Cost of Tummy Tuck
Whats the Price of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Summary: This article covers the tummy tuck cost, including the plastic surgeon fees and other factors that may affect the price of abdominoplasty.
A 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. Tummy tucks can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for a tummy tuck in 2007 was $5,264. This fee does not include the costs of anesthesia or a surgical fee, which bring the total tummy tuck cost to $6,000 to $9,000. If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon for a price quote that includes all of the fees, not just the surgeon’s own cost, so that you aren’t surprised by additional charges later.
Fees Involved in the Tummy Tuck Cost
As with most surgical procedures, there are three major fees involved in the cost of a tummy tuck. First, the anesthesia fee pays for the general anesthesia required for patients undergoing abdominoplasty. Next, the facility fee covers the hospital or outpatient surgical center where you’ll be during the surgery. Finally, the surgeon’s fee pays for the surgeon who performs your tummy tuck. There may also be miscellaneous expenses, such as medications or compression garments needed during your recovery after tummy tuck surgery, that are not included in the three main surgical fees. Make sure that your surgeon’s price quote includes all of the expenses you’ll incur, not just the surgeon’s own fee.
Variables Affecting the Costs
There are many variables affecting the cost of tummy tuck surgery, which makes it difficult to generalize a price that would apply to every situation. Every patient is different, and these variables can result in dramatically different prices. First, the area in which you live will have an affect on the cost, and pricing ranges from city to city, and tend to be higher in cities than in less populated regions. Even in the same metropolitan areas, two different surgical facilities may not carry the same prices.
The details of your tummy tuck procedure itself also affect the cost. In general, a longer or more complicated procedure costs more than a less extensive surgery. For this reason, an extended tummy tuck can be expected to cost more than a partial or mini tummy tuck. Your surgery will also carry a higher price tag if it requires an overnight hospital stay. This may be required of the most extensive tummy tuck procedures, although most are performed in an outpatient setting.
The cost of your tummy tuck may also be higher if the procedure is being performed with liposuction, as part of a “mommy makeover,” or with other cosmetic procedures, although it is typically much less expensive than having all of the procedures performed separately.
Finally, the surgeon’s fee is greatly dependent on the surgeon you choose to perform your tummy tuck. A highly qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon is able to command a higher fee than a less experienced counterpart. Most patients find that using the best surgeon they can find is well worth the additional expense, as an experienced surgeon can ensure that the most appropriate tummy tuck techniques are used to maximize the odds of success and reduce the risk of complications. During your tummy tuck consultation your surgeon will examine the following:
- Quality of your abdominal skin
- Amount and location of any excess fat
- Status of underlying muscles
- location of any existing scars
Based on the above results, your surgeon will recommend the best treatment plan to meet your goals.
Paying for a Tummy Tuck (Payment Plans & Financing Options)
Because tummy tuck surgery is a cosmetic procedure, it will not usually be covered by health insurance. If there are health issues that may be corrected with this procedure, insurance may cover all or part of the tummy tuck cost, although this is rare. However, don’t let cost be the sole factor when deciding to undergo a tummy tuck. Today, most surgeons offer affordable financing options to make tummy tucks available to more people. If costs are an issue, ask your doctor about monthly payment plans or other financing during the consultation visit. If the surgeon does not offer financing themselves, they will be able to direct you to available financing options.