For people who are unhappy with their appearance, aesthetic surgery may seem like a quick solution to their problems. However, not all aesthetic surgeries are covered by health insurance.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the types of aesthetic surgery that are covered by health insurance.

Types of aesthetic surgery

Breast reduction surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts. The surgery is usually done to relieve physical discomfort, such as back or neck pain, caused by the weight of large breasts.

Breast reduction surgery may also improve self-esteem and body image.

If the surgery is done for medical reasons, such as to alleviate pain or discomfort, health insurance may cover it. However, if the surgery is done solely for cosmetic reasons, health insurance may not cover it.

Breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to rebuild a woman’s breast, usually after a mastectomy. The surgery aims to restore the breast’s shape, size and appearance.

Breast reconstruction surgery may improve a woman’s self-esteem and body image.

If the surgery is done after a mastectomy, health insurance may cover it. However, if the surgery is done solely for cosmetic reasons, health insurance may not cover it.

Nose surgery

Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to change the size or shape of the nose. The surgery may improve a person’s breathing, correct a birth defect, or improve the appearance of the nose.

Most health insurance plans will not cover nose surgery that is done solely for cosmetic reasons. However, if the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as a deviated septum or chronic sinusitis, health insurance may cover it.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to improve the appearance of the eyelids.

The surgery can remove excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, giving the eyes a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Most health insurance plans will not cover blepharoplasty that is done solely for cosmetic reasons.

However, if the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as ptosis (drooping eyelids) that affects vision or causes discomfort, health insurance may cover it.

Tummy tuck

Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to flatten and tighten the abdomen. The surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles.

Most health insurance plans will not cover tummy tuck that is done solely for cosmetic reasons. However, if the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as a hernia, health insurance may cover it.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to remove excess fat from the body. The surgery is usually done on the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, or upper arms.

Most health insurance plans will not cover liposuction that is done solely for cosmetic reasons. However, if the surgery is done to remove excess fat caused by a medical condition, such as lipodystrophy or lymphedema, health insurance may cover it.

Facelift

Facelift is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to improve the appearance of the face. The surgery can remove wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin from the face and neck.

Most health insurance plans will not cover facelift that is done solely for cosmetic reasons.

However, if the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as ptosis (drooping eyelids) that affects vision or causes discomfort, health insurance may cover it.

Chin surgery

Chin surgery, also known as genioplasty, is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to improve the appearance of the chin. The surgery can change the size, shape, or position of the chin.

Most health insurance plans will not cover chin surgery that is done solely for cosmetic reasons. However, if the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as a deformity or injury to the chin, health insurance may cover it.

Ear surgery

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to improve the appearance of the ears. The surgery can change the size, shape, or position of the ears.

Most health insurance plans will not cover ear surgery that is done solely for cosmetic reasons. However, if the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as a deformity of the ear, health insurance may cover it.

Scar revision surgery

Scar revision surgery is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to reduce the appearance of scars on the body. The surgery can improve the color, texture, and size of scars.

If the surgery is done to correct a medical condition, such as keloid scars that cause discomfort or affect movement, health insurance may cover it. However, if the surgery is done solely for cosmetic reasons, health insurance may not cover it.

The Bottom Line

Overall, most health insurance plans will not cover aesthetic surgeries that are done solely for cosmetic reasons. However, if the surgeries are done to correct a medical condition or relieve physical discomfort, health insurance may cover them.

Before considering any aesthetic surgery, it’s important to consult your doctor and your health insurance provider. Always make sure to properly research insurance coverage and their terms and conditions out of pocket costs should insurance not cover the procedure you are looking to have done.