Scar Treatment: HSA Eligibility

What is scar treatment?

Scar treatment is a method of removing scar tissue for cosmetic purposes. There are various methods of performing scar treatments, such as cryotherapy, surgery, and keloid prevention via gel pads or pressure treatment (WebMD).

Scar treatment is generally not considered eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account because it is typically a cosmetic procedure. If a scar is the result of illness, injury or deformity, then treatment may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a medical professional.

A major burn and its subsequent scarring may be debilitating and require scar treatment in order for the individual to return to a normal lifestyle. In such a case, a medical professional can be consulted to obtain an LMN for scar treatment.

Keloid scars extend beyond the original site of the injury and are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. They may impair movement similarly to contracture scars. Hypertrophic and acne scars are less likely to produce any debilitating effects, and scar treatments to remove them are more likely to be considered cosmetic in nature, and therefore ineligible for reimbursement with any consumer-directed healthcare accounts.