Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes localized fat deposits using suction, as defined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Health insurance policies such as those from Aetna and Cigna typically do not cover liposuction when performed solely for aesthetic purposes.

Insurers like UnitedHealthcare may consider coverage if liposuction treats medically necessary conditions, including lymphedema or lipedema documented by medical records. Medicare excludes liposuction for cosmetic reasons but may approve it if clinical documentation proves need for treating chronic health issues like massive localized lymphedema, based on information from YourInsurance.info.

Pre-authorization forms from carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield require proof of failed conservative treatments before approving medically indicated liposuction. The average out-of-pocket cost for cosmetic liposuction in the US ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 per treatment area, according to 2022 ASPS data.

Most employer group plans exclude reimbursement for post-surgical complications from elective liposuction unless the surgery addressed a non-cosmetic pathology. Documentation required by insurers includes physician notes, diagnosis codes, and radiology reports confirming medically necessary indications.

Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) rarely reimburse expenses related to cosmetic-only liposuction; IRS Publication 502 lists eligible exceptions tied to disease treatment. Appeals processes at major insurers allow members to contest claim denials for medically necessary liposuction if they submit supporting evidence demonstrating functional impairment or underlying disease.