Patients dreaming of a flatter, firmer abdomen and a more contoured figure can often realize their dreams with a tummy tuck. However, like most elective procedures, insurance is unlikely to cover the expense, making the price of a tummy tuck a significant consideration. How much is a tummy tuck? It depends on the specifics of your procedure. Get to know what affects procedure pricing below.
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What Affects Tummy Tuck Cost?
The price of tummy tuck surgery is hard to estimate, as the final quote depends on your unique surgical plan. However, you should also consider the following factors:
Surgeon Experience and Reputation
One of the most significant factors affecting tummy tuck pricing is the surgeon’s experience and reputation. Highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons tend to charge higher fees due to their expertise and the quality of their results.
Always choose a surgeon certified by a recognized board, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery, to ensure safe and satisfactory outcomes.
Geographic Location
Surgeons in major metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living typically charge more than those in smaller towns or areas with a lower cost. For instance, RealSelf reports the average cost of a tummy tuck in New York City and Los Angeles is $14,500 and $15,400, respectively, but it estimates the average price in Kentucky at $9,734.
Complexity of the Procedure
Different types of tummy tuck procedures vary in complexity and cost:
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Focuses on the lower abdomen below the navel. This technique is less invasive and typically costs less than a full tummy tuck.
- Full Tummy Tuck: Involves the entire abdominal area, tightening abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat. Because it is more extensive than a mini abdominoplasty, a full tummy tuck usually costs more.
- Extended Tummy Tuck: Targets the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. It is the most extensive and costly option.
Facility and Anesthesia Fees
Surgeries conducted in accredited hospitals or surgical centers often have higher fees than those performed in a private surgical suite. The cost of anesthesia also contributes to the overall expense, with board-certified anesthesiologists typically costing more than certified nurse anesthetists.
Pre- and Postoperative Care
You may need to factor in your surgeon’s consultation fee, pre-surgical medical tests, and postoperative care costs, such as follow-up visits, medication, compression garments, pain medication, and surgical drains.
How Combining Procedures Can Save You Money
Many patients combine their tummy tuck surgery with other cosmetic procedures to enhance their results and achieve a more dramatic transformation. Some of the most significant benefits of combining procedures include:
- Cost Efficiency: Undergoing multiple procedures in a single surgery consolidates overall costs related to operating room time, anesthesia, and facility fees. Patients also save on preoperative and postoperative care expenses, compared to having the procedures performed separately.
- Reduced Recovery Time: Instead of experiencing separate recovery periods for each procedure, patients recover from all surgeries simultaneously, minimizing downtime and the need for multiple leaves of absence from work or daily activities.
- Enhanced Results: Combining procedures allows for comprehensive body contouring, providing an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Many patients take advantage of financing options to get the look they want on a payment plan and time frame that fits their needs.
Complementary Procedures for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Popular surgeries to enhance your tummy tuck include:
Liposuction
Liposuction is frequently combined with a tummy tuck to remove additional fat deposits from the abdomen, hips, thighs, waist, or flanks. Liposuction will add time to your surgery and increase the cost somewhat, but it won’t usually extend your recovery time. By addressing multiple areas in one surgery, patients achieve more balanced and harmonious results.
Wondering if liposuction alone can meet your body contouring needs? Read our related blog post.
Breast Surgery
Combining a tummy tuck with breast enhancement surgery is often referred to as a mommy makeover. This combination approach is particularly popular among women looking to rejuvenate their figures after childbirth. A breast augmentation will increase your operating room time by an hour or two, so your total cost will increase, but your overall recovery time shouldn’t be affected.
Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss
Post-weight loss contouring is ideal for individuals who have lost significant weight and have excess skin in multiple areas. Multiple techniques may be used to enhance your body shape, each with its own cost. Like mommy makeovers, though, these procedures can often be combined for cost savings and consolidated recovery time.
Maximize Your Results and Savings
When choosing a plastic surgeon, keep in mind that short-term savings can lead to costly revision surgeries and long-term expenses. If you feel tempted to choose the cheapest option, it may be helpful to ask yourself, “How much does a tummy tuck cost if it isn’t done right the first time?”
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is a worthwhile investment in your future confidence and happiness. To discuss your aesthetic goals and get your personalized surgical quote, please request a consultation or call Commonwealth Plastic Surgery at (859) 277-9435.
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