Want to know if labiaplasty will be covered by insurance?
Women consider a labiaplasty procedure for many reasons. Labiaplasty is a procedure that reduces the excess skin of the vaginal area, known as the labia. Studies have shown that the most common reason for having labiaplasty surgery is to correct enlarged or elongated labia that can occur following childbirth or with aging. For some women, concern about the size of their labia may have started in puberty or after successfully losing a large amount of weight with a weight loss procedure or diet & exercise. No matter what the reason you may be considering labiaplasty, a common question is whether insurance will cover the costs.
Indications for Labiaplasty
Although the reasons for labiaplasty are important and a motivating factor in women seeking this surgery, many women are scared or intimidated to ask their primary care provider if there is a solution and if it is potentially covered by insurance. We know it can be an uncomfortable topic to bring up and the team at Restore SD Plastic Surgery is here to provide as much information as possible.
Insurance Guidelines
Unfortunately, in most cases insurance will not cover or approve labiaplasty surgery. Insurance companies look at a procedure and determine if it is “medically necessary”. They do this in a couple of different ways. One way is to define surgery as reconstructive or cosmetic. Reconstructive surgery is defined as a procedure to correct abnormal structure (like a birth defect or after a traumatic injury) to improve function or appearance. Cosmetic surgery is generally defined is the reshaping or improving of normal structures. This includes surgery done to improve the self-esteem or physical appearance of the patient. Because labia come in many different sizes and shapes, and the labiaplasty is improving the shape or appearance of a normal body part, insurance companies will almost always classify the procedure as cosmetic and not “medically necessary”.
Insurance companies will almost always classify the labiaplasty procedures as cosmetic and not “medically necessary”.
Cases When Insurance Will Cover Procedures
Sometimes insurance companies will take into consideration the impact the issue has on daily life. For example, with breast reduction surgery having large, heavy breasts can cause ongoing upper back and neck pain. Documenting the impact of the upper back and neck pain will be one component of how the insurance company determines whether the surgery is covered or considered cosmetic.
Because of the enlarged labia women seeking labiaplasty complain of irritation with certain activities like riding a bike or may feel uncomfortable in tight clothing like yoga pants or swimsuits. The skin in this fragile area can be chafed and create a frequent source of discomfort. Although this can negatively affect your day to day, insurance carriers are looking for provable health issues versus a source of discomfort. While every insurance policy is different most will still consider labiaplasty an aesthetic procedure.
Your Options for Labiaplasty
Despite the reality of insurance not covering labiaplasty, many women will go on to have this surgery. If your symptoms and concerns are impacting your health and lifestyle, you should consider this procedure.
The cost of labiaplasty is not as expensive as many other cosmetic procedures. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery we also offer financing options to allow for smaller monthly payments through our partnerships with Care Credit and Alphaeon.
Labiaplasty surgery can be done at our practice in La Jolla, CA as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and most women can return to work after a week or less.
About San Diego Labiaplasty Surgeon Dr. Gallus
Dr. Katerina Gallus is a board-certified female plastic surgeon San Diego area patients trust for safe, compassionate care. She has helped hundreds of labiaplasty patients feel more comfortable and confident. If you are considering having labiaplasty, we encourage you to read more about labiaplasty in San Diego and reach out to us for a consultation for Dr. Gallus.
If you’d like to discuss your insurance options, please give our office a call, or contact us using the form below.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Jennifer Price says
I have a referral from my gynecologist confirming the procedure is medically necessary. Ive had issues with doctors willing to submit to insurance. Can you help me with this? I am physically miserable since twins.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation, answer questions about submitting for insurance, and discuss financing options with you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jennifer Brown says
Did you get it taken care of??
Jennifer Brown says
My vagina inner lips has always been hanging. This has caused me to catch constant yeast infections and irritation like every other week. I can’t afford a labiaplasty flat out. What are my options? I honestly need both a vaginoplasty and labiaplasty
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation and discuss your options with you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Jessica Butler says
Need llibia surgery . Can I anyway get it medical necessity due to pain and discomfort. Had a sexual assault resulting in some trauma which is documented in my records. Experiencing pain and change In vaginal appearance ever since. Please contact me.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation and discuss your options with you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Charley says
I had had my labia removed due to fat cancer how can i get my insurance to cover it. I’m constantly getting UTIs because bacteria is easily accessible to my vagina. Most doctors I talk to don’t hear me out and it frustrating. I cant go out in public when I’m on my cycle because it flows to one side and down my leg ever since it was removed and that is very embarrassing do now I’m on BC that I don’t want to take to stop my cycle … HELP
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Charley,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation and discuss your options with you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Lesly says
Hi, I am just leaving this comment because I have an extremely large labia. I feel like it causes me to have a funky smell, it is extremely uncomfortable. I can’t even wear certain underwear. It is something that I’ve always wanted to fix but I can’t pay for it out of pocket.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Lesly, Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation and discuss your options with you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Shannon white says
Hello, Im wondering if my labia qualifies for labiaplasty. My labia is so long that it hurts to wear certain clothing. Would insurance cover it?
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Shannon, Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. The best way for us to determine if you are a candidate for labiaplasty would be with an evaluation during a free consultation with Dr. Gallus. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation – they can also answer questions about insurance. We look forward to hearing from you!
Lindsay says
My labia is very large, long, and extremely uncomfortable. It’s painful, and the cause of too many bladder/yeast infections. This has been an issue for me since puberty. Desperately need to get labiaplasty- how do I qualify for insurance coverage? Please help. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Lindsay, Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, and we would love to help if we can. The best way for us to determine if you are a candidate for labiaplasty would be with an evaluation during a free consultation with Dr. Gallus. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so our patient care coordinators can hear more about your situation – they can also answer questions about insurance. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sarah says
My name is Sarah and I have read this whole page considering my current position with my labia being distinctly enlarged. This has been one of my biggest insecurities and something I struggle with everyday. My labia interferes with a lot of day to day activities such as pain during sexual activities and it swells up lasting 2 maybe 3 days, certain underwater I can’t wear, running is another irritation I feel and especially the odor it gives me. There are a lot of other issues I can go on about but I live in San Antonio Texas, I do have insurance but I don’t know if that is a possibility, I don’t have the funds to pay fully out of pocket but I would really love more information or even recommend specialist you can provide for me.
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Sarah, thank you for sharing your situation. Insurance coverage can vary widely depending on your insurer and the specific terms of your policy. Typically, if you can demonstrate medical necessity (like chronic pain, irritation, and other symptoms you’ve described) insurance may cover part or all of the procedure. Your next step would be to find a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in labiaplasty to walk you through the process. Many surgeons also offer financing plans that could help manage the costs of your procedure. If you’re willing to travel, Dr. Gallus and her friendly all-female staff would love to meet with you and go over your options. Just give us a call or submit a form online and we can take it from there!
Jess says
Do you accept insurance for this procedure?
Restore SD Plastic Surgery says
Hi Jess, Insurance coverage can vary widely depending on your insurer and the specific terms of your policy. Please give us a call at 858-224-2281 so we can chat with you and help you determine if your provider can help cover this procedure.