Tummy Tuck Cost

Tummy tuck is an elective surgery that, in most cases, is not covered by health insurance. Because of this, patients considering elective surgeries will want to have a good understanding of all costs associated with their procedures. TummyTuckGuide.com offers a general description of these costs, but ultimately, your surgeon's office will provide you with a more accurate estimate.

Tummy Tuck Costs: The Elements Involved

Tummy tuck costs can vary greatly. It is by no means uncommon to see this surgery cost as little as $3,000 or as much as $15,000. The reason for this wide spread is that a lot of variables determine the price of a tummy tuck.

Ask your surgeon during your initial consultation, about fees for these goods and services:

• The surgeon's fees
• Surgical staff
• Hospital or surgical center use
• Lab work and pre-operative tests
• Anesthesiology medication
• Anesthesiologist
• Post-operative pain medication and antibiotics
• Post-surgical garments

The following table reflects a sample breakdown of the major expenses involved in a tummy tuck:

Typical Cost of Common Tummy Tuck Procedures

The table below shows the average total fees for major tummy tuck surgeries performed in the United States.

Fees vary based on location, experience of the surgeon and other factors. Your tummy tuck surgeon will give you an estimate of surgery costs during your initial consultation. Ask about anesthesia, facility expenses, medications, home health care and supplies.

Circumstances That Affect Tummy Tuck Costs

A number of factors affect the total cost of a tummy tuck.

Technique: One of the largest factors is the patient's condition and the extent of the tummy tuck surgery. If the surgery is a relatively simple one that doesn't affect a large area (mini tummy tuck), it will cost less. However, if it is very complicated and involves removing significant amounts of tissue and complex restructuring of the musculature in a large area (such as some extended tummy tucks), the price will be much higher. Complex surgeries require more time and effort on the part of the surgeon, the surgical staff and the anesthesiologist. If the patient has medical conditions that makes him or her more difficult to treat, the price could be higher.

Geographic location: Where you get your tummy tuck surgery performed will have an impact on its cost. Regionally, the West Coast and Northeast tend to have the greatest demand for cosmetic surgeries, so tummy tucks performed there will cost more than they might in the South or Central United States. Metropolitan areas with a higher population density tend to have more expensive tummy tucks than more rural areas because urban areas tend to have higher costs of living, more expensive real estate and more demand for cosmetic surgical procedures.

Reputation: When a tummy tuck surgeon is well known for producing consistently good work, that surgeon tends to get a lot of business. Surgeons with good reputations fill their schedules, and they can afford to charge more for their services. On the other hand, a surgeon might drop his or her fees because he or she is new to an area, overcoming negative PR or hasn't been discovered by the masses. There isn't always a direct correlation between a surgeon's talent and his or her price tag. Some cosmetic surgeons enjoy helping people to improve their appearances and want to stay affordable. Some surgeons provide poor or dangerous work and ask large sums of money for their services. Exceptionally low prices can be a warning for a lack of experience or skill. Protect yourself by checking references and thoroughly interviewing your surgeon.

Time, techniques and technology: This is a factor in the cost of a tummy tuck, as are the techniques and equipment. Whatever technology you choose, make sure you get the desired results and do not settle on a certain technology based on cost alone.

Liposuction: The addition of liposuction will increase the cost of your tummy tuck, but, if needed, it will achieve better results that could not be achieved by abdominoplasty alone.

Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

Elective procedures come with financial concerns because health insurance doesn't usually cover them. It is tempting to go with the least expensive option; however, cosmetic surgery is not an opportunity to put money before your health. Tummy tuck surgery is not a time to bargain shop.

Traveling out of the country for tummy tuck surgery presents two big risks. First, countries outside the United States do not always have the same licensing and education requirements, even for U.S.-educated foreign physicians. Second, your follow-up care is equally as important as the surgery itself. How will you travel to see your physician after your surgery if he or she lives in another country?

Tummy Tuck Consultation Costs

Often, cosmetic surgeons will offer the initial consultation for free; however some costs might be involved. Your consultation might involve blood work and additional testing. Also, some tummy tuck surgeons who have busy schedules have found that charging for consultations helps them to distinguish truly interested patients from ones who aren't entirely serious.

Tummy tuck surgeons who charge for consultations typically charge $50 to $500, and most will apply it toward the surgery. If you pay for a consultation and then find that you are uncomfortable with the surgeon, you are not obligated to go through with the surgery. While it's no fun to lose a couple hundred dollars, it's much better to give up your consultation deposit than it is to go through with a surgery that you have misgivings about.

Tummy Tuck Financing and Payment Plans

Tummy tuck financing or payment plans can be an excellent option if you do not have several thousand dollars at your disposal.

Many surgeons offer payment plans for qualifying patients. Instead of paying for your tummy tuck in one lump sum, you may be able to make monthly payments. Ask about financing rates, and compare them with other financial institutions. Sometimes the surgeon's practice will not have the lowest rate available. An Internet search for "cosmetic surgery financing" will get your research started.

Tummy Tuck Costs: Speak with a Surgeon

Because tummy tuck costs can vary from patient to patient and surgeon to surgeon, this website is able to provide only general statements of what your specific surgery could cost. For an estimate that is more closely tailored to your circumstances, meet with a tummy tuck surgeon.

TummyTuckGuide.com has gathered a large directory of capable and professional tummy tuck surgeons that you can peruse, free of charge. Click on our Surgeon Locator and input your location. Our system will provide you with a list of qualified surgeons in your area, along with their contact information and links to their websites.

At your initial consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, ask about your goals and discuss what procedure would best fit you. After a physical examination to determine your fitness, your surgeon will be able to give you a better idea of what your tummy tuck will cost.

To continue learning more about tummy tucks, visit the other sections of our site, listed in the menu to the left.