What’s the Cost of a Tummy Tuck

Many people seek a tummy tuck to improve the appearance of their abdomens after significant weight loss or pregnancy. Because cosmetic surgery is often a considerable investment, most people want to know about the costs of a tummy tuck before pursuing one. 

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin from the abdominal area and tightens the supportive underlying tissues. A tummy tuck aims to achieve a toned and sleek abdominal area. The expected recovery time after this surgery is six months, but most people can return to work after two to three weeks. Patients should not lift heavy objects or work out until they get released by their doctor. 

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The average cost of a tummy tuck is around $6,000. Still, this amount does not include the cost of anesthesia, operating room fees, and other charges related to the surgery, including supplies. Most insurance companies do not cover the cost of tummy tucks because they are considered cosmetic surgeries. Although the surgery cost can be daunting, most plastic surgeons offer financing options to make them more attainable. 

What to Expect from a Tummy Tuck?

People seek tummy tucks because they want to improve their abdominal appearance. Removing excess skin and fat can make a significant difference in how a person looks. After the procedure, the abdominal area can feel bloated, swollen, and sore. Patients may need a compression garment to control the swelling and help with discomfort. Numbness is a normal part of the healing process and may not go away for several weeks or months but will improve slowly. 

Patients must get up and walk around often to help in their recovery. Patients must follow their doctor’s instructions for care to avoid complications in the healing process. It takes approximately six months to recover fully, but this time can increase if patients attempt to return to their regular routines too quickly. 

Drink plenty of fluids to aid in the healing process and rest for a few days. Take the prescribed medications and care for the incisions as the surgeon directs. Tummy tucks are generally outpatient and take two to three hours, not including recovery time. 

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

Tummy tuck procedures are not for everyone. Surgeons may caution patients to avoid surgery in the following instances. 

• The patient is not finished with weight loss. 
• They may become pregnant in the future. 
• The patient has severe health concerns, such as diabetes or heart disease. 
• The patient has a body mass index over 30. 
• The patient is a smoker. 
• The patient has had previous abdominal surgery that left scarring.

Discover Further Information 

Those interested in overcoming their sagging, flabby abdominal area may want to consider a tummy tuck. Tummy tucks are highly beneficial in removing excess skin and fat and giving patients a toned stomach area. Tummy tucks are serious surgeries and should not be entered into lightly.

Scheduling a consultation appointment is the first step toward getting started. The surgeon will need to check your health history and determine if you are a good candidate for surgery. 

Tummy tucks can be life-altering, giving people back the confidence, they are missing. Choose the right surgeon and schedule a consultation to start the process and experience positive results.