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Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available. In 2020 alone, almost 100,000 tummy tucks were performed, and this number is only expected to rise significantly each year. And when you see the stunning and transformative results that this procedure offers patients, there’s no wondering why tummy tucks are so popular.
However, while tummy tuck surgery offers dramatic improvements to patients’ body contours and appearance, the reality is that, like most cosmetic surgeries or treatments, whether a person undergoes this surgery or not is dependent largely on how much it costs.
Cosmetic procedures don’t have a set cost menu, and there is no single price you can expect to pay for your surgery.
Because the price can fluctuate from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and patient to patient, it can be helpful to understand what goes into the cost of your procedure so that you can better determine if a tummy tuck is something you want to do now.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is a cosmetic procedure in which the abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess and sagging skin around the midsection is removed.
For this procedure, your plastic surgeon will make an incision just above your pubic area. This incision usually stretches from hip to hip (depending on the type of tummy tuck you have).
Liposuction surgery may be used to remove any stubborn fat from around the abdominal area.
Your abdominal muscles will be tightened with the aid of internal sutures. Next, the skin will be redraped, excess tissue will be surgically removed, and the incision will be closed with sutures.
Tummy tuck surgery is a fantastic option for women after childbirth (which is why it is a staple procedure in Mommy Makeover surgery). This procedure can also help men and women who have developed sagging skin in their midsection, either from age or life events.
What Goes Into Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?
Whether we want to admit it or not, cost is a major factor in determining whether or not a person will undergo plastic surgery. And while many people think that the cost of plastic surgery is simply the amount the plastic surgeon charges to complete the procedure, the reality is that there are many other cost factors that contribute.
For tummy tuck surgery, one of the major deciding factors for the cost is the type of tummy tuck you are having performed. A mini tummy tuck generally costs less than a full tummy tuck (or traditional tummy tuck) and extended tummy tuck just because it requires smaller incisions and offers less extensive correction.
Other factors that contribute to the cost include:
Surgical Fee
The surgical fee is the price the plastic surgeon charges to perform the procedure. This fee can change significantly from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon and is dependent on several different factors, including the plastic surgeon’s background, education, and experience.
Another factor that can affect the cost of your tummy tuck surgery is the geographic location of the plastic surgeon.
Think supply and demand: where there is a higher number of plastic surgeons and plastic surgery centers, the cost of procedures tends to be lower than in a location with very few cosmetic surgery options.
Anesthesia Fee
A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia. It should go without saying that anesthesia is important since it keeps you from experiencing pain or discomfort during your procedure. But anesthesia, like any medication, is not free.
The type of anesthesia used for your procedure will affect your overall abdominoplasty cost. Since general anesthesia will completely put you to sleep, the dosage is higher, which means that the cost will also be higher.
Also included in the anesthesia fee is the cost of the anesthesiologist, who needs to be present during the procedure to ensure your safety.
Facility Fee
Another major factor in the cost of your tummy tuck is the facility fee. This fee includes the cost of using the actual operation room where the surgery takes place. In addition to the actual surgery room, the facility fee can include the nursing care needed for a successful procedure and medical and surgical materials used during the surgery.
Aftercare Costs
After your tummy tuck procedure, you will need follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon to evaluate your tummy tuck recovery.
Other aftercare costs may include medication, surgical dressings, and compression garments that you may require.
Are You Ready for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can drastically alter your body contours for the better and help you feel more confident and comfortable. If worries about the financial aspect of plastic surgery are keeping you from undergoing a procedure, schedule a consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgeons.
At your tummy tuck consultation, your plastic surgeon will provide a cost estimate for your specific procedure to help you plan for your potential tummy tuck procedure.
If you are interested in learning more about how tummy tuck surgery can help you, contact Coastal Plastic Surgeons at 858-365-3558.