There’s no straightforward answer to how much a particular plastic surgery procedure costs. That is true for tummy tuck surgery, with pricing varying by thousands of dollars depending on a range of factors.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Tummy Tuck
Many factors influence your price, such as the complexity of your procedure, the region where your surgery is performed, and your surgeon’s experience level. This post will discuss those factors and review why cost should not be your primary basis for choosing your tummy tuck surgeon.
Procedure Complexity
The extent of your tummy tuck procedure will significantly impact the cost. 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, a less extensive procedure that removes excess skin from only the lower abdomen. On the other end of the spectrum, 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.
Drainless Tummy Tuck Technique
Our board-certified plastic surgeons use a suturing technique that eliminates the need for post-surgical drains, which remove blood and fluid. Patients with tummy tuck drains have the unpleasant task of emptying and cleaning the drains a couple of times each day for about a week. Our surgeons’ specialized “quilting” technique eliminates the need for drains by closing the spaces where fluid accumulates. This special stitching takes more time than inserting drains, increasing the cost of a tummy tuck. Read more about drainless tummy tucks in our previous blog post.
Geographic Location
The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on where you live or where your surgeon is located. In general, tummy tucks are less expensive in smaller cities or more rural areas, such as you’ll find in Montana. 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 affect the cost of a tummy tuck. More experienced surgeons typically charge more than less seasoned surgeons. An experienced surgeon is more likely to provide you with a better outcome and fewer complications.
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
Combining a tummy tuck with other procedures will increase the price but can be cost-effective in the long run. Patients often combine a tummy tuck with liposuction and breast enhancement procedures, such as a breast lift or augmentation.
The Results Are Worth It
After tummy tuck surgery, the physical transformation gives our patients more confidence and often enhances the quality of their lives. If you maintain an active lifestyle and follow a nutritious diet, you can enjoy your results for years and years to come. To learn about your tummy tuck options and costs, request a consultation with one of our surgeons using the online form or by calling our practice at (406) 609-0210.
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