Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover cosmetic surgery?
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Short answer
Not covered by Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) usually doesn't cover cosmetic surgery, so you usually pay all costs for surgery done to change how you look.
Medicare can cover surgery you need because of an accidental injury or to improve the function of a malformed body part, and Medicare covers breast reconstruction if you had a mastectomy because of breast cancer.
Medicare usually requires prior authorization for procedures that are sometimes considered cosmetic, like eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty, and if Medicare approves the request you should only need to pay your deductible and coinsurance.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery to change your appearance | Usually not covered: you usually pay all costs | Medicare.gov |
| Surgery needed because of an accidental injury | Can be covered | Medicare.gov |
| Surgery to improve the function of a malformed body part | Can be covered | Medicare.gov |
| Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy for breast cancer | Covered | Medicare.gov |
| Procedures that usually need prior authorization | Blepharoplasty, botulinum toxin injections, panniculectomy, rhinoplasty, vein ablation | Medicare.gov |
| Who asks Medicare for prior authorization | Your provider, before the procedure | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay if Medicare approves | Your deductible and coinsurance | Medicare.gov |
When does Medicare cover cosmetic surgery?
Medicare usually doesn't cover cosmetic surgery unless you need it for a medical reason Medicare names. Cosmetic surgery usually focuses on changing a person's physical appearance rather than treating a medical condition. Medicare can cover surgery when:
- You need it because of an accidental injury
- You need it to improve the function of a malformed body part
- It's breast reconstruction after a mastectomy you had because of breast cancer
Which procedures need prior authorization from Medicare?
Medicare usually requires prior authorization (approval before you get care) for these services, which are sometimes, but not always, considered cosmetic. The rule can apply whether you get the procedure in a hospital outpatient department or an ambulatory surgical center.
- Blepharoplasty: surgery on your eyelid to remove droopy, fatty or excess tissue
- Botulinum toxin injections: injections used to treat muscle disorders, like spasms and twitches
- Panniculectomy: surgery to remove excess skin and tissue from your lower abdomen
- Rhinoplasty: surgery to change the shape of your nose
- Vein ablation: surgery to close off veins
How does prior authorization work for these procedures?
You don't need to do anything yourself. Your provider sends a prior authorization request and documentation to Medicare for approval before the procedure. If Medicare approves the request, you should only need to pay your deductible and coinsurance.
What do I pay for cosmetic surgery with Medicare?
You pay all costs for services Medicare doesn't cover, including most cosmetic surgery. What you owe can depend on other insurance you have, how much your doctor charges, whether your doctor accepts assignment, the type of facility and where you get the procedure, so ask your doctor what it will cost and what Medicare will actually cover before you schedule it.
Does Medicare cover breast reconstruction and breast prostheses?
Yes. Medicare covers breast reconstruction if you had a mastectomy because of breast cancer. Medicare Part A covers surgically implanted breast prostheses after a mastectomy if the surgery takes place in an inpatient setting, and Medicare Part B covers the surgery if it takes place in an outpatient setting.
Part B also covers some external breast prostheses, including a post-surgical bra, after a mastectomy. After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor's services and the external breast prostheses.
Does Medicare Advantage cover cosmetic surgery?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, and some offer extra benefits; rules and costs vary by plan, so contact the plan for details. A Medicare Advantage plan may require its own approval (prior authorization) before it covers certain services. See how prior authorization works in Medicare Advantage.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Does Medicare cover eyelid surgery?
Does Medicare cover botulinum toxin injections?
Does Medicare cover a nose job?
Do I have to ask Medicare for prior authorization myself?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Cosmetic surgery
- Medicare.gov: Breast prostheses
- Medicare.gov: What's not covered?
- Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.