What Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?
Learn about the factors that affect the cost of surgeryA tummy tuck is ideal for those wanting to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
A commonly asked question among people considering a tummy tuck is, “How much does it cost?” This article will explain the various fees involved with tummy tuck surgery and factors that influence the overall cost.
What Fees Are Involved?
There are primarily three fees associated with tummy tuck procedures:
- Anesthesia fee
- The surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or facility fee
The average surgeon’s fee for a tummy tuck is around $5,000. This fee does not include anesthesia or surgical fees, which could bring the cost to between $6,000 and $9,000. In addition to these fees, there may also be other miscellaneous expenses for medications, medical testing, and compression garments necessary for your recovery period.
During a consultation, be sure to ask your surgeon for a quote that covers all of the fees, not only the surgeon’s, so that you aren’t surprised by additional charges later on.
Other Variables that Affect the Costs
There are many other variables affecting the cost of tummy tuck surgery which makes it difficult to provide an average that would apply to every situation. Every patient is different, and these variables can result in dramatically different costs. For example, the area in which you live will have an affect. Pricing is different in each city and state, and tend to be higher in metropolitan ares than in less populated regions.
The specific details of your procedure also affect the cost of surgery. A longer or more complex procedure typically will be more costly than a less extensive surgery. For this reason, an extended tummy tuck can be expected to cost more than a mini tummy tuck. Your surgery will also carry a higher price tag if it requires an overnight hospital stay. This may be required for extensive procedures, although most are performed in an outpatient setting.
If your procedure is being performed with another procedure such as liposuction your fees may be higher. Although it is typically much less expensive than having the procedures performed separately.
Finally, the surgeon’s fee is greatly dependent on the type of surgeon you choose. The more experienced plastic surgeons typically command higher fees than less experienced ones with the assumption that because of their extensive skill and training they can ensure a more positive outcome. While this is true to some degree, its always best to do your research and interview multiple surgeons before choosing one for you.
Will it be Covered by Insurance?
Because tummy tucks are considered a cosmetic procedures, they will not usually be covered by heath insurance. If there are health issues that may be corrected with this procedure, insurance may cover all or part of the cost, although this is rare.
To make surgery more affordable, most plastic surgeons offer options for cosmetic surgery. If the upfront costs are an issue, ask your surgeon about monthly payment plans or other financing options during the consultation. If the surgeon’s office does not offer financing themselves, they may be able to put you in touch with a company that does.