7 Cosmetic Surgeries Often Covered By Health Insurance
Cosmetic surgery used to be strictly for the rich and famous but is now something many people consider. You may be surprised to learn some cosmetic surgeries have health benefits. Also some procedures are covered by insurance. You have to pay for elective options but if you're having related surgery, they may cost less because of surgery covered by insurance.
Read your policy to see if coverage is offered for the procedures described below.
1. Breast Reduction or Reconstructive Surgery
People with abnormally large breasts that affect their quality of life or cause bad pain and muscle strain may have breast reduction covered by insurance.
Also, after mastectomy, you are usually eligible for reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance of the breasts. This may include implants and cosmetic surgery to the skin and nipple.
2. Bunionectomy
People often want to get rid of ugly bunions.
Insurance companies don't care how they look but may have coverage to help you get rid of painful bunions which interfere with your everyday life. The way you walk may reflect the pain of shoes rubbing against bunions.
Bunion procedures vary from shaving protruding bone or cutting the bone and rotating the ankle to moving a big toe away from other toes. The muscle between the first two toes may be cut, if you cannot spread your toes far enough apart.
This is usually an outpatient procedure.
3. Eye Lifts (Blepharoplasty)
Lifting drooping upper eyelids may be covered by insurance if they impair your field of vision.
If your upper eyelids have excess tissue or fat, it's likely your insurance will cover this procedure. This is usually an outpatient procedure and not difficult.
You can pay extra for elective cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of your lower eyelids at the same time.
It's better to have an ocuplasty surgeon for eye lifts rather than just a cosmetic surgeon because he or she knows how to protect and restore eye muscles rather than just tightening skin.
4. Gastric Bypass (Bariatric Surgery)
An extreme treatment for obesity is a gastric bypass. This is often called a stomach bypass and can be quite risky. So you should consider other options first, like changing your eating habits.
There are several similar procedures, some more invasive than others. The risks vary with the type of procedure, your age, your health, your weight and other details.
5. Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
Insurance will likely cover surgery to correct a deviated septum. At the same time for a fee, you can get your nose reshaped.
A deviated septum is a flaw in the cartilage and bone between your nostrils which inhibits airflow and restricts breathing. It may increase susceptibility to sinus problems.
Look for a surgeon skilled in the corrective procedure as well as the cosmetic part. Otherwise, two surgeons will do the surgery, which adds to expense.
6. Varicose Vein Surgery
Varicose veins look ugly and because they're painful and affect circulation surgery may be covered by insurance. They can also become inflamed, enlarged and swollen with blood and fluid.
Sometimes symptoms are not very visible but if your legs feel heavy or tired and have dark blue veins, you may have this condition.
7. Mole Removal
This is often a minor procedure needed if a mole is precancerous or causes other health problems.
It involves cutting or burning off the mole and may require stitches. It's often done in a doctor's office with just a local anesthetic.
If the mole looks suspicious be sure a biopsy is performed to look for cancer.
Cancerous moles will need more treatment.
Ask Your Doctor
Before planning surgery learn about the risks, possible complications, side effects of anesthetics, types of anesthetics and recovery procedures.
Ask if your doctor will accept payment directly from your insurance company or if you need to pay in advance.
If your surgery is not completely covered, find out how much you need to pay. Financing may be available through a medical clinic.