A Beginner’s Guide to Securing Funds for Skin Removal Surgery
There is so much to celebrate after massive weight loss—new health, new confidence, a whole new life. But even after working hard to shed a significant amount of weight, pounds of heavy, sagging skin can remain and lead to both physical and psychological distress. Thankfully, excess skin removal surgery can eliminate 15 pounds or more of excess fat and help you conquer all of your health goals. Below, find out how to get skin removal surgery covered by insurance, as well as other ideas to pay for the expensive procedure.
What is Excess Skin Removal Surgery?
Excess skin removal surgery is a type of cosmetic surgery that involves various body contouring procedures. These may be lower and upper body lifts, thigh and buttock lifts, panniculectomy, brachioplasty (arm lift), mastopexy (breast lift), etc.
Usually carried out following significant weight loss, these procedures focus on areas with excess folds of skin around the arms, abdomen, chest, and legs. Removing excess fat and skin after weight loss makes people feel more comfortable, mobile, and confident in everyday life.
Facts to Know About Excess Skin Removal
- Surgeons have been removing skin and fat since the turn of the last century; liposuction and muscle shaping came along in the ’50s and ’60s.
- More than 97,000 abdominoplasty surgeries and more than 8,000 lower body lifts were performed in 2020.
- In 2020, there were 7 million reconstructive surgeries.
- Tummy tuck recovery is different for every person. In general, you’ll have to avoid arduous physical activity for four to six weeks.
- Qualified surgeons will not perform any type of body contouring surgery unless you have maintained a stable weight for at least three to six months.
What to Expect Before and During Surgery
Before getting excess skin removal surgery, youʼll receive recommendations from your plastic surgeon. This can include stopping certain medications that raise the risk of bleeding, quitting smoking, and getting blood work done.
Most of the procedures involve general anesthesia and can be done in stages, depending on what areas are treated. Your surgery might be planned for a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. Expect multiple incisions to remove skin and reshape the body. The number of surgeries and types of incisions will determine how your recovery plan looks.
Good Candidates for Skin Removal Surgery
For you to be a good candidate, your weight has to be maintained for roughly three to six months, if you have dropped large amounts of weight or undergone bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass. The better candidates are non-smokers in good general health with realistic expectations.
How Much Does Skin Removal Surgery Cost?
Skin removal procedures are considered elective, and prices can be wildly different. Factors that affect cost include the geographic location, surgical center, and surgeon qualifications. Based on the Plastic Surgery Statistics Report:
- Panniculectomy: $8,000–$15,000
- Lower body lift: $7,924
- Upper arm lift (brachioplasty): $4,861
- Thigh lift: $5,355
- Mastopexy (breast lift): $5,012
Additional expenses:
- General anesthesia
- Facility and material fees
- Prescription medications
- Post-op supplies and follow-up visits
Financing Options: How to Pay for Skin Removal Surgery
Paying for excess skin removal surgery doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to manage costs:
1. Talk to Your Doctor
Curious about how to get skin removal surgery covered by insurance? Insurance companies won’t pay for surgery unless you can prove that it’s medically necessary, so you’ll first want to consult your board-certified plastic surgeon. Start writing down everything you’ve done to help yourself with your medical problems, so your doctor knows surgery is really a last resort.
2. Decide Which Type of Surgery is Best
Depending on your condition and goals, your physician may recommend a specific procedure such as a panniculectomy, brachioplasty, or lower body lift. Each is beneficial, risky, and costly in its own way. Be sure to consider your options, what will be the most sensible for your needs, and what your insurance is most likely to cover.
3. Use Your Health Insurance
If surgery is medically necessary, your health insurance plan may cover it. As an example, if the excess skin is leading to infections, difficulty moving, or persistent discomfort, your provider might include a panniculectomy as a part of your treatment plan. This is more likely if your doctor is able to document how the sagging skin is affecting your daily life.
Make sure to keep detailed medical records, especially if the surgery is recommended after bariatric surgery or significant weight loss. Cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a facelift or neck lift, on the other hand, are typically not covered unless they serve a functional purpose.
4. Start a GoFundMe
Thousands have turned to GoFundMe and other online platforms to crowdfund for medical and cosmetic procedures. This is especially helpful for those denied insurance or needing to cover a deductible.
When you start a fundraiser, be sure to share your journey and explain what the funds will cover. Many people are inspired to support a loved one’s final step in their weight loss journey.
5. Bundle procedures and pay in cash
Some surgical centers provide discounts to patients when they bundle procedures or pay cash upfront. Inquire if you can save money with a combined tummy tuck and another body contouring procedure, for example. Many clinics provide discounts of 5–10% for payments made in advance.
Success Stories From Real People
Miss_itty_britty raised over $11,500 to cover skin removal after losing 300+ pounds.
Jesse lost nearly 400 pounds after gastric bypass and raised more than $20,000 to remove his excess skin.
Casey, a former participant on My 600-Lb Life, raised over $20,000 to undergo transformative skin removal surgery.
Accessibility and Next Steps
Extra skin can present daily challenges, especially if it involves loose skin around your abdominal muscles, arms, or legs. The removal of excess skin can greatly enhance your quality of life, no matter if your motivation is for cosmetic reasons or of a more physical nature. While it’s an elective procedure, the right support and financing plan make it more accessible.
Find Financial Relief for Weight Loss Surgery Today
You’ve made great progress on your weight loss journey, and you should feel your best. Whether you need emotional support from your community, are considering insurance coverage, or want to start a fundraiser, there are resources like GoFundMe and people who can assist. Sign up today and complete the final step of your weight loss journey.