How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

However, as you’ve probably already discovered if you’ve done any amount of research into abdominoplasty surgery, many factors influence the total price tag. To help you become a more informed patient, here are the top five things you should know about how much a tummy tuck costs.

1. A tummy tuck is an elective procedure.

Even though getting an abdominoplasty can have a far-reaching impact on your self-esteem and quality of life, most health insurance plans categorize cosmetic procedures such as a tummy tuck as not medically necessary. That means you should be prepared to pay the full cost of your surgery out of pocket. However, many excellent cosmetic surgeons, such as San Francisco-based Dr. Michael Kulick, offer financing options that allow people to pay for their treatment in manageable installments, which can put the benefits of a tummy tuck within reach for more patients.

2. The city where you get your surgery performed can play a significant role in your price tag.

Overall, the cost of living tends to be higher in major metropolitan areas, ** so the geographical location where you choose to get your abdominoplasty surgery is a primary influencing factor in total tummy tuck costs. However, while having surgery in a doctor’s surgery center may be less expensive than getting it in a hospital, the additional safety may be worth the extra cost.

3. The doctor’s experience, skill level and surgical techniques all come into play.

Surgeons’ fees for a tummy tuck will vary based on factors such how long they have been in practice, their level of comfort with the abdominoplasty procedure and whether they recommend adding another surgical technique, such as liposuction, to produce even better surgical outcomes.

As you research different surgeons and their fees, keep in mind that cosmetic surgery is a highly competitive field. Examine doctors’ qualifications carefully, and remember that a board-certified plastic surgeon is your best choice for outstanding patient safety and results. Having this doctor be a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – ASAPS – provides another level of certification. If you see advertised tummy tuck costs that are significantly lower than what other surgeons in your area are offering, it could be a red flag that clinic or doctor lacks experience, or is willing to cut corners or otherwise compromise your results in some way. Remember, “You get what you pay for” is an adage for a good reason. It is in your best interest to seek out the most qualified surgeon to perform your abdominoplasty.

4. Your goals for tummy tuck surgery also influence cost.

The benefits of a tummy tuck include improved muscle position and removal of excess skin and fat in your abdominal region, resulting in a tighter and more contoured belly. However, the extent of your surgery will vary depending on what you are hoping to achieve. If you have unwanted tissue and flab both above and below your belly button, you are a good candidate for a full abdominoplasty. In contrast, if your upper abdominals are flat, but you are concerned with an unwanted “belly pooch” below your navel only, you may wish to opt for a less invasive procedure called a mini abdominoplasty instead. Since a mini abdominoplasty generally involves fewer steps than a full tummy tuck, it requires less healing time and may also be a more affordable procedure overall.

5. Surgeon’s fees are not the only costs involved with getting a tummy tuck.

Your final tummy tuck bill won’t just include the amount you pay your chosen surgeon for the services he or she provides. The additional costs will also include things such as

• Fees for the hospital or surgical facility where you get your abdominoplasty procedure performed
• Follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Anesthesiologist fees
• Cost of any prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Your pre-operative history and physical examination
• Post-surgical compression garment

When considering how much you can expect to pay for your abdominoplasty surgery, make sure you factor in all these various fees. As you meet with various tummy tuck surgeons, ask what you can expect regarding additional expenses that may be involved with your surgery. That way, you will be well-prepared and won’t have any “sticker shock” related to extra charges you didn’t inquire about ahead of time.

Outstanding Abdominoplasty in San Francisco

For more than 20 years, Dr. Michael Kulick has been providing tummy tucks for women and men throughout the Bay Area. Having honed his surgical techniques and eye for aesthetic detail over thousands of hours of study and hands-on practice, he is one of the most sought-after board-certified cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Don’t wait any longer to get the shape you’ve always dreamed of. Contact Dr. Kulick’s office to schedule your consultation and look forward to enjoying the benefits of a tummy tuck for years to come.

* Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2017

** Source: investopedia.com