Skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring or body lift surgery, is commonly sought by patients with excess skin, often following significant weight loss.
The average cost of skin removal surgery varies depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, geographic location, and facility fees. For example, a panniculectomy, a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the lower abdomen, can cost between $8,000 and $15,000, while full-body skin removal surgery costs an average of $15,350.
However, it's worth noting that some individuals choose skin removal surgery for cosmetic reasons. Procedures like facelifts and breast reductions are often considered cosmetic surgeries, available to anyone seeking aesthetic enhancements.
Insurance companies typically do not cover a skin removal surgery if it is deemed purely elective for cosmetic purposes. However, if you can demonstrate that the surgery is medically necessary and improves your quality of life, there may be a possibility of getting it covered under your insurance.
Read on to learn more about loose skin surgery costs, insurance coverage options, and alternatives you can use to pay for it.
Understanding the Need for Skin Removal After Weight Loss
From Fat to Fit to Fab
When someone gains a lot of weight, their skin stretches to accommodate the extra pounds. But when they lose weight, the skin may not bounce back as expected due to a lack of elasticity. This can leave them dealing with excess skin, making it hard to fully enjoy the fruits of their weight loss.
This loose, sagging skin poses functional limitations and physical discomfort. It can show up in areas like the abdomen, belly, breasts, arms, or buttocks, taking away from the overall transformation they've worked so hard for. Thankfully, various surgical procedures are available to address excess skin, as outlined in the table below.
| Surgical Procedure | Definition |
|---|---|
| Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) | This procedure helps address sagging skin and eliminates "bat wings.” |
| Mastopexy (Breast Lift) | Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening surrounding tissue. |
| Facelift or Neck lift | Tightens underlying muscles and removes excess skin to rejuvenate the lower face, reducing wrinkles and sagging. |
| Thigh Lift | Reshapes the thighs by removing excess skin and fat, improving thigh contours, and reducing sagging. |
| Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) | Removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening muscles, resulting in a flatter, more toned midsection. |
| Panniculectomy | A surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen. |
| Total Body Lift or Body Contouring Surgery | Comprehensive approach targeting excess skin and fat across multiple body areas following significant weight loss. |
Before undergoing any surgical procedure, individuals must consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, assess candidacy, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Did You Know?
Since pre-pandemic, there has been a clear rise in plastic surgery procedures. Comparing the 2022 Procedural Statistics to those of 2019, procedures targeting the body, like liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and arm and lower body lifts, have seen a significant increase, accounting for a 25% uptick in 2022.
Factors Influencing Excess Skin Removal Surgery Cost
What, Where, & Who?
While deciding to undergo skin removal surgery is a significant step, the cost can weigh heavily on one's mind. Several factors influence the overall expense of the procedure, some of which are discussed below:
➡️The Type and Extent of the Procedure
One of the major factors that influence the cost of the procedure is the type you wish to undergo. For instance, a full body contouring procedure will cost more than one that targets the specific areas of your body.
➡️Skillful Hands of the Surgeon
While it is always crucial to work with a skilled surgeon, their repute, experience, and expertise may significantly affect the overall cost of your procedure. Usually, it is the better the reputation, the more the fee.
➡️Where Can You Get the Procedure Done
The geographical location of the surgical facility also plays a role in determining the cost of the surgery. Major metropolitan areas and regions with a higher cost of living typically have higher surgical fees. Conversely, surgical facilities located in rural or less densely populated areas may offer more affordable pricing options.
➡️Additional Expenses
In addition to the primary surgical costs, individuals should consider additional expenses such as facility Fees, pre-operative consultations, post-operative care, anesthesia fees, medications, and follow-up appointments. These additional expenses should be factored into the overall budget for skin removal surgery.
