There are plenty of factors to consider before undergoing cosmetic surgery. One of the main components to think about is the cost; procedures can range from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. Because of this, you may be wondering if insurance can cover the cost of cosmetic surgery, or at least part of it. Generally, elective cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance. However, if a procedure is medically necessary or reconstructive, then there is a possibility of it being covered.
What Is Reconstructive Cosmetic Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), reconstructive surgery is “performed to treat structures of the body affected aesthetically or functionally by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease.” It is difficult to say whether a specific procedure is covered by insurance because coverage details can vary from case to case, but below are examples of reconstructive procedures that may be eligible for insurance coverage:
- Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, to address breathing problems
- Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, in the case of impaired vision
- Breast implant removal for associated illness or issues
- Skin removal surgery for a chronic rash, infection, or other condition
- Breast augmentation or reconstruction in the case of mastectomy for breast cancer
While reconstructive procedures have a clear medical purpose, many of them often serve a dual role, treating both an aesthetic concern and a functional health problem.
Cosmetic Surgery at Tampa Surgical Arts
While we don’t participate in any insurance, Tampa Surgical Arts is a great resource for affordable and quality cosmetic procedures. You can sit down with Dr. Manik S. Bedi, a triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Tampa Surgical Arts, to discuss any issues you’re currently experiencing and your reasoning for wanting a certain procedure.
You can come visit our Tampa Bay clinic for an in-person appointment or schedule a virtual consultation.
