Q: Does health insurance cover cosmetic surgery?
A: In most cases, procedures done for purely cosmetic reasons are not covered by health insurance. Costs may be covered if a procedure is done to for a medical reason, such as to treat precancerous lesions. Always check with your insurance carrier for exact terms of coverage.
Q: Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?
A: People who have health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, emphysema are not generally good candidates for cosmetic surgery. Further, if you are malnourished, severely depressed, obese or you smoke or drink heavily, it is likely that you are not a good candidate. All surgery has inherent risks, but if you have a health problem it increases the likelihood of complications. Any and all health conditions should be discussed openly with your cosmetic surgeon so they can help you make the most informed decision.
A: People who have health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, emphysema are not generally good candidates for cosmetic surgery. Further, if you are malnourished, severely depressed, obese or you smoke or drink heavily, it is likely that you are not a good candidate. All surgery has inherent risks, but if you have a health problem it increases the likelihood of complications. Any and all health conditions should be discussed openly with your cosmetic surgeon so they can help you make the most informed decision.
Q: How old do you need to be to get plastic surgery?
A: You have to be 18 without parents permission, but if you are younger than 18 you will need their permission. If you are under 18 and do have your parent’s permission, the doctor needs to make sure you have stopped growing before proceeding with certain surgeries, such as rhinoplasty.
Dr. Mazin Al-Hakeem
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mazin Al-Hakeem, is a board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgeon. Dr. Al-Hakeem has been in practice since 2000 and is a professional member of the Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.
