Tummy Tuck Cost

1/9 | http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/body/tummy-tuck/cost
BY
Dennis J. Hurwitz, M.D.
SENIOR SECTIONAL EDITOR
updated March 11, 2015
Source: http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/body/tummy-
tuck/cost
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can cost between $3,000 and
$12,000, depending on the surgeon you choose, the geographic location
of the surgeon's practice, the scope of treatment, and several other
factors.
Throughout our lives, perhaps no other area of the body is subject to as
many changes as the abdomen. Weight loss and gain, pregnancy, and
other experiences can all take a toll on the skin, muscles, and other
tissues of the midsection. Meanwhile, the condition of these tissues
Tummy Tuck Cost

reaches a point at which exercise and dieting cannot change the
appearance of the midsection, and surgery becomes necessary to
achieve satisfactory aesthetics and comfort.
Abdominoplasty can involve different combinations of techniques, all
intended to help patients achieve a lean, toned midsection. The
procedure almost always includes liposuction, tightening of underlying
muscles, and removal of excess skin, all performed to various extents.
With so many possible variations on a tummy tuck, it can be difficult to
pin down an exact price one might expect to pay.
In general, you can expect that the cost of a tummy tuck will be most
affected by the surgeon you choose, the scope of treatment, and the
reason for treatment. In some cases, a physician may determine that a
tummy tuck can provide medical benefits. This is especially true of
patients who have experienced massive weight loss following bariatric
surgery. Under these circumstances, insurance coverage can apply. In
other cases, patients may simply wish to achieve a cosmetic
enhancement, and should expect to have to pay for the procedure out of
pocket. In either case, it pays to do your research and make choices that
will bring you genuine long-term satisfaction.
Competition, Demand, and the Price of
Plastic Surgery
The National Center for Policy Analysis Reports that the cost of medical
care covered by insurance has doubled since 1992. The consumer price
index (the price of all goods) rose by 50 percent, but the index of plastic
surgery prices has risen only by about 20 percent, despite the fact that
there were 40 times more plastic surgery procedures performed in
2008 than in 1992. In short, the cash pay healthcare market has much
more competition, which has resulted in relatively stable prices.
J. Barry Boyd, MD is a plastic surgeon practicing in Winter Park,
Florida. He said that in his 25 years as the medical director of a facility
certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory
Surgical Facilities, he has seen this trend provide great benefits to
patients.

"Compared to the insurance-hospital-government health care delivery
model, looking at safety, quality, and cost, I am a big believer in the
private, fee-for-service, specialty center model," he said. "The multiple
patient care and economic benefits are obvious."
What is Satisfaction Worth to You?
Before deciding upon a surgeon and a scope of treatment, you have to
contemplate what a quality operation is worth to you personally. For the
majority of patients I see, their desired procedure will create a budget
crunch. The money isn't sitting under a pillow waiting to be used.
Paying upfront for treatment that will bring you true satisfaction might
mean that you have to drive a less flashy car for a couple of years, or
wait to upgrade from an apartment to a house for a little while longer.
Justin is a patient of mine who underwent body contouring after
massive weight loss. He took time to meet with several surgeons, and
eventually achieved what he felt were life-changing results by carefully
weighing his options and choosing to invest in what he felt would
provide the greatest satisfaction.
"If I was in the same situation
again, I would pay whatever I
could to have the surgery," Justin
said. "Even though I had lost a lot
of weight, I had a lot of extra skin
that was uncomfortable, and
often caused rashes. Now, I have
more confidence at 33 than I did
at 18. There is no price too high
to help you build self-confidence and be at peace with yourself. If you
are considering body contouring, this is a life-changing decision. This is
not the time to go fishing for a deal. I met with two other highly
regarded plastic surgeons before Dr. Hurwitz. They had the experience
and the credentials, but lacked the passion, artistry, and results Dr.
Hurwitz brings to every patient. Choose your surgeon carefully, based
on experience, results, character, and passion."
There is no price too high
to help you build self-
confidence and be at
peace with yourself

