Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image
By Daniel Petkevich
Nov 28, 2022

Not usually, but there are exceptions

There can be any number of reasons for someone to want cosmetic surgery. For Medicare to cover your plastic surgery, it needs to be deemed medically necessary by your doctor. So generally, Medicare does not offer coverage for cosmetic surgery. But what are the circumstances when Medicare offers coverage? Let's find out.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

How is cosmetic surgery covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not generally offer coverage for cosmetic surgery, but there are specific types of reconstructive plastic surgery that may be partially or fully covered by Medicare. These surgeries are typically related to correcting physical defects caused by congenital anomalies, traumatic injury, or medical conditions such as burns.
In any case, a healthcare professional has to deem the procedure to get Medicare coverage. The cosmetic procedure might be covered by Part A or B depending on whether you are admitted to the hospital or not. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits that could cover some costs related to plastic surgery. Check with your plan provider to see what your plan might offer you.
The exceptions to Medicare's policy on plastic surgery often include reconstructive surgeries that are necessary to improve the functioning of a body part or to correct a deformity related to a birth defect, disease or injury. The surgery must not only improve the person’s appearance, but also improve their quality of life.

How can you pay for cosmetic surgery without Medicare coverage?

If you are looking to have cosmetic surgery and Medicare does not cover it, then you may have to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket. However, many plastic surgeons offer financing options such as payment plans or low-interest loans in order to help patients pay for the procedure. Additionally, some insurance companies may cover certain cosmetic procedures, so you can check with your provider to see if they offer any coverage. You could also consider a medical savings plan or use a credit card to pay for the procedure.

How do you know if cosmetic surgery is right for you?

Cosmetic surgery can be a great way to boost your confidence and improve your physical appearance, but it’s important to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

Risks of getting cosmetic surgery done

The involved risks include complications, reactions to anesthesia and infections. Before you make a decision, it’s important to discuss the procedure with your doctor and evaluate all the potential risks.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations and be aware that results may not be exactly as you had hoped.

Takeaway

Medicare does not generally cover cosmetic surgery, but there are exceptions for reconstructive surgeries that are medically necessary. If you are considering having cosmetic surgery, it’s important to discuss the procedure with your doctor and evaluate all the potential risks. This content is for informational purposes only. For any Medicare-related questions, give us a call today to speak with an expert.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

Close up of a woman sitting on a bed experiencing back pain
Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?
Nov 23, 2022
senior man receiving dental care stock photo
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Jun 2, 2022
Cover image
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
Feb 28, 2023
Vitamin in a syringe stock photo
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Aug 15, 2022
various people wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic stock photo
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
Mar 3, 2023
Psoriasis on elbow stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Dec 7, 2022
Plastic surgeon handles a silicon implant
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Jan 5, 2023
Medicare at 62 stock image
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Jun 16, 2022
woman in a hospital wearing a bandana being shown information by her doctor stock photo
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Mar 24, 2023
Cover image
How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?
May 5, 2023
Senior woman having vision problems stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Upset senior woman crying stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Nov 30, 2022
Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida stock image
13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville
Mar 3, 2023
Hands of doctor or nurse in medical gloves injecting a shot to a man patient stock photo
Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?
Nov 29, 2022
Unrecognizable doctor holding highlighted handrawn Kidneys in hands. Medical illustration, template, science mockup. stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?
Nov 30, 2022
woman sitting on sofa feeling pain in her foot at home stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Jan 13, 2023
Physiotherapist showing workout record on exercise bike
Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?
Jan 11, 2023
Cover image
Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025
Jan 18, 2024

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent

2024 Fair Square Client Retention and Satisfaction Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?

Building the Future of Senior Healthcare

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans be Used Out of State?

Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Oxybutynin?

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover the Urolift Procedure?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Consulting Services

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Plan G vs. Plan N

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Will Medicare Cover it?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.
Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M