Can I get a tummy tuck while in the military?

Army doctors regularly perform abdominoplasty procedures for military personnel. In most cases, the procedure is used to help women whose abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched as a result of pregnancy. However, abdominoplasty is also used by soldiers who lost a lot of weight prior to entering the service.

Is cosmetic surgery allowed in the military?

Active duty members must pursue cosmetic surgery at their own expense, to include the initial consultation with the plastic surgeon, all surgical costs and post-operative appointments. This also includes laboratory work completed at a civilian facility and pre-operative studies or tests required by the surgeon.

Will the military pay for loose skin removal?

After you've had weight loss surgery and lost weight you may have excess skin. Surgery to have excess skin removed after weight loss surgery may be covered if it is a medical necessity.

Does liposuction disqualify you from the military?

Liposuction May be the Answer

Does not being able to pass the Tape Test mean an active duty military member is fat? Absolutely not. But some people retain fat in specific areas of their bodies no matter how hard they try to eliminate it. And sometimes these body areas are the ones targeted by the Tape Test.

How long is recovery from tummy tuck?

Six weeks after a tummy tuck

It takes six weeks for the body to heal from cosmetic surgery. Swelling may last several weeks, but most patients are fully recovered in three months or less. At this point, it's safe to begin exercising and resuming normal activities.

HOW TO GET A TUMMY TUCK THROUGH THE MILITARY

Does Air Force cover plastic surgery?

“Solely cosmetic surgery for an active-duty Airman requires no payment unless cosmetic implants are part of the procedure; the implants are paid for by the Airman prior to surgery.” No surgery is done on active-duty members for weight reduction, Doctor Legan said.

How do military get free cosmetic surgery?

More to the story It turns out that although it's true that active duty personnel may seek cosmetic surgery — which, along with all other military health benefits, is free — the surgeon must first get approval from the prospective patient's commanding officer, which reportedly is neither easy to obtain nor frequently ...

Does TRICARE cover Mommy Makeover?

To be covered, surgeries must be performed no later than December 31^st of the year following the accidental injury or surgical trauma, except in the case of postmastectomy reconstructive breast surgery or cases involving children who may require a growth period.

How do I get TRICARE to pay for Panniculectomy?

2.1. 7 Panniculectomy performed in conjunction with other abdominal or pelvic surgery is covered when medical review determines that the procedure significantly contributes to the safe and effective correction or improvement of a bodily function (e.g., integrity of the skin).

How can the Army pay for liposuction?

Military insurance covers liposuction only if it is deemed medically necessary, not if it is considered cosmetic, which would be the nature of any procedure used to pass the test.

Does military pay for breast reduction?

TRICARE covers reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) when documentation supports the presence of medical symptoms such as: Backache. Upper back and neck pain. Shoulder grooving.

Does military pay for breast augmentation?

TRICARE doesn't cover augmentation mammoplasty or breast enhancement procedures. However, TRICARE does cover post-mastectomy reconstructive breast surgery.

Will TRICARE pay for a tummy tuck?

Tricare also doesn't cover other types of non-medically necessary plastic surgeries, including tummy tucks or the removal of excess skin due to weight loss.

Does TRICARE cover weight loss?

TRICARE does not cover nonsurgical treatment of obesity, morbid obesity, dietary control or weight control.

Does a gastric sleeve disqualify you from the military?

Bariatric surgery is a permanent change in your digestive system that requires following a specific diet plan that may interfere with operational deployment. Active duty service members who have bariatric surgery can't re-enlist.

Will the Army pay for a mommy makeover?

“TRICARE covers cosmetic, reconstructive, and plastic surgery to improve the physical appearance of a beneficiary only under the following circumstances: Correction of a birth defect (includes cleft lip) Restoration of a body form following an accidental injury.

Will the VA pay for cosmetic surgery?

a. Health care services are provided to eligible Veterans by VA consistent with the medical benefits package in 38 CFR 17.38. The medical benefits package specifically includes plastic reconstructive surgery required as a result of disease or trauma and does not include cosmetic surgery that is not medically necessary.

When is liposuction considered medically necessary?

Liposuction is usually not medically necessary. The procedure is typically reserved for cosmetic purposes. People choose the treatment to reshape problem areas of the body, including thighs, hips, and stomach. Liposuction is a last-ditch effort when exercise and diet aren't enough.

Will TRICARE pay for breast lift?

TRICARE doesn't cover augmentation mammoplasty or breast enhancement procedures. However, TRICARE does cover post-mastectomy reconstructive breast surgery.

What doesn't TRICARE cover?

In general, TRICARE excludes services and supplies that are not medically or psychologically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of a covered illness (including mental disorder), injury, or for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy or well-child care.

Do plastic surgeons do military discount?

A special military discount of 10% off surgeon's fees for cosmetic services is extended to all active-duty members of the US military, US Reserve, National Guard, as well as their spouses and dependents.

Does TRICARE cover surgery?

TRICARE covers surgery when needed and when it's a proven procedure. Laser surgery may be covered to the same extent as conventional surgery when the device being used has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Does TRICARE cover gyno surgery?

TRICARE covers medically-necessary medical, diagnostic and surgical treatment. Coverage criteria for surgical interventions may include, but is not limited to: Severe gynecomastia (enlargement has not resolved after one year) Fibrous tissue stroma exists.

Does TRICARE cover massages?

TRICARE doesn't cover massages.

Does military pay for chiropractic?

The Chiropractic Health Care Program covers chiropractic care. It focuses on the power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. at designated military hospitals and clinics for: Active duty service members.