Since plastic surgery is generally considered to be elective by most insurance companies, it is very rare that an insurance company will cover of the costs of these procedures. In some situations, however, if there is a proven medical need for the plastic surgery, some insurance policies will cover them. However, the patient going in for the procedure will have to prove to the insurance company that the surgery is necessary for the physical or (in rare cases) mental health of the individual.
A note from the doctor can help to prove this necessity, if needed. Patients should obtain a written letter from the general physician, plastic surgeon, and any other specialist; the letter should detail the medical need for surgery, and how the surgery will correct the medical problem. Here are the four plastic surgery procedures that an insurance company is most likely to approve:
Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery is not just about contouring the shape of the nose. In many cases, it can also be used to repair a deviated septum or other nasal issue. This is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures to be covered by insurance, because broken noses and genetic defects are common enough to make nose surgery an accepted method of repairing these issues. Reshaping the nose may actually help to improve a person’s ability to breathe properly, making this a viable medical procedure, instead of just a cosmetic one.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
As a person ages, the skin of the upper eyelid begins to drop and sag, as the collagen and elastin deposits in that area break down. While most men and women who see this as primarily a cosmetic issue, it may also have some physical implications. For example, if the skin becomes so wrinkled and sags so far into the eye area, vision may be obscured. In this situation, an insurance company may approve payment for upper eyelid surgery, tightening the skin so that it no longer makes it difficult for that person to see.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Whether the result of genetics or weight gain, women may have breasts that are simply too large and too heavy. The weight of large breasts can actually wreak havoc on the body, causing strain on the back, shoulders, neck, and chest, all of which can cause mobility and functional problems. A breast reduction surgery can not only help a woman look more proportional, it can actually relieve much of the strain that has been placed on her due to breasts that are large and heavy.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is legally required to be approved by insurance companies. This is because breast reconstruction is performed after a mastectomy, usually as a result of cancer. Because this is a result of disease, insurance companies are required to cover breast reconstruction of one or both breasts.
To schedule a plastic surgery consultation, and find out if insurance may cover the costs of your procedure, contact the practice of Dr. John R. Griffin.
