Thinking about having a tummy tuck to tighten up your abdominal area? Along with other aspects of the procedure, you’re probably wondering how much a tummy tuck costs. For most people, a tummy tuck is an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning it’s not covered by insurance. It can be helpful to break down the cost of a tummy tuck, both to see where your money is going and to help you decide if this procedure is the right choice for you.
What Can You Expect to Pay for a Tummy Tuck?
According to RealSelf, the cost of a tummy tuck ranges from about $3300 to about $13,000, with the average price falling around $8,225. This includes various fees, such as the:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthetist’s fee
- Operating facility fee
Your tummy tuck costs will also include medications and compression garments for your recovery.
One of the main reasons the price range for a tummy tuck is so wide is that there are different types of tummy tucks.
Mini tummy tuck – Excess skin is removed from the area below the belly button only. This is the simplest version of a tummy and the most affordable. It doesn’t take as long as other kinds of tummy tucks, so it tends to cost less.
Standard tummy tuck – Your surgeon removes skin both above and below the belly button.
Extended or “around-the-world” tummy tuck – Excess skin is removed from the back, as well as above and below the belly button.
Standard and extended procedures involve removing more excess skin and repair stretched out muscle and connective tissue, which really flattens and narrows the waist. They take longer and have higher fees.
Fees and Costs Associated with Getting a Tummy Tuck
The only way to know how much your tummy tuck will cost is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During your consultation, you’ll talk about the results you want, what to expect from the procedure, and also how much it will cost. Before your surgery, you should receive an itemized list that breaks down the fees and costs of the procedure. If there’s anything you don’t understand or want to know more about, be sure to ask questions at the consultation.
Additional Procedures
If you decide to pair your tummy tuck with any other cosmetic surgery, like a mommy makeover or liposuction, this will add on to the amount you pay. For instance, some people have liposuction to enhance the results of tummy tuck surgery by contouring the body. Liposuction can cost between $1,600 and $10,350, depending on how much fat you want removed, and from where. If you’d like to have liposuction in the abdominal area to improve your tummy tuck results, you should expect to add $1,600 or more.
Surgeon’s Fee
The fee your surgeon charges pays for their time, but it also pays for their expertise. This means that an experienced, skilled surgeon with a good professional reputation will charge more for their time than one who recently completed their training. The amount your surgeon charges may also depend on the location of their clinic, or the location where they perform the surgery.
The kind of tummy tuck you want also affects the surgeon’s fee, as more complex procedures take longer.
Anesthetist’s Fee
The anesthetist for your surgery charges their own separate fee. Their fee is based on how long the procedure takes and their own skill level and expertise. Some kinds of anesthesia are also more expensive than others. According to a consumer guide, the anesthetist fee typically ranges from $425 to $1,800.
Facility Fee
The facility fee for a tummy tuck covers all the other expenses involved in the procedure. This includes items and equipment used in the surgery, as well as costs associated with running the operating room. It also includes any costs associated with post-operative care. The facility fee you pay depends on:
- How long the procedure takes
- Where the procedure is performed
- What kind of care you need after surgery
For instance, if your surgeon performs the procedure in their own clinic, and you go home the same day, the facility fee may be as low as $1,200. On the other hand, if it’s performed in a hospital and you need an overnight stay, the fee could be more like $10,000.
Post-Surgery Prescriptions and Garments
You’ll likely have a few extra tummy tuck costs during your post-surgery recovery period. This will include any medications prescribed by your surgeon, such as pain medication and antibiotics. Your surgeon may also prescribe anti-nausea medication or sleep aids, depending on your needs. The costs for medication are highly variable because they depend on whether your insurance covers prescriptions and whether you have any copays to cover out-of-pocket.
You’ll also need to wear a compression garment during your recovery. This is important to provide support to your abdomen and to help reduce swelling. A tummy tuck compression garment costs around $100.
Why Does Location Affect the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?
The location where you decide to have your tummy tuck can affect how much you pay for it. There are a couple of reasons why.
- The cost of living – In a city with a high cost of living, any resources used to perform surgery are more expensive. This also means that having the procedure in a city facility generally costs more than if you went to a suburban facility.
- Surgeons who are highly qualified and in-demand are usually located in larger cities – If you choose a Beverly Hills or New York City surgeon to perform your tummy tuck, you’ll definitely pay a premium.
Ask Your Surgeon for Advice
Whether you’ve decided you want a tummy tuck or you just want to discuss your options, talking things over with a qualified surgeon is the next step. Along with talking about fees and costs, you can also ask questions about the other aspects of surgery, so you can make an informed choice about what’s right for you!