Your choice to get a tummy tuck represents a significant investment that the vast majority of patients consider well worth the cost because of the procedure’s transformative results. How much is a tummy tuck? It depends on your unique case and your plastic surgeon’s expertise.
The Parker Tummy Tuck that I usually perform, for example, involves an advanced suturing technique that eliminates the need for surgical drains, while most practices perform a standard version of the procedure that includes them. In this post, I’ll explain why the cost of a drainless and traditional tummy tuck differs and what factors influence the cost of abdominoplasty regardless of the technique used.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Tummy Tuck
The price range of tummy tuck surgery can span thousands of dollars. Many factors influence the cost, such as the procedure’s complexity, the geographic region of the practice, and the surgeon’s expertise and reputation.
Drainless Tummy Tuck
Emptying and cleaning surgical drains a couple of times each day during the first week of recovery is an unpleasant task that most patients want to avoid. Enter the drainless tummy tuck, which involves using a specialized “quilting” technique to eliminate the need for drains. This prevents the development of seromas—a complication that occurs when fluid accumulates—by keeping the 2 tissue layers in place for added healing benefits. This takes more time than inserting drains, increasing the cost of a tummy tuck.
Extent of the Procedure
The complexity of a tummy tuck will significantly impact the cost. Depending on your specific condition, you may be a candidate for a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is less invasive but only addresses the area below the bellybutton. A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat and repairs diastasis recti (separated abdominal muscles). This procedure costs more than a mini tummy tuck. An extended tummy tuck addresses excess skin and fat on the flanks and lower back, adding to the cost. Adding other procedures, such as liposuction, can also affect the cost of your tummy tuck.
Geographic Location
The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on where you live or where your surgeon is located. For example, a tummy tuck in Manhattan is likely to cost more than in a smaller city. This is because the cost of living, including medical care, is higher in major cities. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost nationally of tummy tuck surgery is $8,174.
Surgeon’s Skill & Experience Level
Your surgeon’s skill and experience level are other factors that can affect the cost of a tummy tuck. More experienced surgeons typically charge more than less experienced surgeons. An experienced board-certified plastic surgeon is more likely to provide you with a better outcome and fewer complications. It also takes specialized training to perform drainless tummy tucks, making this more advanced version of the procedure a rarer offering among surgeons.
Additional Cost Factors
A variety of other costs may or may not be included in your surgeon’s price estimate, including:
- Anesthesia
- Operating room facilities
- Post-surgery care
Enhancing your procedure with other surgeries will increase the price but can be cost-effective. Popular procedures to combine with a tummy tuck include liposuction and breast enhancement procedures, such as a breast lift or augmentation. This combination of breast and body surgeries is commonly referred to as a mommy makeover.
Is a Drainless Tummy Tuck Right for You?
Even though drainless tummy tucks offer numerous benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as body type, amount of excess skin, and overall health play a role in determining the best approach. Patients with minimal abdominal fat may benefit from a traditional tummy tuck with drains, as there is less fatty tissue available to absorb the serous fluid after surgery.
Even though cost is a factor for most patients, I encourage you to base your choice of plastic surgeon on qualifications, experience, and what previous patients have said about their experience. You can request a personal consultation with me using the online form or call our practice at (201) 967-1212.
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