When choosing a plastic surgeon for abdominoplasty, many patients home right in on tummy tuck cost before considering any other factors.
And naturally, we understand why.
Plastic surgery — which is not typically covered by insurance and usually must be paid for out-of-pocket — can get expensive. Nearly every major procedure costs at least several thousand dollars. And tummy tuck surgery is no exception.
But how much can you trust a plastic surgeon who charges a significantly lower price for tummy tuck surgery than nearly every other surgeon you’ve considered?
Perhaps it’s not fair to rule out a non-board certified plastic surgeon who claims to be fully qualified and charges bargain prices. Aren’t they just as good as someone who’s board certified and has experience with tummy tucks?
We say no. And here’s why.
Your Choice of Tummy Tuck Surgeon Matters
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a common plastic surgery. In fact, it has been a standard surgery among plastic surgeons for decades. In most cases, the outcomes are successful, and patients are happy with their tummy tuck results.
However, these successes only occur when certain conditions are met — namely, when the plastic surgeon is board-certified and experienced at performing successful tummy tuck surgeries.
Of course, other variables factor in as well. But these two are absolutely essential. Let’s look a bit deeper into why board certification and experience are so critical for your upcoming tummy tuck.
Board-Certification
In order to be a board certified plastic surgeon, a surgeon must have completed a full residency in plastic surgery after their traditional education. This means they will have performed all of the standard plastic surgeries (including abdominoplasty), under guidance from other seasoned board certified surgeons.
This experience requires surgeons to work thousands of hours in order to learn the ins and outs of every surgery — from consultation and performing the surgery itself, to follow-up appointments. A board certified surgeon also needs to know how to diagnose and handle potential complications.
Once this training has been completed, a surgeon will need to take and pass a rigorous exam. When a surgeon passes this exam, The American Board of Plastic Surgery awards them board certification. All members of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) must be board certified.
Tummy Tuck Experience
Beyond board certification, the plastic surgeon you choose should be able to prove they have performed tummy tucks before with success. Looking at a plastic surgeon’s past-patient reviews and tummy tuck before and after galleries is a good place to start.
Of course, you also want to ensure you feel confident with your surgeon. Look for someone who is both experienced and well-established, but make sure you feel comfortable too.
Many tummy tuck patients are weight loss patients. Perhaps you’ve just achieved a significant weight loss. After all of this hard work, you want to find a surgeon you can trust — someone you feel safe with — to perform your skin removal surgery.
How Much Should Cost Affect Your Surgeon Choice?
While we do not recommend basing your choice of tummy tuck surgeon solely on cost, it’s certainly understandable that this factor will influence your choice. Therefore, beyond finding someone who is board certified and experienced and who you feel comfortable with, feel free to meet with multiple surgeons to get a few cost quotes.
You’ll find that tummy tuck costs do vary depending on a variety of factors such as:
- Geographic location
- Anesthesia fees
- Fees for hospital or operating room facilities
- Consultation and follow-up appointment facilities
- Other expenses for things like prescription medications or compression garments
FAQ: Tummy Tuck Cost
How much does a tummy tuck cost with insurance?
The final cost of tummy tuck surgery is rarely covered by health insurance because it is a cosmetic procedure and not typically “medically necessary” in the eyes of health insurance providers.
How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?
The average cost of tummy tuck surgery (for a standard or full tummy tuck) is likely the same or similar to the average cost of a mini tummy tuck. Although the latter tends to require fewer incisions and perhaps less liposuction and skin removal, the process with both procedures is largely the same and will likely require the same amount of preparation, work hours, equipment, etc.
How much does a tummy tuck cost near me?
Depending on where you live (or where you choose to undergo your tummy tuck), prices may vary. Larger urban centers will have a higher cost of living, and this often translates to higher prices for cosmetic surgery procedures such as tummy tucks.
If you live in the Dallas area, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan performs tummy tuck surgery at his Dallas practice.
Request Your Consultation Appointment
Loose abdominal skin and separated abdominal muscles can cause a long list of uncomfortable problems — from embarrassment and lack of confidence, to physical pain and difficulty exercising. The only way to repair the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin on the stomach is to undergo tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty.
With loose skin and excess fat gone (via liposuction), you’ll have a smoother, flatter abdominal wall and feel more like yourself again. Tummy tucks can often remove stretch marks and wrinkling on the upper and lower abdomen as well.
If you are interested in learning more about abdominoplasty, call us today to set up a consultation appointment with Dr. Raja Mohan. At your appointment, you can discuss tummy tuck recovery, tummy tuck scars, and more while discussing your candidacy for the procedure. Call today to schedule your appointment.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/finding-the-right-plastic-surgeon-for-you