Tummy Tuck Cost - Average Prices and More

By Brandon Cornett
© 2011 All rights reserved

How much does a tummy tuck cost on average, and what variables influence the price of the procedure? That's what we are going to address in this entry. After reading this article, you'll have a pretty good idea of what a tummy tuck might cost you.

Before we talk about the average price for this procedure, a quick disclaimer. As with any surgical procedure, you need to conduct plenty of research before making a decision. We are not weighing in for or against tummy tucks -- we are merely providing cost information to help you in your research. In truth, pricing should be least consideration. Your health and wellbeing are the most important factors. With that being said, let's get into the average cost of a tummy tuck surgery.

How Much Does it Cost on Average?

The price of a tummy tuck procedure varies widely by location. This is usually the case with elective procedures like this. According to data compiled by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average cost of a tummy tuck in the United States is $4,827. Not surprisingly, you'll pay the most in cities such as Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

The above numbers only include the surgeon's fees. You might incur additional costs above this number, so be sure to ask about those. For example, the facility where you have your surgery might charge fees over and above the surgeon's fees.

When you add in other fees that are commonly associated with a tummy tuck (facility, anesthesiologist, etc.), the average cost increases to around $7,000. You might pay more of less than this amount, depending on where you live. This does not include related costs for other procedures, such as liposuction. This is just the average price for the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) itself.

Factors That Influence the Price

We already talked about how your location influences the cost of surgery. But there are other factors that affect the price as well. The surgeon's experience has a big influence. A well-known doctor who has performed over a thousand tummy tuck procedures will charge more than a doctor who just started his practice. In just about every major city, there's a "rock star" of a surgeon who gets a lot of press coverage and word-of-mouth referrals. This will probably be the most expensive surgeon in town. Just remember, when it comes to a tummy tuck surgery, proven experience is more important than marketing hype.

The type of procedure you choose will also influence the cost. A partial abdominoplasty (also referred to as a mini tummy tuck) will cost much less than a full procedure. So your next step when leaving this website is to research the different options available today. This will help you better understand the tummy tuck costs, as well as the procedures themselves.

Insurance Rarely Covers the Tummy Tuck

As far as most insurance companies are concerned, a tummy tuck is an elective procedure. You elect to have it, but you don't necessarily need to have -- not from a health standpoint at least. It falls under the umbrella of cosmetic surgery. As a result most insurance providers will not cover the cost of a tummy tuck procedure. This is obviously something you need to consider before having the surgery.

Some doctors offer payment plans to ease the cost, but you'll have to inquire about this on an individual basis. Payment plans have become more common over recent years (especially during the recession), but they are still not an industry standard. Some doctors offer them, while others don't. It's one more thing for you to ask about.

I hope this guide to tummy tuck costs helps you in your research. Remember, prices for these procedures vary widely across the United States. So you should make a list of surgeons in your area and get an estimate of total costs from each one of them. They should be able to tell you what the average surgery runs. And ask about payment plans too, since your insurance probably won't cover it.