Abdominoplasty: HSA Eligibility

What is abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a common procedure for both men and women who struggle to get rid of excess fat and skin that remains on their midsections with traditional diet and exercise. Tummy tucks are sometimes confused with liposuction, which is an invasive procedure that is designed to remove fat, but a tummy tuck is a far more major surgery that will require a longer recovery.

A tummy tuck refers to a procedure where excess skin and fat is carefully removed from the abdomen, but the most strenuous portion of the operation involves the reconstruction of connective tissues to create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer than before. This reconstruction is performed using sutures to fundamentally transform the look of the abdomen and may require several weeks of recovery before patients can return to normal activities (Mayo Clinic).

It's important to note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for traditional weight loss program and while the results are technically permanent, any significant fluctuations in weight could undo many of the gains that a tummy tuck surgery could realize (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

Why is abdominoplasty not covered by an FSA?

FSAs and other consumer-driven healthcare accounts are meant to cover medical products and services to treat or alleviate a specific medical condition. Because abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and is only meant to improve one's body image and is not for treatment, mitigation, diagnosis or cure or a specified medical condition, it is therefore ineligible for reimbursement.