The Costs Of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy Tuck Surgery is normally not an inexpensive endeavor.  Although there may be cheaper surgeons out there, you should consider quality above cost.  While we are not implying that the most expensive surgeon will be your best choice, the highly discounted ones may be suspect.  After all, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Many patients do not realize there are other costs involved other than just their surgery.  Some surgeons offer all-inclusive packages, others are itemized, especially with surgeons who utilize a hospital and do not have their own out-patient facility.  Of course, additional procedures will add additional expense.  For instance, a tummy tuck coupled with liposuction will normally add anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 to your overall cost. However, when tacking on additional procedures, you do receive savings which would normally not be available to you if these procedures were undergone separately.

So that no surprises arise, be sure to get an itemized quote before you schedule your surgery so that you know what you're getting for your dollar.  Two examples which may be considered under a separate fee structure may be the facility or anesthesiologist's fee.  Speak with your surgeon about these costs upfront and get it in writing.

The Average Cost of Abdominoplasty
The cost of having a tummy tuck will vary from region to region, and even from city to city (even from doctor to doctor!).  The below prices are a realistic average to expect.  New York, California and the city of Dallas tend to be more expensive than many areas.  Please do not base your entire decision on choosing a particular surgeon because of cost.  Sometimes you really do get what you pay for so be careful.

• All-inclusive
  • Mini Tummy Tuck: $2,000 - $5,000 (the cost really depends upon just how much 'tucking' you need)
  • Full abdominoplasty: $6,000-$8,500.
  • Full Abdominoplasty with Liposuction: $6,000-$15,000.
  • Revision Abdominoplasty: $2,000 - $12,000.(the cost varies considerably, you could just need revision to the scar, your umbilicus or your muscles.  For scar revisions, the cost is normally waived if performed by the primary surgeon.)
• Itemized
  • Surgeon Fees: $2,000.-$5,000.
  • Lab Fees: $150-300
  • Physicals, EKG, etc.: $100-$500.
  • Anesthesiologist: $600 - $1,200
  • Facility Fee: $800 - $1,200
  • Medications: $45-75
  • Surgical Garments: for two girdles, depending upon brand and type, anywhere from $30 - $240.

Facility Fees: Hospital or Out-patient Facility
As long as the out-patient facility is accredited and the surgeon has hospital privileges, out-patient facilities are safe and actually shown to have less of an occurrence of infections.  It is paramount that your surgeon have hospital privileges at a nearby hospital in the event that you must be admitted for a complication.  If anything arises, your surgeon will be the attending physician who knows your case and not someone you have never met before.

Possible Complications Costs
With tummy tuck surgery comes inherent risks. Clearly, the majority of tummy tuck surgeries go without any hiccups whatsoever.  But complications can and do arise, so please understand that if you are just scraping by to get your surgery, you may need to pad your budget in the event that all does not go to plan.  This budget padding also applies to the aforementioned possibility of being admitted to a hospital.

Other Costs To Consider
Other costs which you may not be aware of may be lab fees, including pregnancy tests, HIV and Hepatitis tests, and blood clotting tests.  Some surgeons may require that you get a physical to determine your health status before they will agree to perform your surgery. 

Medications are usually an additional cost, although some surgeons may provide these medications as an all-inclusive package.  Some surgeons ask that you purchase bromelain, arnica montana, vitamin formulations and other recovery supplements.

Surgical compression garments or girdles are a necessity, usually requiring two First Stage and two Second stage garments. These garments may run anywhere from $50 to $150 for each garment.  If your surgeon recommends store-bought girdle found at department stores, the cost may be less.  However, it is very doubtful he will recommend these as true post-surgical garments are designed specifically for abdominoplasty recovery and are far more beneficial than a typical girdle   Some surgeons provide surgical garments to their patients, so ascertain what you need and be sure that if you must purchase your own that it will be there in time for your surgery.  This is very important.

Miscellaneous costs may include ice packs, or bags of frozen peas, bandages, salves and other first aid supplies.

Will Insurance Pay For Your Tummy Tuck?
Some insurance carriers do pay for tummy tuck surgery  If you have pain associated with the size and weight of the fat and skin, or if your muscles are very stretched out, you should ask your insurance carrier if there is full or partial coverage available for your procedure.