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| Typical costs: | - A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, varies widely in cost from $3,000 to $8,500, according to The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. This includes an anesthesiologist fee of $500 to $700, a facility fee of $700 to $1,000 and a surgeon's fee, which averages $5,232 according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery,. The cost varies according to how much skin and fat has to be removed and whether the procedure is performed in a doctor's surgical suite or in a hospital. Sometimes, a tummy tuck requires an overnight hospital stay , which can make the procedure considerably more expensive.
- Patients in the northeastern United States can expect to pay higher surgeon's fees, averaging $4,995, while patients in the south central states pay much less, averaging $3,681. CosmeticPlasticSurgeryStatistics.com provides a chart that shows tummy tuck costs by region.
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| What should be included: | - In a tummy tuck operation, which usually takes two to five hours, the surgeon makes a vertical and a horizontal incision to create a skin flap, which is lifted to reveal the "girdle" of muscles that holds in the internal organs. The doctor then pulls these muscles tighter, stitching them in place before removing extra skin, repositioning the navel and closing the incision. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides diagrams and an overview of the procedure. A tummy tuck can remove fat, as well as stretch marks on the lower abdomen.
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| Additional costs: | - Expect to pay for pain medication your doctor will prescribe.
- Some patients require additional surgery, either to correct complications or because of dissatisfaction with the results. Also, women who become pregnant and give birth after having a tummy tuck may choose to repeat the procedure.
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| Discounts: | - Patients who are within 10 percent of their ideal weight and whose fat deposits are confined to the area below the navel might be candidates for a less complicated - and less expensive - procedure, a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a "mini tummy tuck." This procedure can usually be done in an outpatient basis.
- Tip: Ask your surgeon if you can get free or discounted services by agreeing to provide a testimonial or by allowing your before and after photos to be used on websites or in advertisements.
- Having two plastic surgery procedures at the same time can save money on anesthesia fees and facility costs. However, if you have enough fat in your abdomen that you also require liposuction in this area, you should have the procedures done separately, three months apart, to avoid healing complications.
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| Shopping for a tummy tuck: | - Tip: Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with plenty of experience performing breast reductions. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides a free referral service.
- Tip: Talk to your surgeon to make sure you're a good candidate for a tummy tuck operation. The ideal tummy tuck patient is a man or woman of normal weight, with a slightly protruding or sagging stomach that has not responded to diet and exercise. Also discuss possible complications, which include infection, skin necrosis, and fluid or blood collecting under the skin, which require a trip to the doctor for removal. InfoPlasticSurgery.com provides detailed information about risks. Also, the operation always results in scars.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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