What is considered Elective Surgery?

Answer:
Elective surgery is surgery performed on an elective basis.

That is, either you or the doctor have elected or chosen the surgery as opposed to being a medical necessity. For example, you may want a tummy tuck in order to return your abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state. This isn’t a medically necessary procedure; it’s simply one you’d like for cosmetic reasons. Most health insurance companies won’t pay for elective surgery unless there’s a medical need.

Among the common types of procedure that are considered elective are: LASIK eye surgery , liposuction , facelifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty , tummy tuck , breast implants , cheek implants, breast reduction, chin augmentation, forehead lift, hair transplants, ear surgery, dental veneers, dental implants, laser skin resurfacing , chemical peels , and in vitro fertilization.

Not all elective procedures are cosmetic. For example, tubal ligation is an elective surgery where a woman’s fallopian tubes are tied to prevent future pregnancies. Bariatric surgery is also considered elective as is cataract surgery. Both have medical reasons however they are considered to be elective because they aren’t necessary to treat a life-threatening condition.


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