The Cost of a Tummy Tuck
A "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty) is a form of plastic or cosmetic surgery used to tighten or firm the abdomen. Excess skin and fat are removed from the middle and lower abdomen. Patients with loose skin due to weight loss may often seek this type of procedure.
Pricing Factors
The cost of having a tummy tuck can vary and usually depends on three different aspects. There is a surgeon's fee, a facility fee and a fee for anesthesia. The surgeon's fee is the biggest variable and can depend on factors such as qualifications, experience and the extent of the surgery. The age, weight and health of a patient are also factors in determining price. The cost of the entire procedure can typically fall somewhere between $3,000 and $9,000, but can also be as much as $20,000. A surgeon may charge between $3,000 and $6,000 while facility fees can be as high as $1,000. A fee for anesthesiology is usually around $500 to $700. Patients must also be aware of the cost of possible follow-up visits, medications and additional surgeries to correct any problems. Many plastic surgeons that perform tummy tucks offer payment plans if a patient does not wish to pay the entire amount of the procedure right away. Patients can get financing in order to make monthly payments that fit their budget.
The more time required for a tummy tuck means the more it is going to cost. The more skin and fat that has to be removed results in a longer surgical time. Tummy tucks are typically performed in a hospital and can take up to several hours. If the patient has to stay at the hospital overnight, the procedure will be more expensive.
Patients that wish to undergo a tummy tuck will want to choose a plastic surgeon that is board-certified from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The more qualified a surgeon is, the higher their fees will be due to their educational background and training. Though they may be more expensive, highly qualified plastic surgeons will make sure that a patient receives the proper care and treatment which will result in a lower risk of complications. It is important to ask the plastic surgeon about your qualifications, training and board certification when looking into a tummy tuck or any kind of cosmetic surgery procedure.
It is possible for some patients to receive a discount on their tummy tuck. A patient that is within 10 percent of their ideal body weight with deposits of fat residing below their naval may require a less complicated and therefore less expensive surgery. This "mini tummy tuck," can typically be done as an outpatient procedure. If a patient is looking to have more than one plastic surgery done, they can save money by having them both performed at one time. This particularly will result in a single anesthesia fee and facility fee. In this case, it is important to ask the surgeon what procedures can be done at the same time as some procedures can only be done separately due to the time it may take to heal. Some surgeons may also offer a discount if a patient is willing to provide a testimonial along with before and after photos. Patients should ask their surgeon about what specific discounts they may be willing to give.
Recovery
Estimated recovery time for a tummy tuck is usually one to four weeks. It is advised that part of this recovery time is spent away from work. Major activity should also be avoided during recovery as there may be bruising and discomfort initially. Patients should not use any kind of nicotine for at least a month before having surgery and during the recovery process. A complete recovery can take up to six months with scars eventually fading away. Since a patient is advised to take time off of work, they will need to take into consideration any wages that may be lost during recovery time when factoring total cost of having a tummy tuck.
