Labiaplasty: What To Know If It Will Be Covered By Insurance

Do you want to know if the labiaplasty will be covered by insurance?

Women consider labiaplasty for many reasons. Labiaplasty is a procedure that reduces excess skin in the vaginal area, known as the labia majora. Studies have shown that the most common reason for having labiaplasty surgery is to correct enlarged or elongated lips that can occur after childbirth or with aging. For some women, concern about the size of their lips may have started at puberty or after losing a large amount of weight through a weight loss procedure or diet & exercise. No matter what reason you’re considering labiaplasty, a common question is whether insurance will cover the costs.

indications for labiaplasty

Although the reasons for labiaplasty are important and a motivating factor for women seeking this surgery, many women are afraid or intimidated to ask their primary care provider if there is a solution and if it is potentially covered by insurance. We know it can be an uncomfortable topic to bring up and the team at SD Restorative Plastic Surgery is here to provide as much information as possible.

insurance guidelines

Unfortunately, in most cases, insurance will not cover or approve labiaplasty surgery. insurance companies review a procedure and determine if it is “medically necessary.” they do this in a couple of different ways. One way is to define the surgery as reconstructive or cosmetic. reconstructive surgery is defined as a procedure to correct an abnormal structure (such as a birth defect or after a traumatic injury) to improve function or appearance. cosmetic surgery is generally defined as the reshaping or enhancement of normal structures. this includes surgery performed to improve the patient’s self-esteem or physical appearance. Because lips come in many different sizes and shapes, and labiaplasty is enhancing the shape or appearance of a normal body part, insurance companies will almost classify the procedure as cosmetic and not “medically necessary.”

Sometimes insurance companies will take into account the impact the problem has on daily life. For example, with breast reduction surgery, having large, heavy breasts can cause ongoing upper back and neck pain. documenting the impact of upper back and neck pain will be a component of how the insurance company determines if the surgery is covered or considered cosmetic. Due to enlarged labia, women seeking labiaplasty complain of irritation with certain activities such as bicycling or may feel uncomfortable in tight clothing such as yoga pants or bathing suits. the skin in this fragile area can become irritated and create a frequent source of discomfort. Although this can negatively affect your day-to-day life, insurance companies look for provable health problems versus a source of discomfort. While every insurance policy is different, most will consider labiaplasty a cosmetic procedure.

options for labiaplasty

Despite the reality that labiaplasty is not covered by insurance, many women will undergo this surgery. If your symptoms and concerns are affecting your health and lifestyle, you should consider this procedure. The cost of labiaplasty is not as expensive as many other cosmetic procedures and at SD Restorative Plastic Surgery we offer financing options to allow for smaller monthly payments through our partnerships with Care Credit and Alphaeon. Labiaplasty surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, and most women can return to work after a week or less. If you’re considering labiaplasty, we encourage you to read more about labiaplasty in San Diego and contact us for a free consultation.