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon
As a general rule, patients should expect to pay more for the most
experienced surgeon. This is further augmented if the surgeon is an
internationally recognized expert. However, you should not be
discouraged from approaching high-caliber practices. They may offer
options that could provide you with beautiful results that fit nicely
within your budget.
For example, I perform abdominoplasty that is considered state of the
art, and have learned from the absolute masters of this craft. I have
been invited to attend the Annual Brazilian Congress of Plastic Surgery
as a guest speaker eight times out of the last 10 years, and I will be the
keynote speaker at the upcoming event. I have significant credentials,
and a track record of providing patients with outstanding results. Cost
relates to quality, and I charge what I'm worth.
However, if a patient schedules a consultation with me and finds that
they cannot afford my services, I have recruited a brilliant young
surgeon who has my stamp of approval, and is excellent in his own
right. If it is a case in which experience makes a significant difference, I
will recommend that the client consider undergoing surgery performed
by me. However, we stand by the quality of this office, and if my protege
is capable of meeting the patient's needs, we can discuss this option
further.
My colleague Dr. Boyd encourages anyone considering plastic surgery
to concentrate on potential results rather than cost when searching for
a doctor.
"Safety and quality are more important than ‘cheap,'" Dr. Boyd explains.
"Consulting with an experienced, reputable surgeon is very important.
Most practices offer financing programs to assist with any cost
concerns."
You have everything to gain by exploring your options with high-profile
plastic surgery practices. Don't be afraid to start your search for a
surgeon at the top tier.

Scope of Abdominoplasty Treatment
I classify tummy tuck surgery as limited (sometimes called a "mini
tummy tuck"), standard, or extended. In general, all tummy tuck
procedures require liposuction (the surgical removal of fatty tissue) and
abdominal plication (the tightening of the abdominal wall). There are
several methods of performing liposuction. I use a method called
VASERlipoTM, which uses ultrasound to liquefy fat before it is removed,
and it costs several hundred dollars more than standard lipousction.
Depending upon the amount of liposuction needed, a limited tummy tuck
can cost between $5,000 and $6,000. A limited tummy tuck focuses on
the lower abdomen. An incision is placed between the hip bones,
allowing your surgeon to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove
excess skin and fat. Finally, the skin is sutured closed.
A standard tummy tuck addresses the same areas as a limited
procedure, but also includes the upper abdomen, or the area above the
navel. The cost can range from $8,500 to $10,000. This procedure
involves more dramatic repositioning of overlying skin than a limited
tummy tuck, and often requires the cosmetic alteration of the skin to
create the appearance of a navel once tissues have been removed and
sutured closed.
A tummy tuck can be considered "extended" when it involves
liposuction in the flanks (sometimes called the love handles), and can
carry a price of $11,000 to $12,000, depending on the amount of
liposuction needed. This requires the patient to be turned during
surgery, and this must be performed carefully to ensure the patient's
safety. It also requires special skill and precautions to ensure that the
results look even and symmetrical.
Paying for Your Tummy Tuck: Insurance
Coverage versus Out-of-pocket Expense
Abdominoplasty is a unique
surgery in that it can provide
A patient's insurance plan

both practical and aesthetic
benefits. As such, a patient's
insurance plan may actually
contribute, if not completely
cover, the cost of surgery.
Patients qualifying for insurance
coverage of tummy tuck surgery
typically have a functional impairment dealing with excess skin, such as
a rash, boils, infections, or backaches due to the weight of the excess
tissue. In most cases, we can anticipate that the insurance company
will cover a panniculectomy. This is similar to a limited tummy tuck.
Basically, insurance will cover the removal of just enough excess skin
to resolve the issue, and this rarely results in a favorable aesthetic
outcome. In this case, we might suggest that a patient self-pay for a
greater extent of treatment that will help them achieve better-looking
results, and we usually offer this additional treatment at a discounted
rate. Usually, a letter requesting pre-authorization needs to be
submitted before scheduling a consultation. That way, you can arrive
prepared to talk about what expenses, if any, will be required to achieve
satisfying results.
Financing
If your abdominoplasty is ineligible for insurance coverage, there are
several ways pay for your treatment. You can pay with cash, check or
credit card, and there are several third-party financing companies.
Some practices finance surgery themselves. It goes without saying, but
if you choose to finance your procedure, understand your obligations
and keep up with your payments.
Geographic Location of Your Doctor's
Practice
The physical location of your surgeon's practice affects the price of
abdominoplasty in more ways than one. First, the cost of living in a
specific area has a huge impact on the price of plastic surgery.
Therefore, it is safe to assume that abdominoplasty performed in
Manhattan will cost more than the same procedure performed in
A patient's insurance plan
may actually contribute, if
not completely cover, the
cost of surgery

