What medical clearance is needed for tummy tuck?
Asked by: Jolie Harber | Last update: July 8, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (68 votes)
What medical conditions qualify for a tummy tuck?
You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have extra fat or skin around your midsection. Or you might get this surgery if your stomach bulges due to separated abdominal muscles. That condition is called rectus diastasis, and it may cause low back pain.
What disqualifies you for a tummy tuck?
- Preexisting health issues.
- Currently smoking or using tobacco products.
- Obese or overweight.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30.
- Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications.
- Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.
What are the requirements to get a tummy tuck?
- You Have Loose Stomach Skin. ...
- You're Fairly Healthy. ...
- You Have Realistic Expectations About the Results. ...
- You're Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle. ...
- You Have Had a Baby or Been Obese. ...
- You're Done Being Pregnant. ...
- You're Not Planning To Lose More Weight. ...
- You Suffer From Stress Urinary Incontinence.
What tests are done before a tummy tuck?
ECG and Other Scans
Particularly for those with a history of heart illness, an Electrocardiogram (ECG) could be needed. Other scans, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, could also be required to provide a comprehensive picture of your abdomen including any extra skin.
Lab Tests Required for Surgery By Dr. Fasusi At Mia Aesthetics
What makes you not a candidate for tummy tuck?
Patients must be near their ideal weight before undergoing the treatment. Other factors, such as medication use, preexisting health conditions, and being a smoker, can also hinder one's ability to benefit from the treatment.
What do they look for in blood test before plastic surgery?
CBC With Differential
A CBC with differential will also include an examination of the hemoglobin and hematocrit in your red blood cells. This test helps identify risks of anemia and infection and is necessary before a surgical procedure.
What reasons will insurance cover a tummy tuck?
- 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.
What is the average amount for a tummy tuck?
The average cost of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is $8,174, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
What does no one tell you about a tummy tuck?
One thing that patients often fail to consider is the recovery time. The recovery period following a tummy tuck procedure can last anywhere from one to two weeks (or longer). Patients should keep this in mind leading up to the procedure so that they don't schedule any social gatherings too soon following the treatment.
How do I get my doctor to approve a tummy tuck?
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.
What would deem a tummy tuck medically necessary?
Muscle Weakness and Hernias: A tummy tuck might be medically necessary if you have weakness in the abdominal muscles or hernias. These conditions often present as a bulge in the abdomen or lower back pain.
What is the weight limit for a tummy tuck?
Many patients ask, “My BMI is 35; can I get a tummy tuck?” Most board-certified plastic surgeons agree that tummy tuck surgery is most safely performed on healthy patients with a BMI below 35. Ideally, you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight before surgery.
Which is cheaper, lipo or tummy tuck?
Liposuction is a less intensive treatment and typically costs less than a tummy tuck. Liposuction costs between $4,000 and $8,000 with an average cost of $6,000, whereas a tummy tuck ranges between $6,000 and $10,000 with an average cost of $8,000.
Does medical assistance cover tummy tuck?
In general, Medicare/Medicaid does not cover tummy tucks because they are considered cosmetic procedures. These healthcare programs primarily focus on protecting medically necessary treatments and services.
How to prove you need a tummy tuck?
An easy way to know if you need a full tummy tuck is to look for the following things while naked and standing in front of the mirror. From the front, do you have stretch marks around your belly button? When you pinch your skin, is it thick and snappy or is it thin and crepey?
How many years does a tummy tuck last?
A tummy tuck is permanent and can last a lifetime. You may need to adjust your lifestyle to maintain the results, like eating nutritious foods and exercising. Weight fluctuations can affect the outcome over time. Your healthcare provider can help you stay in good health to maintain your results.
How do most people pay for a tummy tuck?
Credit Cards. Some patients choose to use a credit card to pay for their tummy tuck. While this can be a convenient option, it's essential to consider the interest rates associated with credit card payments. If you plan to use a credit card, look for one with a low-interest rate or a promotional 0% APR offer.
Is there an alternative to tummy tuck?
Vaser Liposuction
This treatment is a minimally invasive tummy tuck alternative that allows for a decrease in fat, while smoothing and slimming the tummy area. Vaser Lipo is more gentle than traditional liposuction, because we begin by carefully dislodging the fat using ultrasound.
Who is not a candidate for tummy tuck?
If you are not finished having children and plan to get pregnant again, or are currently pregnant, you are not a suitable tummy tuck candidate. If you suffer from obesity, you are also not a good candidate for tummy tuck. Also, if you are a smoker who is not prepared to cease smoking, tummy tuck may not be for you.
How much should I save for a tummy tuck?
Generally, the cost of a tummy tuck in the state can range from $8,000 to $20,000. This price includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility costs, the compression garment, and other related expenses. According to RealSelf, the average cost of a tummy tuck in the Golden State is $11,681.
How painful is a tummy tuck?
Based on a scale of 1 to 10, it is common for patients to rate the pain at around 6-7 during the initial few days to a week, gradually decreasing to approximately 3-4 by the second week. It is important to note that pain levels can differ for each person.
What labs are needed for a tummy tuck?
The first item on your tummy tuck preparation list is blood work. Before you have surgery, we'll need to make sure your hemoglobin, electrolytes, creatine, and INR (blood clotting ability) are all within normal levels. There's no need to fast before these blood tests.
What tests are done for surgical clearance?
- Chest X-rays. X-rays can help diagnose causes of shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and certain fevers. ...
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the electrical activity of the heart. ...
- Urinalysis. This test can help diagnose kidney and bladder infections, and diabetes. ...
- White blood count.
What not to do before plastic surgery?
Smoking and the use of nicotine products should be discontinued several weeks before and after the procedure, as they can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications. Alcohol should also be avoided, as it can affect anesthesia and impair the body's ability to heal.