Can insurance cover breast and back surgery for lipedema treatment?

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat buildup, particularly in the lower body, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with mobility. Lipedema treatments typically include specific surgical techniques that decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. Mastopexy (breast lift), breast reduction, and posterior body lift are surgeries that are often included in a comprehensive lipedema treatment plan. Patients often seek insurance coverage for these surgeries, particularly when they are part of an all-inclusive lipedema treatment plan. However, it is important to note that most insurance companies typically do not cover these procedures as they are deemed cosmetic. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz specializes in treating lipedema and collaborates with many insurance carriers to obtain coverage for lipedema surgery in Dallas, Texas.

Understanding Breast Body Surgery for Lipedema Treatment

Mastopexy

A mastopexy, often known as a breast lift, is a surgical operation that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. For lipedema patients, this treatment may be required to remove disproportionate fat deposits in the chest that create discomfort or functional difficulties. In some cases, mastopexy can alleviate pain caused by weight straining on the chest or enhance the fit of supporting clothing.

Breast Reduction with Insurance

However, if certain conditions are met, most insurance plans will cover breast reduction surgery. It usually depends on what medical issues a person has that have significant impacts on their quality of life. Commonly recognized symptoms include persistent shoulder, back, and neck pain; bra strap grooving; rashes or skin irritation beneath the breasts; and difficulty with posture. To qualify for coverage, patients must often provide Dr. Azouz with documentation documenting their symptoms as well as evidence that non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy or pain management, were ineffective. Furthermore, insurance companies may require a specific quantity of breast tissue to be removed based on the patient’s body measurements. At Dr. Azouz’s office, we help patients through the insurance process and make sure that all the paperwork required to support your claim is prepared.

Posterior Body Lift

A posterior body lift removes excess fat and skin from the lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Lipedema treatment can assist in resolving the disproportionate accumulation of fat in the lower body, hence improving body contour and mobility. This procedure is often performed after liposuction surgeries to remove excess saggy skin from the back.

Why Insurance Does not Cover Mastopexy or Posterior Body Lift

Insurance companies often define mastopexy and posterior body lift as cosmetic treatments, regardless of their function in lipedema treatment. This classification is based on the following factors:

• Not primarily functional: Unlike liposuction, which can relieve pain and swelling by removing unhealthy fat, a mastopexy or posterior body lift does not address the underlying cause of lipedema.
• Aesthetic Benefits: Breast and body lifts are frequently viewed by insurance providers as cosmetic procedures rather than medical therapy.
• Policy Exclusions: Most insurance plans specifically limit coverage for body contouring procedures, particularly when conducted in conjunction with medically necessary treatments.

Financing Options For Lipedema Surgery

Although insurance does not cover mastopexy and posterior body lift, there are alternatives for managing their costs:

• Financial Plans: Dr. Azouz’s office offers financing through CareCredit for manageable payments.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): While insurance will not cover these operations, you may be able to utilize pre-tax funds from an HSA or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) to help cover some of the costs.

How Dr. Azouz Can Help You Meet Your Lipedema Treatment Goals

Dr. Azouz is an expert in lipedema surgery, providing personalized operations tailored to each patient’s specific requirements. While insurance does not cover mastopexy or posterior body lift, Dr. Azouz works with patients to build a treatment plan that meets their concerns and maximizes their outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Azouz?

Dr. Azouz specializes in lipedema treatments, with an emphasis on both functional and aesthetic benefits. Dr. Azouz provides comprehensive care to each patient by delivering a variety of operations such as liposuction for lipedema and body sculpting. His staff advises patients on payment options, allowing them to attain their treatment goals with minimal stress.

Take the Next Step toward Relief

Although mastopexy and posterior body lift are not reimbursed by insurance, they are important components of a comprehensive lipedema treatment strategy. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Azouz today to discuss possibilities for improving your mobility, comfort, and confidence. If you’re thinking about lipedema surgery, contact us online or call us directly at (972) 702-8888 to set up a consultation and start your journey to comfort and mobility.