5 Plastic Surgeries That May Be Covered By Insurance

Not all plastic surgeries are cosmetic surgeries. There are many plastic surgeries that are in fact “medical” rather than “cosmetic” surgeries, because they correct a functional problem for the patient, and the accompanying aesthetic improvements are just a bonus. Here are some surgeries that insurance or Medisave may cover, and also some procedures are NOT covered.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

If droopy eyelids (ptosis) or loose eyelid skin (dermatochalasis) is blocking your vision, then the surgery to lift the eyelids to improve your visual field may be considered a medical procedure. How do I know if I have ptosis? Your eyelid is drooping to the extent that it is partially covering your iris (black of the eye). Your eyelids and forehead may feel fatigued from the strain of the dire attempt to lift up your eyelids to see better. Not Covered: If your vision is not affected, upper eyelid surgeries are generally not covered.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Surgeries for the lower eyelids rarely covered, unless they result in exposure or irritation of the globe of the eye. Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid is pulled downwards and outwards, often by previous surgeries or accidents or aging. When the eyelid turns inwards, this is known as entropion. In this condition, the lash turns inwards too, rubbing the eye surface and causing immense discomfort, ulceration and visual problems in severe cases. Not Covered: Loose lower eyelid skin and eyebags with any eye disturbances.

Breast Reduction

Overly large breasts, also known as breast hypertrophy, macromastia or gigantomastia, can give rise to disabling symptoms such as back/shoulder/neck pain and recurrent rash or infection under the breast folds. To qualify the surgery as a medical rather than a surgical procedure, a substantial mass of breast tissue also needs to be removed from each breast. A plastic surgeon will be able to advise you if your surgery meets the criteria. After the surgery, the symptoms are alleviated and the breasts are aesthetically lifted. Not Covered: Breast implant augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy) and small size breast reduction without meeting the weight criteria.

Septorhinoplasty

If nasal deviation causes blockage of the nasal passage, a septorhinoplasty to straighten the nose to improve your airway may be covered. This condition can be developmental or caused by an accident. Not Covered: Pure cosmetic rhinoplasty or nose job, that only cosmetically enhances the nose.

Post-Bariatric Surgery

After massive weight loss following bariatric surgery, removing the excess loose skin as a result of fat loss may be covered by your healthcare subsidies. Not Covered: Body contouring and liposuction not due to massive weight loss.