How Much Does Skin Removal Surgery Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of skin removal surgery across major cities in the US:
| Major Cities | Surgeries | |||||
| Arm Lift | Breast Lift | Face Lift | Neck Lift | Thigh Lift | Tummy Tuck | |
| Seattle | $6,600 | $7,650 | $14,850 | $10,700 | $9,500 | $10,050 |
| Los Angeles | $6,475 | $9,575 | $16,325 | $9,450 | $9,225 | $8,725 |
| New York City | $8,000 | $5,625 | $13,675 | $9,625 | $7,200 | $8,250 |
| Washington DC | $5,475 | $7,600 | $11,525 | $8,950 | $8,825 | $8,500 |
| Las Vegas | $6,000 | $7,550 | $9,400 | $6,875 | $8,575 | $7,750 |
| Philadelphia | $5,275 | $6,800 | $8,325 | $6,400 | $10,325 | $7,725 |
| Miami | $6,875 | $6,325 | $9,825 | $7,350 | $9,725 | $6,025 |
| San Diego | $14,850 | $8,375 | $12,175 | $7,700 | $9,500 | $10,075 |
| San Francisco | $10,250 | $9,450 | $13,900 | $8,350 | $9,000 | $9,550 |
| Detroit | $9,850 | $6,275 | $10,950 | $5,500 | $6,200 | $7,925 |
| Boston | $6,700 | $6,625 | $13,225 | $8,000 | $12,750 | $8,825 |
| Denver | $6,500 | $9,975 | $10,675 | $8,125 | $9,250 | $10,175 |
| Orange County | $8,500 | $9,375 | $11,700 | $8,225 | $11,500 | $9,600 |
| Chicago | $7,500 | $7,250 | $13,325 | $7,150 | $15,500 | $9,325 |
| Houston | $12,175 | $9,200 | $11,500 | $7,625 | $10,400 | $9,425 |
| Phoenix | $6,000 | $8,150 | $13,000 | $11,400 | $8,000 | $10,125 |
| Dallas | $8,475 | $7,475 | $11,725 | $6,175 | $8500 – $10000 | $9,000 |
| West Palm Beach | $4,325 | $7,000 | $10,725 | $9,250 | $8,575 | $8,150 |
| Atlanta | $5,750 | $7,325 | $10,925 | $5,025 | $10,975 | $8,450 |
Will Insurance Cover Skin Removal Surgery Costs?
It All Boils Down to “Why?”
One of the most common questions patients ask is, “Does insurance cover skin removal surgery?”
When it comes to insurance coverage for skin removal surgery, it's crucial to distinguish between medically necessary procedures and purely cosmetic ones. Insurance typically won't cover elective surgeries performed solely for aesthetic reasons. However, if you can demonstrate that the surgery is medically necessary and enhances your quality of life, you may have a chance of getting coverage.
To increase your chances of insurance approval, consider the following:
◾Impact on Daily Functioning
Highlight how the excess skin affects your daily life and functionality. Provide examples of how it interferes with activities such as exercise, hygiene, or clothing choices.
◾Failed Non-Surgical Treatments
If you've tried non-surgical methods to address the issue without success, document these attempts. Insurance companies are more likely to consider surgery if other interventions have been exhausted.
◾Comprehensive Medical Records
Gather thorough medical records, including diagnoses, specialist consultations, and documentation of previous treatments. This information provides context and supports the medical necessity of the procedure.
◾Photographic Evidence
Submit clear, detailed photographs of the excess skin and its impact on your body. Visual evidence can help insurance adjusters understand the severity of your condition and the need for surgical intervention.
By presenting a compelling case that emphasizes the medical necessity of skin removal surgery, you can improve your chances of securing insurance coverage for the procedure. Work closely with your healthcare provider and insurance company to get valuable guidance and support throughout the process.
Focus On The Core
In 2022, liposuction and tummy tucks among Gen X surged by 25% and 50% respectively since 2019, indicating a shift towards surgical body contouring. Other procedures like lower body, upper arm, and buttock lifts also saw significant increases, suggesting a preference for surgical solutions to target stubborn areas that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise.
Other Ways to Pay for Excess Skin Removal Surgery
Be Smart, Choose Convenience!
In most cases, plastic surgery is considered elective and therefore not covered by insurance, unless deemed medically necessary. However, patients can work with their healthcare provider to get a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of the entire procedure. This will allow them to evaluate the financial aspect and make an informed decision concerning the surgery.
Additionally, patients can choose to either pay the entire amount at once or break them up as manageable payments. They can also opt for the following:
▶️Medical Credit Cards
To cover the expenses of skin removal surgery, you have the option of utilizing a medical credit card. These cards often come with attractive promotional interest rates, such as a 0% APR for an introductory period, like 18 months. Similar to regular credit cards, medical credit cards function as loans from the issuer to the user, allowing them to pay for healthcare services. It provides a convenient and flexible payment solution for elective procedures like skin removal surgery.
▶️Go for Denefits
Another convenient way to pay for skin removal surgery is to opt for Denfits payment plans. Look for healthcare providers that offer Denefits payment plans. Denefits lets you break down the costs into manageable payments, which you can pay off within the chosen period. This allows you to access the services while providing you with the necessary time to manage your obligations. Additionally, Denefits offers a no-credit-check policy and boasts a 95% approval rate, making healthcare services more accessible to a wide range of individuals.
FAQs
1. Why Is There Loose Skin After Weight Loss?
Loose skin occurs after weight loss due to a loss of skin elasticity and collagen.
2. What Is Loose Skin Surgery Cost?
The average cost of full-body skin removal surgery is around $15,350.
3. What Is Panniculectomy Surgery?
Panniculectomy is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen.
4. Is Skin Removal Surgery Covered By Insurance?
Skin removal surgery may be covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary, but typically not for cosmetic reasons.
The cost ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. The process typically helps remove excess skin from the lower abdomen.