Lubbock, Texas.
If your surgeon does not have a private surgical suite, and your surgery
must take place in a hospital, it could incur a cost difference of
hundreds of dollars. However, facilities in many states will actually
offer a discount to patients paying out of pocket. This is especially true
among facilities in Maryland, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Vermont. If
you consult with a surgeon who performs in a hospital, be sure to ask
about any potential discounts you can expect as a cash-pay patient.
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is administered to prevent the patient from experiencing
pain as the surgeon creates incisions, removes excess tissue, and
carries out the other steps of a tummy tuck procedure. It can be
administered either by an anesthesiologist or by a nurse. In many
cases, anesthesia expenses are charged by the hour. Anesthesia
performed by an anesthesiologist can cost $450 per hour or more.
Having a nurse administer the anesthesia can provide a cost savings,
incurring fees of about $300 an hour or more. In my experience, there
is no issue or concern with the quality of anesthesia administered by a
nurse.
But in some cases, paying for an anesthesiologist is money well spent.
It can either give the patient increased peace of mind, or provide
practical benefits. For example, if you have high blood pressure, are
diabetic, or have a chronic illness, there is a higher risk of blood loss,
and you might be better off with an anesthesiologist. Be prepared to
discuss your medical history in great detail during your consultation so
your surgeon can recommend the best means of administering
anesthesia.
Aftercare Expenses
Your downtime following a tummy tuck procedure will depend on the
extent of your treatment, and during that time, there are several
essential expenses. Some are included in the total cost of your

treatment, while others are not. I provide a free elastic support garment
for each of my patients to wear as they recover, helping to facilitate
proper healing. If that elastic support garment must be replaced, it can
cost from about $50 to $100.
Some medication for pain management will be necessary after surgery.
With insurance, pain medication can cost under $100 for a prescription,
but can cost several hundred if you are paying out of pocket.
I personally include two follow-up visits in the cost of a tummy tuck
treatment. During these visits, I provide VelaShapeTM treament, which
uses ultrasound to expedite the reduction of swelling, smooth out any
irregularities, and flatten scars to promote attractive results. If you need
more than two visits, these sessions can cost $50 to $100 each.
Because a tummy tuck can require one to four weeks of recovery time,
patients should also consider the cost of time off work. If the recovery
time that your procedure is expected to require will exceed the amount
of vacation time you have saved up, it is practical to consider those lost
wages part of the overall expense of a tummy tuck.
Revisional Treatment
Many patients considering abdominoplasty or other cosmetic surgery
procedures think that paying for a procedure means that no matter
what, their surgeon will do whatever is needed to eventually provide
the desired result. In reality, this is not the case.
While a surgeon's credentials and reputation can certainly be a great
indication that your surgery will provide satisfying results, it is not a
guarantee. Surgery is never 100 percent predictable in its outcomes. I
and most surgeons I know, as experienced as we are, cannot actually
guarantee what we do. I stand behind what I do, and that's my best
warranty. If there are some problems with unfavorable scarring or
contour problems, you should expect some further expenses involved in
revising your results, but they should be small compared to the cost of
your original surgery.

•
•
•
While no surgeon can absolutely guarantee results that will meet your
expectations beyond a shadow of a doubt, you can definitely reduce
your risk of unfavorable results by refusing to settle for a less reputable
surgeon based on price alone. In simple terms, the greater the need for
revision, the greater the cost following payment for the initial surgery.
Therefore, the importance of choosing an excellent and reputable
surgeon cannot be overstated.
Education: Your Best Bet in Achieving
Satisfaction through Liposuction
Today, consumers of all stripes have a virtually endless wealth of
information at their fingertips. If you are considering abdominoplasty, it
pays to do your research and discover credentialed surgeons in your
area who have earned a reputation for delivering superior results. Don't
hesitate to schedule consultations with more than one surgeon, and
don't hesitate to approach high-profile practices - they may be able to
accommodate your budget better than you think.
References
Source:
http://www.docshop.com/education/cosmetic/body/tummy-
tuck/cost
Author: Dennis Hurwitz, MD
Publisher: DocShop

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