For many individuals, a flat stomach is a key fitness goal. However, for some, it's simply not attainable through diet and exercise alone. Even an extremely healthy lifestyle and regular fitness routine doesn't always result in a toned, youthful tummy for patients fighting against aging, genetics, or other factors.
If you're considering a tummy tuck as a tool to achieve the midsection you haven't been able to gain through diet and exercise, cost is usually a primary consideration. For most patients, tummy tuck surgery is not covered by insurance. Between fees paid to your surgeon and time away from work for recovery, abdominoplasty can represent a major investment.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Ultimately, the cost of a tummy tuck can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. In this blog, you'll learn about the things that will affect the price of your tummy tuck the most, so you can have a better idea what the total price of your tummy tuck might be.
8 Factors That Impact Cost
1. Your Individual Needs
A patient's unique needs are the primary driver of variability in tummy tuck surgery costs.
Some patients require a small operation to achieve their goals, while others need larger and more complex procedures that more require more time, labor, and expertise.
The severity of your condition (eg. amount of excess fat, loose skin, and loose muscles), the degree of improvement sought, and your overall health are all factors that influence the extent of treatment required.
In addition, some patients may require complimentary procedures, such as liposuction, hernia repair, or breast enhancement, in order to reach their goals. Each additional procedure will add to the cost.
2. The Type of Tummy Tuck
There are four common types of tummy tucks:
- Full tummy tuck
- Limited tummy tuck
- Extended tummy tuck
- Mini tummy tuck
A full tummy tuck tightens the skin and fat from the entire abdomen and may tighten the underlying muscles. This is the most common type of tummy tuck performed and results in dramatic improvement in the appearance of the abdomen.
You can learn more about The Different Types of Tummy Tucks here.
The more extensive the tummy tuck performed, the greater the degree of improvement, but also the greater the cost (and the longer the recovery).
3. Plastic Surgeon Expertise
Not all surgeons are created equal.
You should "Do Your Homework" and choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Be wary of choosing a "Cosmetic Surgeon" who does not have the same level of education, training, credentials, skills, and experience as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Even among plastic surgeons, individual surgeons may charge different rates for surgery. In general, the best surgeons charge more than their less skilled and experienced counterparts.
If you are looking for the best results, you should look for the most skilled surgeon you can find. Choosing a less experienced surgeon may save you some money in the short run, but it could cost you more in the long run. You want to get the procedure done right the first time, and for that you should choose an outstanding surgeon. You only have one body, so why risk it?
4. Advanced Technology or Techniques
Patients who opt to work with an experienced Plastic Surgeon who performs a wide range of procedures may appreciate better outcomes. By working with someone who has a comprehensive practice, you'll receive recommendations on procedures, techniques, and technologies that are objectively the right fit to help you reach your goals.
Perhaps the right treatment plan for you combines abdominoplasty and liposuction of the love handles. Alternatively, perhaps your body type does not require your love handles to be included, and will simply focus on your abdominal soft tissues. While advanced technology and techniques can significantly improve patient satisfaction with their plastic surgery, it may also cause the total price of your procedure to fall outside national or regional averages.
5. Geographic Location
Your geographic location can have a significant impact on the price of your plastic surgery. Typically, the comparative cost of living in your area is correlated with increases or decreases in plastic surgery costs. If you live in an expensive area of the country, your plastic surgery bill may also be on the higher end of national averages. While some patients opt for overseas surgeries to save money, plastic surgeons abroad rarely have the same experience or licensing standards as domestic surgeons.
6. Surgical Facility
Facility fees represent a significant component of your plastic surgery bill. Some Plastic Surgeons with well-established practices have their own surgical facilities, which are typically cheaper than hospital treatment. Other Plastic Surgeons practice in hospital settings. If you are going for "inoffice" treatment, ensure that a prospective Plastic Surgeon's facility is well equipped and properly accredited. For significant operations like a tummy tuck, some patients may require or opt for an overnight stay in the hospital.
7. Anesthesia
Anesthesia fees represent another major component of a plastic surgery bill. While some minor plastic surgery procedures may only require local anesthetic, most surgeries will typically require general anesthesia or twilight sleep. During the consultation stages of discussion with your Plastic Surgeon, they will be able to provide additional insight on the right types of anesthesia to provide an optimal patient experience.
8. Other Costs
Surgeon’s fees, facility costs, and anesthesia always drive the primary costs of plastic surgery procedures. However, other charges can play a significant role in your final costs.
These include:
- Operating room fees (if applicable)
- Other facility fees
- Equipment
- Aftercare, including prescriptions
- Lab tests
- Medication
- Recovery Garments
In addition to these variable factors, patients should take their own recovery costs into account when planning for a procedure. Also, the cost of traveling should be considered if your plastic surgeon is far away. You will need transportation, and a place to stay until you are well enough to travel home.
Full tummy tuck surgeries typically carry a recovery period of approximately 2-4 weeks, though recovery for a mini tuck may be shorter. It's important to plan for time away from work and other costs associated with your operation.
The Full Price of a Tummy Tuck
While patient needs can vary significantly, the average cost for a Tummy Tuck is typically between $12,500-$40,000, with most patients falling in the $20,000-$30,000 range. To determine an estimate of your tummy tuck surgery, schedule a consultation with an expert plastic surgeon. They will be able to assess your needs and goals, and recognize factors that can affect your pricing.
77Plastic offers a range of patient financing plans. Our tummy tuck patients may qualify for low monthly payment plans, including options for individuals with limited credit histories. Some patients may also qualify for insurance coverage for lower body contouring surgery, including patients who have lost a significant amount of weight.
If you think you're a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fan today. You can also take advantage of our free online self-assessment to see what procedures may be the best fit for you.
