How much does a full tummy tuck cost

Tummy Tuck Procedures are one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. Despite this, many potential patients have concerns over being able to finance the procedure because their insurance rarely covers it. The average cost of the procedure is, therefore, one of the most common questions among patients interested in the procedure. This blog addresses some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the price of the various procedures as well as insurance and financing information.

Guide

• How Much Does A Tummy Tuck Cost In Dallas? 
• Mini Tummy Tuck Cost
• Full Tummy Tuck Cost 
• What Is Typically Included in the Cost?
• Why Do Prices Vary?
• Does Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Procedures? 
  • Panniculectomy
• Financing the Procedure
• Tummy Tuck and Other Procedures 
  • Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Cost 
  • Mommy Makeover Cost
• Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Cost 
• Conclusion 
• Disclaimer 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, abdominoplasty procedures are the second most expensive surgical procedure in the United States. They state the average cost of undergoing the procedure is $6,253, but they explain that most surgeries do not tend to include additional costs such as anesthetic fees. RealSelf instead explains that the average cost for the procedure is $8,275 and the average range is between $3,175 and $13,250. The average cost of undergoing the procedure in Dallas tends to be at close to the average cost of $8,275 stated by RealSelf.

Mini Tummy Tuck Cost

A Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles below the belly button rather than across the entire abdomen. This means the surgery is less extensive and so will cost less than other techniques. According to Healthline, the average cost of a mini-abdominoplasty surgery in the USA varies from $3,500- $8,000.

Full Tummy Tuck Cost 

A Full Tummy Tuck Procedure removes the excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles across the whole of the abdomen. Therefore, both above and below the belly button are treated, and in many cases, an incision to reposition the belly button is required. Therefore, the cost of undergoing this technique will be significantly more expensive than the cost stated above for a less extensive technique. Since the average cost of a mini-abdominoplasty can go up to $8,000 the cost of a full abdominoplasty procedure typically starts at this figure and so is likely to cost around $8,000 or more.

What Is Typically Included in the Cost?

The exact aspects included in the price will depend on the clinic or surgeon, so you should speak to your surgeon about what aspects are included. Typically these factors tend to be included in the cost:

• Consultation
• Medical tests
• Surgery
• Post-surgery garments
• Anesthesia fee
• Facility fees
• Follow up visit(s)

Additional costs could include prescription medications after the surgery and in some cases, you could be required to pay for post-surgery garments. If complications occur from the procedure these are unlikely to be covered in the initial cost of the procedure.

Why do Tummy Tuck Prices Vary?

There are many reasons why the price of a procedure will vary. These include:

• Surgical technique used 
• Surgeon’s expertise
• Time the surgery takes to perform
• Location
• Surgery setting (eg in hospital)
• The training and background of the medical staff 
• Aftercare

Does Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Procedures?

An abdominoplasty procedure is classified as a cosmetic procedure as patients tend to undergo the surgery for aesthetic reasons. Health insurance covers the cost of surgeries that are needed for medical reasons and so they would be extremely unlikely to cover the cost of this procedure. However, there are some similar procedures that might be covered by your health insurance since they tend to be performed for medical reasons:

Panniculectomy

This is a procedure that, like a mini-abdominoplasty, removes excess skin from the lower section of the abdomen. The main difference between the two procedures is that a panniculectomy does not tighten the abdominal muscles.  Healthline state that the average cost for a panniculectomy range from $8,000 to $15,000. This procedure is not classified as a cosmetic surgery and tends to be performed on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and so have a large amount of excess skin and loose tissue. Often these patients can suffer from various medical issues such as skin rashes, back pain, ulcers, skin irritation, and excess moisture. This is why some health insurance providers will cover this surgical procedure or help you pay for it. However, each health care provider will vary and so you should ask whether your insurance will cover this procedure before getting any surgery.

Additionally, if you need to undergo surgery to repair your abdomen after a hernia then this is likely to be covered by your health insurance and an abdominoplasty procedure can sometimes be performed alongside this procedure. However, this additional surgery is optional and still considered a cosmetic procedure so even if your insurance will cover the hernia repair costs you will most likely have to pay the additional cost for the abdominoplasty surgery.

There are other financial options available to you or the potential to get a loan for the surgery. Some health insurance providers will pay for medications such as painkillers and antibiotics that could be prescribed after the surgery. You would need to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Financing the Procedure

You should check with your specific insurance provider to see whether you are able to receive any coverage for your surgery. However, nearly all patients pay for their procedure themselves and there are multiple options for financing your procedure. 

Some patients pay for their procedure using a credit card, but there are specific healthcare credit cards such as CareCredit that exist to cover medical bills. Using CareCredit allows you to pay back the costs in monthly payments for the next six months to two years. 

Additionally, different surgeons will offer different payment plans which may allow you to pay for the procedure in instalments or you could take out a personal loan to cover the costs. 

Tummy Tuck and Other Procedures 

Abdominoplasty procedures are frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures either on the abdomen or on another area of concern to the patient. The main procedures to be undertaken alongside the procedure are abdominal liposuction, breast surgery, and liposuction of other areas of the body.

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Cost 

It is generally true that liposuction is a cheaper cosmetic procedure to undergo as according to Liposuction.com the average cost for liposuction of both the upper and lower abdomen is $3,800- $8,000. This can be compared to a full abdominoplasty procedure which ranges from $3,175- $13,250 according to RealSelf. However, the two procedures achieve different goals for the abdomen. A tummy tuck aims to remove excess skin and tighten weakened abdominal muscles while abdominal liposuction only removes excess fat deposits. Therefore, the most suitable procedure for you will depend on what your specific concerns are.

Abdominal liposuction can be performed alongside an abdominoplasty procedure so that both excess skin and fat are removed. For many patients combining the two procedures is the best way to achieve their ideal results as they have concerns over both excess skin and fat. You should discuss combining these two procedures with your surgeon in your consultation to see whether this is a suitable option for you. For more information on the costs of undergoing liposuction you can read our blog ‘How Much Is Liposuction In Dallas, Texas?‘

Mommy Makeover Cost

A Mommy Makeover is a package that involves multiple cosmetic procedures generally performed on the abdomen and breasts. Due to the fact, this procedure includes multiple surgeries, it tends to be much more expensive than undergoing one surgery alone. According to RealSelf, the average cost for the procedure ranges from $5,050- $20,000. The average price is so varied due to the fact the specific procedures and the number of procedures will vary greatly and this determines the cost of the procedure. For more information on the average cost of undergoing the procedure you can read our blog ‘Mommy Makeover Cost In Dallas‘.

Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Cost 

Non-surgical skin tightening treatments do exist and vary from procedures such as radiofrequency treatments, e.g. Thermalift, to using at-home devices. Non-surgical procedures are a much cheaper option, but multiple sessions are needed to achieve results so the cost can also amount to thousands. According to Healthline, radiofrequency treatments tend to cost $200 or more per session, and your cost could amount to $2,000. 

Conclusion 

Researching the various abdominoplasty procedures and the average cost of undergoing the procedure is an important part of preparing for your surgery. If you wish to know more about the recovery and aftercare process, you can read our blog ‘A Patient’s Guide To Tummy Tuck Recovery In Dallas’. Additionally, potential patients should meet with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon so that they can learn more about the procedure, the risks, and recovery.

Disclaimer 

Please note: All materials on the Site, such as text, treatments, outcomes, photographs and images and any other material provided on the Site are for information purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Site.

Though the content of this blog has been carefully prepared, the author of this content is not a medical doctor and the content has not been reviewed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. 

Unless specifically stated, patients referred to in this blog have not received a tummy tuck from Dr. Liland. This blog does not endorse the work of any doctors or surgeons mentioned. Stories relating to patients’ personal experiences of tummy tuck procedures should be treated as anecdotal only.

Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and his, her, or their responsibility.

How long does it take for a full tummy tuck to heal?

How much is a tummy tuck in Nashville TN?

How much is a tummy tuck Utah?

Is a tummy tuck painful?