Will insurance cover skin tightening?

Asked by: Dr. Cale Beer V  |  Last update: July 27, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (34 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 I get insurance to approve skin removal?

You need to schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Documentation will have to be submitted to your insurance company. Approval of payment of the operation has various components such as what your plan is.

How to qualify for loose skin surgery?

To qualify for body contouring surgery, you should have:
  1. Completed bariatric surgery at least 18 months ago, if that was your weight loss method.
  2. 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.
  3. Stable weight for at least six months.

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.

Will Insurance Cover Massive Weight Loss/ Excess Skin Removal Surgery? | Brown Plastic Surgery

37 related questions found

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.

Can you really tighten loose skin without surgery?

Yes, you can tighten your skin without surgery because there is a range of non-invasive skin tightening modalities to choose from. These energy-based devices use radiofrequency, ultrasound, or laser energy to tighten loose skin.

How painful is loose skin surgery?

Excess skin removal procedures are major surgeries. You can expect to have pain for a few weeks. Your healthcare provider will prescribe pain medicine and offer tips to ease discomfort. You may have more pain when moving around, climbing stairs or getting off the couch.

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?

Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance? A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by insurance. Our financial counselors will work with you to determine your financial options.

Will insurance pay for liposuction?

Liposuction is generally not covered by insurance as it is a cosmetic procedure. In general, health insurance will not pay for elective surgeries. If a procedure is not deemed medically necessary, it will usually be denied by the insurance companies.

How do I know if my insurance covers dermatology?

Whether your insurance covers your dermatology treatment ultimately depends on the type of plan you have and what that plan covers. The best way to determine this is to read through your literature for your insurance plan. If you still have questions, you can also connect with their customer service department and ask.

How much weight do you lose with skin removal surgery?

On average, patients may experience 5 to 10 pounds lost after their body lift surgery. Typically, the best body lift results are achieved when a patient is close to or at their goal weight before surgery.

How to get insurance to approve skin removal?

You'll need to prove that your surgery is medically necessary in order for your insurance company to pay for it, so you'll want to first speak with your doctor. Begin documenting all the steps you've taken to overcome your medical issues so that your doctor can understand that surgery is truly a last resort.

How much does it cost to tighten 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.

Is it worth getting loose skin removed?

Long-term Benefits and Quality of Life

The primary purpose of skin removal and body contouring surgery is more than aesthetic–it improves your quality of life. The removal of excess skin can alleviate problems such as skin rashes or discomfort, allowing you to lead a more active, fulfilling life.

Can you lose 150 lbs without 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.

Is there a grant for cosmetic surgery?

The National Endowment for Plastic Surgery Grant is intended to support research projects that translate clinical or basic science research findings into clinically relevant advancements or tools with a high likelihood of impacting daily practice and patient care within the next few years.

How long does skin tightening surgery last?

Laser skin tightening is a cosmetic procedure that uses heat to promote the natural production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that firm and plump skin. With proper care, results can for up to 3 years, creating firmer, tighter skin.

What do the Kardashians use for skin tightening?

Morpheus 8 is an effective non-invasive laser treatment that can give you a smoother and tighter appearance without any downtime. The results of this laser treatment are so spectacular that celebrities like Kim Kardashian swear by it.

How much does skin removal surgery cost?

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.

Does insurance cover lower body lift?

A surgeon's cost will be based on his or her experience, the type of procedure(s) used and the geographic office location. Most health insurance does not cover body lift surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

How much does a mini thigh lift cost?

Mini thigh lift: Prices typically start at around $5,000. It's the most affordable option, but targets sagging only in the inner area of the upper thighs, so it's not a good option for everyone. Inner (medial) thigh lift: This option is more extensive (and expensive) than a mini lift.

Does a 360 body lift include a tummy tuck?

The 360º body lift goes one step beyond traditional tummy tuck surgery and liposuction by combining several techniques to sculpt and contour the entire midsection. The 360º body lift involves removing excess fat and skin around the entire waistline, back, and abdomen.