How to get insurance to pay for thigh lift?

Author: Prof. Kane Rohan Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, April 27, 2025

Insurance usually does not cover cosmetic procedures like bilateral thigh lifts. However, if a patient has medical issues related to excess skin, insurance might provide partial coverage. It's essential to discuss this with both the surgeon and the insurance provider before proceeding.

What makes a thigh lift medically necessary?

Buttock or thigh lifts are considered medically necessary when there is a significant functional impairment (for example, redundant or excessive skin is interfering with activities of daily living or causing persistent dermatitis, cellulitis, or skin ulcerations) and the impairment persists despite optimal medical ...

When will insurance cover loose skin removal?

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.

Will Medicare cover a thigh lift?

Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for your body lift. The only thing Medicare may pay for is a panniculectomy, though this is rare. For Medicare to pay for your panniculectomy, the abdominal pannus has to cover the pubic region and cause rashes. I would suggest you consult with a Medicare plastic surgeon.

How to get insurance to pay for cosmetic surgery?

Request a copy of the insurance policy and carefully review the elective vs. medically necessary procedures sections. Investigate Exceptions: Some insurance policies have exceptions that may cover specific cosmetic surgeries, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy or rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum.

Adventures in Thighplasty (Thigh Lift)

What plastic surgery is considered medically necessary?

Typically reconstructive surgery is considered medically necessary to restore function and normal appearance, and to correct deformities that are congenital, trauma related or created by medical conditions such as cancer.

How can people afford cosmetic surgery?

Plastic Surgery Financing Options

Common financing options include: Medical credit cards: The Gill Center partners with various companies that specialize in healthcare financing for qualified patients. These include CareCredit®, ALPHAEON® Credit, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending.

How to get insurance to pay for a thigh lift?

Insurance coverage typically does not apply to cosmetic procedures like thigh lifts. Patients should check with their insurance providers for specific details. Financing options are available through many clinics, making it easier for patients to manage costs.

What is the downside of a thigh lift?

Potential risks of a thigh lift include: Asymmetry (one thigh's shape doesn't match the other). Bleeding. Changes in skin sensation.

What makes skin removal medically necessary?

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 much does a 360 body lift cost?

The expected cost of body lift surgery

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.

Is cosmetic surgery cheaper in Mexico?

Average Cost of Plastic Surgery in Mexico

One of the biggest advantages of traveling to Mexico for plastic surgery is the cost savings. Procedures in Mexico can cost anywhere from 40% to 70% less than in the U.S. or Canada, which can make a significant difference, especially for individuals seeking multiple procedures.

What is the alternative to a thigh lift?

Patients seeking to tighten loose, saggy skin on the thighs may qualify for Renuvion treatment rather than a traditional thigh lift. Under the right circumstances, Renuvion is incredibly effective, but it is not suitable for every patient. Some individuals require more invasive treatments to see results.

How painful is a thigh lift?

How painful is thigh lift surgery? Thigh lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, so you won't experience pain during the procedure. After surgery, you can expect some mild to moderate discomfort during the first week, including swelling and bruising.

What is a 360 thigh lift?

A complete thigh lift, also known as a spiral lift or a 360° lift, is a possibility for patients who have excess skin and fat throughout the thighs and hips. With this technique, the entire thigh can be sculpted, eliminating lumpy fat, sagging skin, and similar issues from the inner, outer, and back of the thigh.

How long does a thigh lift last?

Thigh lift results usually last for five to 10 years. However, the lifestyle choices you make post-op significantly affect how long your results will last. Skin sagging is a natural side effect of the aging process. The older you become, the less collagen, HA, and elastin your skin produces.

How much does the Renuvion thigh lift cost?

How much Renuvion® is can depend on how experienced your provider is and the location of the practice. The average cost of Renuvion® is around $5,450. The final cost of your treatment can change depending on how large the area is or if you want to treat multiple body locations at once.

Can a thigh lift be medically necessary?

A thigh lift surgery is performed if there is a need to remove excess skin from the inner thigh area. The most common type of thigh lift surgery patients are usually those who have had a massive weight loss. A thigh lift procedure can be deemed medically necessary at times.

How to get insurance to cover 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 can I pay for surgery without insurance?

How to Pay For Surgery Costs That Insurance Won't Pay
  1. Review Costs.
  2. Talk to Billing.
  3. Lower Fees.
  4. Ask Questions.
  5. Borrow From Retirement.
  6. Use Your Savings.
  7. Use Home Equity.
  8. Take Out Unsecured Loans.

What happens if you get surgery but can't afford it?

Financial assistance programs, sometimes called “charity care,” provide free or discounted health care to people who need help paying their medical bills. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires hospitals with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to have programs to provide this care .

How to get free cosmetic surgery?

Free plastic surgery is usually reserved for a surgeon's spouse or close friends and family, but developing a good relationship with a qualified plastic surgeon can have its benefits.

Can insurance cover cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic surgery is primarily aimed at enhancing appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is elective and typically not covered by health insurance because it is not deemed medically necessary. Examples include facelifts, breast augmentations (for aesthetic purposes), and liposuction.

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