Tummy tucks are a fantastic way to trim the midsection and repair internal muscle issues for a long-lasting result. They are also unique in that, while they offer medical benefits, they are considered elective procedures and are therefore not covered by insurance. This blog discusses the aesthetic and medical benefits of tummy tucks and how patients can use financing options to pay for their procedure.
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Tone and Tighten With a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is the ideal procedure for reducing excess fat and skin around the midsection and provides structural improvement to the abdomen by repairing separated abdominal muscles. This transformative procedure helps men and women achieve remarkable improvements that no other procedure can.
Despite comprehensive structural changes, tummy tucks remain primarily cosmetic procedures, so there is little chance insurance will cover the cost. In fact, this is so rare that most plastic surgeons don’t even accept insurance.
However, you have other financing options for your tummy tuck that work for you.
Why Isn’t Plastic Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Insurance only covers procedures and treatments deemed medically necessary. Anything else, like cosmetic improvements, is considered an elective procedure, meaning they aren’t necessary for your health.
These rules are stringent, and even with procedures that have proven physical benefits, such as breast reduction or tummy tucks, it’s challenging to get full or even partial approval.
Can a Tummy Tuck Be Medically Necessary?
Even though insurance companies view tummy tucks as strictly cosmetic, there are often medical benefits to a tummy tuck, including:
- Reduction of stress urinary incontinence. SUI often affects women after childbirth via vaginal delivery. Tummy tucks can help improve SUI by relieving pressure on the urethra and reducing incontinence.
- Reduction of postpartum back pain. During pregnancy, the expanding uterus and normal weight gain can put pressure on the back. For many women, this pain does not resolve after childbirth. Tummy tucks can alleviate this pain by repairing and strengthening the abdominal muscles.
- Correction of hernias. A hernia occurs when an organ protrudes through an opening in the muscles or tissues. This can happen when the abdominal muscles are separated and is usually repaired with a surgery very similar to that of a tummy tuck. Hernia repair can be easily included in a tummy tuck and can help prevent future issues.
How to Finance Your Tummy Tuck the Right Way
Today, plastic surgery procedures are much more accessible, and everyday people have the opportunity to enhance or change their appearances exactly as they’d like. Flexible medical financing is often what makes this possible for people besides the ultra-rich.
Patients can pay for their procedures in several ways, including through medical financing companies such as Cherry or CareCredit®. Both give patients the flexibility to break large sums into smaller monthly payments, with 0% interest options available.
Will Financing Plastic Surgery Hurt My Credit?
Generally, if you choose a deferred interest plan with your lender, you can spread out payments over 12 or sometimes 24 months without interest. If this is the route you choose, you can request a “soft” credit check that does not impact your credit score, and you can receive pre-approval for the amount of your surgery without incurring hits to your credit.
Another option that some plastic surgeons offer is in-house financing. For this option, you will pay your plastic surgeon in small increments until the full cost of the surgery is paid. After that, you can book your surgery.
Want to Learn More About Tummy Tucks in Phoenix, AZ?
Dr. Jennifer Boll is an experienced, double board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you determine the best options for your tummy tuck procedure, including flexible financing options. Dr. Boll offers a variety of options for patients looking to finance their tummy tuck. Call today at (480) 833-5200 or fill out the contact form to get started.