How much does a tummy tuck cost?

A tummy tuck is also called an abdominoplasty. The cost of a tummy tuck ranges from $3000-$12,000. The cost of a mini tummy tuck ranges from $4000-$5500.  The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on if a complete or mini tummy tuck is done, if other procedures such as liposuction is done, and the experience of the surgeon doing the procedure. Tummy tuck costs are also affected by location; tummy tucks vary in price from one State to another. Tummy tuck costs include everything from surgeon and nurse fees, anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees, hospital room rental fees, and prescription medication costs. Generally, health insurance does not cover tummy tuck costs as it is a cosmetic surgery, nor does insurance cover any complications caused by it.

Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck

According to liposite, average tummy tuck cost is around $7000. The average cost of a mini tummy tuck is around $4500. Average tummy tuck cost breaks down as follows; surgeon fees $5000,  anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees $500, facility rental fees $700 and about $500 in other assorted things such as pain medication, antibiotics and postoperative graments.

Cost of a Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck, is also called a mini abdominoplasty. The incision made during a mini tummy tuck is much smaller than that made during a full tummy tuck, which leaves behind a much smaller scar. A mini tummy tuck is also a quicker and easier procedure to preform than a a full tummy tuck is, and usually is done using a  local anesthetic and mild sedative, instead of  general anesthesia. Mini tummy tucks are often done with other procedures such as liposuction. If liposuction or any other similar procedures are done, it will of course raise the cost significantly. A mini tummy tuck is best for people who need limited work done; it offers less tightening and fat reduction than a full tummy tuck offers. Recovery time and post treatment care is less after a mini tummy tuck than a full one. Mini tummy tuck cost ranges in prices from $4000-$5500. Mini tummy tuck cost averages $4500.

Full Tummy Tuck Cost

The cost of a full tummy tuck ranges from $3000-$12,000, with the average being around $7000. The cost of a full tummy tuck varies greatly on how much work needs to be done; if other procedures like liposuction are done at the same time; the experience of the surgeon doing the operation; and on the patient’s location.

How much does a tummy tuck cost in California

The cost of a tummy tuck varies greatly per location. In California, the average cost of a tummy tuck is around $6000. Getting a tummy tuck in California, is less expensive than getting a tummy tuck in Texas or Alaska, but is more expensive than getting a tummy tuck in States such as Florida, Georgia or New York. In Georgia, the average cost of a tummy tuck is around $5000. In both New York and Florida the average cost of a tummy tuck is around $4000. In Texas, the average cost of a tummy tuck is about $7000. A tummy tuck in Alaska costs around $7500. Traveling to a different State to have a tummy tuck done can save a patient several thousand dollars. For those who don’t mind traveling out of country, a tummy tuck in Mexico costs about $3000.

Cost of Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

A tummy tuck with liposuction is called a “limited tummy tuck”. It focuses on the lower abdomen only; a standard tummy tuck treats the entire abdomen. During the tummy tuck and liposuction procedure an incision is made between the hip bones, the abdomen muscles are tighten, and the fat and extra skin is removed, and then the skin is closed up. The cost of a tummy tuck and liposuction ranges from $5000-$10,000, depending on how much liposuction is needed, location and the Doctor.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck treats two conditions; it removes loose sagging skin from the stomach area and is done to repair muscle separation below and above the navel area.

Before a tummy tuck is done, patients will need to visit the surgeon several times. The surgeon will discuss options and will ensure the patient is a good candidate for a tummy tuck by checking their abdomen fat levels and stomach muscles. Before the procedure, the patient will need to stop certain medications and if they are a smoker, they will need to kick the habit at least four weeks prior to the surgery.

A complete tummy tuck usually takes 3-4 hours to complete, while a mini tummy tuck takes from 1-2 hours. During the procedure, the patient is given a general anesthesia. A tummy tuck will typically leave a scar from hip to hip. During a tummy tuck, the skin below the navel is removed, and the skin above the navel is stretched and sutured to fill the area where the skin was removed. If needed the abdomen muscles are tightened.  The large majority of the time, liposuction is done during a tummy tuck. More information about the procedure can be found here.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Typically, it takes about six weeks to recover from a full tummy tuck, and about four weeks to recover from a mini tummy tuck.  Tummy tucks, be them full or mini, are generally done as an outpatient procedure, so most patients get to go home shortly after the procedure is done. However, some patients have to stay a day or two in the hospital after the surgery is done. Usually, patients will need to return to the Doctor’s office about 3 days after the operation for a check-up and again 7 days after the procedure to have the outside stitches removed.

Patients should expect pain for the first couple of weeks, and will need to schedule time off work. The Doctor will prescribe pain medication, but it will not work well if the patient is not stationary. For the first three weeks, the patient should be sedentary. After three weeks, the patient is usually allowed to resume moderate activity again. By the fourth week, the patient is usually allowed to resume careful exercising again.

Patients should expect some bruising from the procedure, which will fade away during the first week. Due to the chance of infection, patients will need to take antibiotics for the first week or two. It is recommended that patients take their temperature regularly to ensure they do not develop a fever, as a fever is a sign of infection. Doctors direction on caring for the procedure site should be carefully followed to help avoid complications.

Tummy Tuck Alternatives

There are several non surgical alternatives to tummy tucks; liposuction, thermage, ultrasound cavitation, lipodissolve, VelaSmooth. All of these alternatives are less expensive, less painful and require less recovery time than a tummy tuck does.

Liposuction is a good choice for those with a lot of stomach fat; however, it works best when combined with a tummy tuck. There are many different types of liposuction available: laser, water, ultrasonic, Vaser, and body jet. Generally liposuction is less expensive than a tummy tuck is, and it is quicker to recover from.

Thermage is not the best alternative for those with large amounts of stomach fat or sagging skin, but is good for those with minimal fat or sagging. Thermage is considerably less expensive than a tummy tuck is. Thermage heats the collagen in the skin, revitalizing it and stimulates collagen production. Collagen is what helps skin stay smooth and youthful looking.

Ultrasound Cavitation is a completely painless and noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasonic energy to melt fat, which is then eliminated from the body via the lymphatic system. Ultrasonic cavitation is less expensive than a tummy tuck is.

Lipodissolve is a relatively new technique where mild enzymes are injected into the problem area, which helps to melt away fat. It is recommended for women who are having difficulty losing after pregnancy weight. Lipodissolve is significantly less expensive than a tummy tuck is and is relatively painless.

VelaSmooth is a noninvasive procedure that involves massage rollers, radio frequency energy, suction and infra-red energy to break up fat, which the body eliminates naturally. VelaSmooth is significantly less expensive than a tummy tuck is.