. ...
  5. Don't Forget To Hydrate. ...
  6. Mind Your Macros.