Yes, Kaiser does cover skin removal after weight loss in some cases. Kaiser has multiple benefits plans to meet members’ specific health care needs and may provide coverage for skin removal after weight loss on a case-by-case basis.
Depending on the plan chosen, Kaiser may cover medically necessary skin removal surgeries following significant weight loss. Members should consult with their physician and a Kaiser representative to determine what is medically necessary and if skin removal after weight loss is a covered benefit under their plan.
Kaiser generally only covers procedures that are deemed to be medically necessary, so it is important to discuss with your physician the specifics of your situation and determine if coverage for skin removal is an appropriate choice.
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How do you get approved for a Panniculectomy?
Getting approved for a Panniculectomy is a process that may involve consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon and a primary care physician. First, it’s important to understand the procedure and why it is important to have one.
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat to create a more normal shape to the abdomen or torso. This may involve strengthening weakened abdominal muscles, removing skin, and/or repairing abdominal hernias.
After assessing the patient’s medical history, lifestyle and any medical conditions that may affect surgical success, the physician can provide pre-operative education, counseling and planning.
The decision to pursue a Panniculectomy is typically based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical and psychological health. Depending on the health of the patient, their physical condition, and the patient’s risk for various complications, doctors may require further testing such as blood tests, x-rays and other imaging to determine fitness for surgery.
Once the patient has been deemed a good candidate for the procedure, the physician must explain the risks and benefits of panniculectomy surgery to the patient. The patient must sign a consent form to indicate understanding and acceptance of the associated risks with the procedure.
The physician can then provide authorization for the procedure as well as pre-operative instructions such as laboratory tests, dietary instructions, and prescriptions for any necessary medications. Additionally, the physician may suggest an additional consultation with a dietician or nutritionist to develop a weight loss plan that accompanies the panniculectomy surgery.
The patient will usually be asked to obtain medical clearance from their primary care physician to ensure that they are in good enough health to proceed with the surgery. If the clearance is granted, the patient’s chart and all necessary paperwork is sent to the insurance company to be approved.
Once the insurance company approves and pays for the procedure, the plastic surgeon will then schedule the surgery.
Can a tummy tuck be medically necessary?
Yes, in certain cases a tummy tuck can be medically necessary. It is primarily used to correct significant loose skin and tissue that falls beneath the navel area, usually as a result of massive weight loss or pregnancy.
This excess tissue can cause several medical problems, such as infections, rashes, ulcers, hygiene difficulties, lower back pain and even hernias. Therefore, in cases where these issues are present and lifestyle changes and/or dieting have not been able to correct the underlying issue, a tummy tuck may be recommended.
During the surgical procedure the abdominal area is tightened, and the excess and stretched out skin is removed. Liposuction is sometimes used to remove deep deposits of fat and create a more long-term, better defined shape in the abdominal area.
The overall outcome is that a person’s body contour can look much healthier and well-maintained, and can have a positive impact on their physical health.
Is there a BMI limit for Panniculectomy?
No, there is not a specific BMI limit to qualify for a panniculectomy, but BMI can still be a factor in the surgical decision-making process. A patient’s body mass index (BMI) can help your doctor determine if the patient is physically healthy enough to proceed with the surgery, and if their excess weight may potentially interfere with healing.
Panniculectomy is a major surgical procedure, and there are associated risks. Generally, a BMI over 30 greatly increases the risk of complications associated with major surgery such as anesthesia, infection, and blood clots.
For this reason, doctors typically recommend reducing a patient’s BMI to around 25 to 30 before proceeding with a panniculectomy. Additionally, patients should be in good physical health when planning for surgery.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss all the potential risks and benefits of panniculectomy and make sure the patient is in good health before deciding to move forward with the procedure.
What makes a Panniculectomy medically necessary?
A panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdominal area. It is typically performed on people who have been obese for an extended period of time and have excess skin and fat that hangs down from the lower abdomen.
A panniculectomy is considered medically necessary when other solutions, such as diet and exercise, have proven unsuccessful at removing the excess skin and fat. People who undergo the procedure often experience a marked improvement in their quality of life, with improved mobility and comfort.
In some cases, the panniculectomy can also help reduce health risks associated with sagging skin and fatty tissue, such as skin infections and rashes, back problems, and difficulty performing activities.
A patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and goals will be taken into account before determining if a panniculectomy is medically necessary. Potential risks of the procedure must also be discussed with a physician prior to undergoing the procedure.
Ultimately, a panniculectomy can be a successful solution for people with excess skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdominal region, but it is important to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision.
Will my stomach be flat after a Panniculectomy?
A panniculectomy is a surgery that aims to remove overweight or sagging skin in the lower abdominal area. The goal of the procedure is to remove excess skin and fat, improve the shape of the abdomen and waistline, and restore healthy skin.
After the procedure, the stomach area should appear much flatter.
However, a panniculectomy is not a weight-loss procedure, it is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the volume of skin in the area. In order to keep the desired results, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
Depending on the individual, there may be some residual or loose skin which may require further surgery or treatments to enhance the results.
Recovering from a panniculectomy can take anywhere from six to eight weeks, after which the stomach area should be much flatter than before. The best results from the panniculectomy procedure can be seen if combined with healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
Does Kaiser remove breast implants?
Yes, Kaiser will remove breast implants in certain circumstances. Depending on the patient’s individual needs and the complexity of the surgery, a Kaiser plastic surgeon may perform the removal of breast implants.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your situation and determine the best course of action for you. Generally, breast implant removal is a relatively straightforward procedure.
Factors like whether the implants are saline or silicone, the size, and location can affect the complexity of the surgery, recovery time, and cost. If the implants are intact and not causing any further complications, they can often be removed during the same procedure.
Complications may include scarring, hematoma, infection, pain, and more. During the consultation, the surgeon will explain these risks, any possible complications, and any additional measures needed to ensure a successful surgery and patient satisfaction.
The cost and length of recovery vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Is breast implant removal ever covered by insurance?
In some cases, insurance may cover breast implant removal if it is medically necessary. For instance, if a woman has developed an infection or some type of complication as a result of her breast implants, her insurance may pay for the removal.
Additionally, if a woman experiences an autoimmune disorder due to her breast implants, her insurance may cover at least part of the removal process. It is important for women to check with their insurance company to determine their exact coverage.
In some cases, women may be able to receive partial coverage for revision or removal surgery. Patients should discuss all of their options with their doctor and insurance provider. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that many insurance companies may require documentation in order to approve coverage.
Therefore, women should be sure to keep all documentation related to their original implantation procedure as well as any complications they have experienced.
How much does it cost to remove breast implants in California?
The cost of having breast implants removed in California depends on several factors, including the type of implants chosen, the complexity of the procedure, the experience of the plastic surgeon, the geographic region, and the facility and anesthesia costs.
Generally speaking, the cost of breast implant removal runs anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000. This cost is typically higher than the cost of breast augmentation and doesn’t even include the cost of breast lift surgery.
There may also be additional costs associated with the procedure, such as prescriptions, medical tests, and post-operative care. It is important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the specific cost for your procedure.
How do I get my breast implants removed?
If you are considering getting your breast implants removed, it is important to first consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, they will explain the process of removal (as well as any risks and potential complications associated with the procedure).
The exact approach taken to remove breast implants will depend on the type of implants you have as well as the condition of your breasts. For instance, if you have saline implants, then the saline will be simply drained out of the shells.
If you have silicone implants, the process is more complex and may involve a minor incision from an existing incision or a new incision in a discrete area—such as along the inframammary fold (where the underside of the breasts meet the chest wall).
The implants may then need to be cut into pieces in order to better facilitate their removal, depending on the type and condition of the implants. After removal, the plastic surgeon will carefully close any incisions or wounds.
There are some potential risks associated with removing breast implants, such as infection, scarring, and asymmetry of the breasts. In general, follow-up appointments will be scheduled post-removal to examine your incisions and assess the results of the procedure.
Your plastic surgeon will be able to provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to help you achieve the best results.
Does my Kaiser insurance cover breast augmentation?
Unfortunately, most Kaiser insurance plans do not cover breast augmentation as a procedure. Kaiser typically deems the procedure to be cosmetic and elective, and therefore, consider it to be ineligible for coverage.
Your best option would be to contact your local Kaiser plan directly to clarify your coverage and to inquire about other options for financing the procedure. Some Kaiser plans may offer discounts for elective procedures, so it is worth double-checking with your provider.
