The cost of abdominoplasty surgery, or a tummy tuck, can vary widely depending on several different factors. A mini abdominoplasty is usually cheaper because it focuses on the area below the navel, while a full abdominoplasty, which removes skin and fat from the entire abdominal area, is typically more expensive. Total costs for an abdominoplasty include surgeons' fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and the cost of blood work and other laboratory tests performed before the procedure. Other factors that affect the cost of abdominoplasty surgery include the surgeon's geographic area, whether other procedures are performed simultaneously, and whether the patient has complications that require medical treatment after surgery.
Surgeons' fees are generally the most expensive part of an abdominoplasty. These fees cover the cost of the surgeon to perform the procedure and usually include the cost of the supplies used during the surgery. Many cosmetic surgeons charge a flat fee that includes visits before and after surgery. It is important for patients concerned with the cost of abdominoplasty surgery to talk to their surgeons extensively about all of the fees involved, because the surgeon's fee is usually only part of the cost.
An abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, and the fee for the anesthesiologist is often separate from the surgeon's fee. Anesthesia fees cover the administration of anesthesia prior to surgery and include monitoring during the procedure by the anesthesiologist. Some cosmetic surgeons have their own facilities where they perform abdominoplasties and other surgeries, while others have agreements with hospitals or other medical facilities that allow them to perform procedures there, usually for a facility fee paid by the patient.
Abdominoplasty patients must undergo blood work and other laboratory tests prior to surgery to address their overall health. Certain illnesses and conditions may preclude a patient from having an abdominoplasty, and the cost for these tests is often separate from the other fees included in the total cost of abdominoplasty surgery. Patients should disclose their complete medical histories and talk to their doctors about any allergies or concerns prior to surgery so the appropriate tests can be conducted.
Geographic area has a large influence on the cost of abdominoplasty surgery. Cosmetic surgeons in large cities in the United States or the United Kingdom are often more expensive than surgeons in rural areas or other countries, for example. Many abdominoplasty patients choose to have other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, done at the same time as a tummy tuck, which raises the cost. Complications after surgery, such as infection or problems with wound healing, require additional care that may not be covered by a patient's insurance.