Covered and Noncovered Services : Surgery Services

Panniculectomy and Lipectomy Surgeries

Panniculectomy and lipectomy surgeries are covered by ForwardHealth with PA.

Panniculectomy, a procedure closely related to abdominoplasty, is the surgical excision of a redundant, large and/or long overhanging apron of skin and subcutaneous fat located in the lower abdominal area. The condition may accompany significant overstretching of the lax anterior abdominal wall and, hence, often occurs in morbidly obese individuals or following substantial weight loss.

Lipectomy is a surgical technique that is used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. These areas include the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, above the breast, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. It is not a substitute for weight reduction, but it is a method of removing localized fat that does not respond to dieting and exercise. Covered lipectomy services are done to treat functional impairment.

Note: Abdominoplasty, also referred to as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure that tightens lax anterior abdominal wall muscles and removes excess abdominal skin and fat. This procedure is not associated with functional improvements and is considered to be cosmetic. Abdominoplasty and liposuction are not covered by ForwardHealth, even when independent of, or incidental to, covered panniculectomy or lipectomy surgery.