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.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

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.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Dec 9, 2022

Cover image

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Jul 14, 2025

Medsupp Thumbnail

Plan G vs. Plan N

Jan 28, 2022

Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Jan 20, 2023

Sleep apena stock image

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Dec 27, 2022

Gloved hands with a scalpel begin a knee replacement surgery

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Jan 11, 2023

COVID-19 at home test stock image

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Dec 21, 2022

Nasal spray stock image

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Jan 12, 2023

Cover image

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

Jan 24, 2024

Upset senior woman crying stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?

Nov 30, 2022

Kidney stone stock image

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Nov 23, 2022

Ozempic stock image

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Mar 28, 2023

Medicare Set Aside funds stock image

What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?

Jan 20, 2023

Black debit card changing hands against a yellow background stock image

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

Dec 15, 2022

alphabet_soup

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

Jan 10, 2023

air purifier stock image

Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?

Nov 18, 2022

scleral lenses

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Dec 5, 2022

senior man experiencing discomfort stock image

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Dec 6, 2022

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

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

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Hypnotherapy?

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Finding the Best Vision Plans for Seniors

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?

Is the Shingles Vaccine Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Explained

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What to Do When Your Doctor Doesn't Take Medicare

What to Do When Your Doctor Leaves Your Network

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

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50