Ask a Plastic Surgeon--Abdominoplasty--Question 14

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Question 14

Question: I had a heart transplant 9 years ago because of viral cardiomyapothy. I gained a lot of weight and now I feel great because I only take 2.5 mgs of prednisone now and I have lost 60 pounds. I am constantly getting rashes in the fold of my stomach because of all the extra skin. My primary care doctor said I should see a plastic surgeon and investigate whether I could get a tummy tuck under my insurance plan. Does the heart transplant disqualify me as a candidate for plastic surgery? Is it possible that insurance could cover a tummy tuck?
From: Mary, Arizona 01/23/2008

Response: The answers are no and possibly respectively. Although prednisone can lead to slower healing and higher risk of infection, removal of the pannus (extra fold of skin)can be performed safely despite it. Insurance will sometimes cover the cost as they can see the cost benefit, not to mention the health benefit from the surgery for you. You would have to contact a plastic surgeon, preferably one who is a provider for your insurance carrier and determine if they will cover some of the cost. The best time to perform a tummy tuck is when you have reached your target weight.

Submitted by: Dr. Gregory Caputy, Honolulu, HI Web site for Dr. Caputy

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