Will Insurance Cover A Breast Augmentation After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello! I am 31 years old and I used to be 375 lbs until I had gastric bypass surgery two years ago. Today I weigh 157 lbs, but now I suffer from loose skin on my abdomen, arms, buttocks, and thighs. I have a “skirt” of abdominal skin that reaches down to my groin area, and I suffer from irritation, yeast, and sores due to this excess skin. My breast size also went down significantly. I currently am on Medicare and Medicaid, and I was wondering if you offer a procedure that can remove this abdominal “skirt” that is covered by Medicare. Furthermore, I am also interested in getting a breast augmentation, and was wondering if my Medicare will cover it if it will cover the “tummy tuck” surgery. Thank you, and I look forward to your response!

A: Thank you for your inquiry. While you would do well with a circumferential body lift or even a frontal abdominal panniculectomy, I am not a Medicare provider so I can not be of assistance to you.

While there is the chance of some coverage by Medicare for an abdominal panniculectomy, there is no chance that they would ever cover a completely cosmetic procedure such as breast augmentation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana