Ask a Surgeon - Tummy Tuck - I am interested in information on tummy tucks. I have had three...

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I am interested in information on tummy tucks. I have had three pregnancies—the...

Q:

I am interested in information on tummy tucks. I have had three pregnancies—the last one was twins—so I have a significant amount of loose skin. I also have constant minor back pain and bladder incontinence. I have heard a tummy tuck can sometimes correct these problems. Is this true, and what are the chances of insurance covering such a surgery? Also, can a hysterectomy and a tummy tuck be done at the same time?

A:

A hysterectomy and an abdominoplasty can be combined if you get a go-ahead from both your gynecologist and your plastic surgeon. There is some increased incidence in the complication rate, but in most cases the two procedures are successfully done together without undue complications. Abdominoplasty might have a positive effect on back problems that are postural in origin, but I am unaware of any documented improvement in incontinence, unless additional bladder surgery is done simultaneously.

There are many different insurance policies available and each has its own provisions. At any rate, make sure to obtain supportive documentation from your surgeon. Most insurance companies will cover functional/correctional surgery. However, most will not cover all the cost when functional and cosmetic surgeries are combined. For specifics, ask the consumer reps at your insurance company. Some insurance companies will not tell you what’s covered until after your claim is filed—and then they may deny the claim.