Is Brachioplasty medically necessary?

Author: Maya Denesik  |  Last update: Monday, November 17, 2025

Brachioplasty is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat and skin from the back of the upper arm. This procedure is done primarily to improve an individual's appearance. However, when associated with significant functional impairment, this procedure may be necessary to protect the individual's health.

Does insurance ever cover brachioplasty?

Will insurance pay for brachioplasty? An arm lift is typically a cosmetic procedure that improves appearance. For this reason, insurance often doesn't cover brachioplasty surgery. If your sagging skin is causing a medical issue, like recurring infections, insurance may consider it.

What makes loose skin removal medically necessary?

In order for the procedure to be considered medically necessary, several conditions may need to be met: Chronic skin conditions: Loose skin that has led to chronic skin conditions, such as infections, rashes, or open sores, is often considered medically necessary.

How to qualify for brachioplasty?

In general, arm lift candidates include:
  1. Adults with significant upper arm skin laxity.
  2. Adults of any age whose weight is relatively stable and who are not significantly overweight.
  3. Healthy individuals without medical conditions that impair healing or increase risk of surgery.
  4. Nonsmokers.

How to get approved for an arm lift?

Good candidates for an arm lift include:
  1. Adults with significant upper arm skin excess and laxity.
  2. Adults of any age whose weights are relatively stable and who aren't significantly overweight.
  3. Healthy people who don't have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risks of surgery.

Can a tummy tuck be medically necessary

What would make a brachioplasty medically necessary?

Conditions, such as persistent infection or maceration resistant to conservative therapy, may be indications for brachioplasty, buttock lift or thigh lift when the condition poses a risk to the health of the individual.

What is the average cost of a brachioplasty?

How Much Does an Arm Lift Cost? The average cost* of an arm lift is $6,732 for both arms. The cost ranges from $5,230 to $12,978, depending on the actual procedure and your geographic location.

Is there an alternative to brachioplasty?

Non-Surgical Alternatives for Arm Contouring

Several techniques can reduce mild fat deposits and improve skin firmness, including: CoolSculpting. Laser skin tightening. Radiofrequency therapy.

What is the insurance code for brachioplasty?

brachioplasty, a procedure to remove excess skin from Petitioner's bilateral upper arms, under CPT code 15878.

Will Medicaid pay for loose skin surgery?

Medicaid/Medicare may cover excess skin removal if it is medically necessary due to discomfort, limited mobility, or chronic infections. Medicaid/Medicare may cover weight loss surgery if specific criteria are met, such as a high body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related medical conditions.

How to get insurance to pay for loose 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.

Can you really tighten loose skin without surgery?

Laser treatment Some lasers can send heat deep into the skin without wounding the top layer of your skin. These lasers are used to tighten skin all over the body and can be especially helpful for tightening loose skin on the belly and upper arms.

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?

What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.

When is 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 much does it cost to remove loose skin on arms?

Arm Lift: Commonly referred to as a brachioplasty, this procedure targets sagging skin on the arms. Costs can range from $4,861 to over $6,600, depending on location and surgeon expertise.

How to get rid of arm fat without surgery?

Two of the most popular choices are cardio workouts and strength training exercises. Some people favor interval training, too, which can speed up the process of losing arm fat. Popular excises to help with arm fat include aerobics or cardio, strength training, and flexibility or balance exercises.

How to get insurance to pay for an arm lift?

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.

Does medical cover brachioplasty?

The costs for the procedure will vary based on your specific needs. Most insurance plans don't cover arm lifts.

How long is a arm lift surgery?

Arm Lift Surgery and Recovery

A brachioplasty procedure typically takes about one to two hours. During this time, your surgeon will make an incision in your upper arm, remove excess skin, then tighten and smooth the remaining skin. You will be discharged the same day.

Is a mini arm lift worth it?

Mini arm lifts are a great way to take years off your appearance without taking much time out of your life. Here are some of the benefits of this type of surgery: Tightening of the skin: A mini arm lift surgery can help to tighten the skin on the upper arm, giving you a more toned and youthful appearance.

What is the injection for arm fat?

Kybella for Arm Contouring

While it's widely known for treating fat under the chin, Kybella can also be used to target small areas of fat on the arms. Pros: Minimally invasive: Kybella involves only small injections, with no need for surgery or general anesthesia.

What is an invisible arm lift?

Invisible arm lift surgery or limited – Incision Brachioplasty is a procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper arms. It aims to improve the upper arms' appearance by creating a more toned and defined look.

Does insurance cover loose skin removal?

Most insurance companies consider an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, a cosmetic procedure and will not cover it. On the other hand, a panniculectomy is usually labeled as a reconstructive procedure, which insurance companies are more likely to pay for.

What is a 360 body lift?

A 360 body lift is a procedure that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin from the abdomen, hips, and buttocks. The result is a slimmer, more toned look throughout the entire torso. The procedure is most appropriate if you: Have experienced dramatic weight loss due to bariatric surgery or dieting.

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