Labiaplasty, also known as labia surgery, is reconstructive surgery or cosmetic surgery for the labia minora, to help them appear more flush or “tucked in” with the labia majora. This surgery is a type of vaginal rejuvenation. Although it may be performed in conjunction with vaginoplasty, the two procedures are different.
When it comes to labiaplasty cost concerns, patients often have questions regarding insurance. Specifically, women want to know if they can get labiaplasty covered by insurance and, if so, how to get labiaplasty covered by insurance. Commonly asked questions include:
- How much does labiaplasty surgery cost?
- Is a labiaplasty covered by insurance?
- Does an obgyn refer labiaplasty patients?
As a general rule, health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. Typically, insurance coverage is reserved for procedures that are deemed medically necessary. Rhinoplasty because of a deviated septum, for example, may be covered so that the insured can return to normal breathing. Breast augmentation is also sometimes covered after a mastectomy.
So, can you get a labiaplasty covered by insurance?
Sometimes, when the surgery is needed for medical reasons, this procedure is often covered. However, there’s more to unpack here, so we invite you to read on to get a better picture of what you can expect for your labiaplasty coverage.
Labiaplasty Procedure
Labiaplasty surgery involves different surgical techniques. The trim method involves trimming the excess labial tissue along the edges and suturing it for a more contoured appearance. The wedge method removes a V-shaped wedge of tissue from the thickest part of the labia minora, preserving the natural edges for a seamless look.
Some surgeons also use laser labiaplasty, which employs laser technology for precise tissue removal and reduced bleeding. Patients can choose between local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia if they prefer to be completely unconscious during the procedure. Recovery typically involves swelling and discomfort lasting for one to two weeks, with strenuous activities, including exercise and sexual intercourse, to be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Sutures are usually dissolvable, and full healing occurs within six to eight weeks.
Is Labiaplasty Covered by Insurance?
Labiaplasty is typically not covered by insurance unless the procedure is medically necessary.
Basically, insurance providers will evaluate your situation and the proposed procedure to determine if the latter will be “reconstructive” in nature or purely cosmetic. As a rule, health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures, so your procedure will need to be deemed reconstructive if you want to get a “free labiaplasty” (one covered by insurance).
When Is Labiaplasty Considered Medically Necessary?
So, what qualifies you for a labiaplasty coverage?
Before diving into the specific ways labiaplasty may be covered, let’s go over the difference between reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery because this is what your insurance company will be focusing on.
Reconstructive plastic surgery (sometimes just called “plastic surgery” to delineate it from cosmetic surgery) is surgery that returns the patient’s face or body to its normal function and appearance. Let’s take a woman who’s undergone a mastectomy (breast removal), for example.
Women may undergo a mastectomy because they’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or because they have a strong family history of breast cancer. In this case, insurance will often pay for reconstructive breast augmentation — or breast augmentation (implants) meant to return the patient’s breasts to their normal appearance.
On the other hand, insurance will not cover this same procedure for a woman who has not undergone a mastectomy and who, perhaps, desires breast augmentation because she wants to have larger breasts for aesthetic reasons.
In the case of the patient who underwent a mastectomy, her breast augmentation would be considered a reconstructive surgery (plastic surgery). For the patient who wanted larger breasts to improve her appearance, her breast augmentation would be considered a cosmetic surgery.
Only reconstructive surgery is covered by health insurance.
Ultimately, here is a list of the main reasons for medical insurance labiaplasty insurance coverage:
- Chronic pain, itching, and discomfort in and around the labia
- Persistent chronic urinary infections
- Chronic discharge or rashes
- Difficulty urinating
How to Document Your Medical Need for Labiaplasty
Women who have serious medical reasons for labiaplasty surgery will need to document their medical reasons so that they can get labiaplasty insurance coverage.
Basically, your medical records will need to show that you’ve been forced to see doctors or specialists to discuss labia-related issues in the past. Perhaps you’ve made appointments for kidney infections, trouble urinating, UTIs (urinary tract infections), chronic pain, or difficulty having sex.
Does Your Insurance Cover Labiaplasty?
In order to determine if your insurance company covers labiaplasty, you’ll need to call your provider directly. While most health insurance providers have online charts and outlines of what’s covered and what’s not under their plans, contacting them directly is always the best course of action when you need preauthorization.
Once you’re connected with a customer service representative, and they’ve got your plan pulled up, tell them about the reason(s) you’re looking to get labiaplasty. Remember that your provider will only offer full or partial coverage if you have a medical need for this procedure, so do not mention embarrassment or emotional discomfort if you’re looking for coverage.
Finally, keep in mind that labiaplasty is rarely covered by insurance. While this is not meant to discourage you, it’s important to understand so that you don’t expect and make plans assuming that your procedure will be paid for.
Other Payment Options for Labiaplasty
If your insurance does not cover labiaplasty, there are alternative payment options to consider. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may be used if the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Many clinics also offer third-party financing through companies like CareCredit or in-house payment plans with flexible terms.
Medical loans from banks and credit unions can provide additional financing options. Some clinics offer discounts for upfront payments, while bundling multiple procedures may reduce overall costs. Consulting with your plastic surgeon’s office can help you explore these alternatives and determine the best financial plan for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labiaplasty Insurance
How much does labiaplasty cost?
The cost of labiaplasty varies depending on the surgeon, location, and complexity of the procedure. On average, it can range from $3,000 to $8,000.
Does insurance ever cover labiaplasty?
Yes, but only if it is deemed medically necessary. If labiaplasty is performed for aesthetic reasons, insurance will not cover the procedure.
How can I prove medical necessity for labiaplasty?
How can I prove medical necessity for labiaplasty?You will need a documented medical history showing chronic pain, recurrent infections, or other medical conditions related to the labia. Your doctor may need to provide notes and recommendations to your insurance provider.
Will my OB-GYN refer me for labiaplasty?
Yes, if they believe the procedure is medically necessary. They can document your symptoms and refer you to a specialist.
Can I use financing options for labiaplasty?
Yes. Many plastic surgery clinics offer financing plans, and third-party financing companies also provide payment options for elective procedures.
How long is the recovery for labiaplasty?
Most patients recover within 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first few weeks, but pain can usually be managed with medication.
Is labiaplasty painful?
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. Post-surgical discomfort is manageable with prescribed pain relievers.
Are there risks associated with labiaplasty?
As with any surgery, labiaplasty carries risks such as infection, scarring, and changes in sensation. Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon minimizes these risks.
What should I expect during the consultation?
During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss your concerns, evaluate your anatomy, explain the procedure, and review potential risks and benefits. They may also show before-and-after photos of previous patients.
How do I choose the right surgeon for labiaplasty?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon or gynecologist with experience in labiaplasty. Reviewing patient testimonials, before-and-after photos, and credentials can help ensure you choose a qualified provider.
Consult With Dr. Ashley Steinberg
If you plan to undergo labiaplasty, it’s important to meet with a plastic surgeon first, before everything else, so that you can discuss your candidacy, the cost of surgery, and more. Female board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg has extensive training in the correction of labia minora hypertrophy (large labia) in the Houston, TX area.
To learn more about labiaplasty and to find out if you qualify for labiaplasty insurance coverage, contact our office and book a consultation with Dr. Steinberg today.
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