Additionally, many financing options are available for patients interested in the procedure, including CareCredit and United Medical Credit. Ultimately, you should discuss with your doctor to get a full understanding of the procedure, associated costs, and potential financing options.
What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts will return to their original size, shape, and appearance. In some cases, the breasts may appear smaller after the removal due to the skin and tissue that was stretched by the implant.
However, removal of the implants without replacing them can also cause certain complications. For example, some women experience asymmetric breasts due to differences in the amount of scarring or differences in the amount of tissue removed from each side.
There may also be changes in sensation in and around the breasts, as well as changes in nipple sensation.
Additionally, if the implants were placed through incisions in the crease beneath the breasts, those scars may become visible after the implants are removed. And in some cases, corrective surgery may be needed to reposition sagging tissues or remove excess skin.
Removing implants without replacing them can also lead to a deflation of the breasts. This can occur if the implant was above or partially above the chest muscle and gravity causes the breasts to sag as the implant is removed.
In such cases, a breast lift or other corrective surgeries may be needed afterwards.
It is important to consult with a qualified doctor prior to having breast implants or undergoing a breast implant removal procedure. This will provide a better understanding of the potential risks and side effects that may occur.
How do you know if your breast implants are making you sick?
If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms after receiving breast implants, it is important to contact your plastic surgeon immediately. The most common signs of a breast implant illness include: fatigue, cognitive impairment, joint pain, chest pain, dry eye, sleep disturbances, headache, increased sensitivity to cold weather, digestive issues, hair loss, a feeling of skin tightness, night sweats, and weight fluctuations.
Other symptoms may include skin irritation around the implant, a sense of well-being and energy on the days you don’t wear a bra and other skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
Additionally, if you have recalled breast implants, such as those manufactured by Allergan, you may be at higher risk for developing implant-related diseases. Due to certain ingredients used in the recalled implants – like polyurethane foam – the risk of ongoing problems increase.
Your plastic surgeon will want to investigate the underlying cause if any of the above-mentioned symptoms are present. A comprehensive physical and neurological exam may be recommended to look for any underlying conditions.
Depending on the results of the exam, your surgeon may suggest additional testing, including MRI or CT scans, to evaluate potential problems. If a problem with the implants is discovered, you may be recommended to have them removed and replaced.
Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will be able to detect any potential signs of breast implant illness, and determine if your implants are the cause of your health issues. It is important to listen to your body and contact your surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.
How to get insurance to cover breast implant removal?
Getting insurance to cover the removal of breast implants is not a straightforward process; however, if a person’s health is being negatively impacted by their implants, typically the insurance company will cover the removal.
To start this process, a person should speak with their primary care physician or other healthcare provider to determine whether their implants are causing health problems. If medical treatment, a medical assessment, or ultrasounds have already been performed, the medical paperwork should be saved, as this provides evidence that the removal is medically necessary.
The next step is to submit a formal request to the insurance provider with a letter of medical necessity, outlining why the operation is considered medically necessary. It is important to provide as much detail as possible, including any diagnoses and symptoms caused by the implants, and any evidence that it is a necessity to improve the patient’s wellbeing.
The insurance company will also need to know what type of implant was used and why it needs to be removed.
It is important to note that it is likely the insurance provider will deny the request and that determination might need to be appealed. That being said, if a person is experiencing particular medical symptoms, the insurance company is obligated to abide by the medical codes set by the healthcare industry, especially if their health is at risk.
Ultimately, the insurance company should cover the removal if it’s deemed to be medically necessary.
Who pays for breast implant recall?
The manufacturer of a recalled breast implant will typically cover any associated medical costs for those affected. Specifically, the manufacturer will cover the costs of removal and replacement of the recalled breast implants, as well as all other costs associated with the procedure.
The manufacturer will also cover any additional medical care that may be required due to complications that result from the recalled implants. In addition, depending on the terms of the recall, consent from the manufacturer may be needed prior to reimplantation.
There may also be reimbursements for medical costs—including travel and lost wages due to medical appointments—covered by the manufacturer.
Ultimately, the cost of the recall and associated medical costs are borne by the manufacturer of the breast implants and not the patient, but patients should always consult with their physician and insurance provider to be sure they understand all costs associated with their treatment.
