Tummy Tuck Cost and Procedure Guide

Has major weight loss left you with extra skin hanging loosely over your tummy? Or perhaps after pregnancy you find yourself with weak abdominal muscles and a sagging belly. If you’ve tried endless sit-ups and other exercises but the extra bulge just won’t budge, a tummy tuck procedure might be an option to consider.

Below, we provide overview information about the procedure, types, average costs and results.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that flattens the stomach by permanently removing excess fat and skin and restoring or tightening weakened abdominal muscles. For many tummy tuck patients, the procedure may result in a smoother, firmer stomach area and can provide a renewed sense of confidence.

Types of tummy tucks

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The national average cost** for different types of tummy tuck procedures is as follows:¹

Calculate the cost of a tummy tuck near you**

Average cost of a tummy tuck by state/district

Here is the average cost** of a traditional tummy tuck in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Factors that can influence the overall cost

Note that the cost of a tummy tuck can be based on certain factors, including, but not limited to:

• Individual surgical needs
• Surgical fees (potentially depending on surgeon expertise)
• Anesthesia fees
• Cosmetic surgery center or hospital costs
• Prescription medication
• Medical tests
• Postsurgery garments
• Geographic location

Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?

Because tummy tucks are considered cosmetic procedures and not medically necessary, you should not expect any insurance benefits to pay for a tummy tuck. In general, procedures that are not medically necessary and do not improve physical functionality are typically not covered by medical insurance benefits and are not eligible for health savings account (HSA) reimbursement.

A similar procedure, panniculectomy, may be covered by insurance in some instances when it is considered a medical necessity to remove significant excess skin after extreme weight loss.

A panniculectomy involves the removal of a pannus, which is excess skin and fatty tissue that hangs over the lower abdomen, sometimes extending over the genitals, thighs or knees. This overhanging tissue can develop after massive weight loss or pregnancy or due to obesity, and may interfere with daily activities, hygiene and comfort. A panniculectomy does not tighten abdominal muscles or reposition the navel; it focuses solely on removing the excess skin and fat.

How Can You Pay for a Tummy Tuck?

There are several ways to pay for a tummy tuck, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some patients pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Men and women who are healthy nonsmokers and able to maintain a stable weight might be good candidates for tummy tuck surgery. Many people who have had liposuction to remove fat from their abdomen also choose to have a tummy tuck, which can remove excess skin that a liposuction procedure cannot. A tummy tuck procedure may also be part of a combination of cosmetic procedures that address different issues during a single surgery, such as a mommy makeover.

A tummy tuck procedure might not be recommended if you’re planning to lose a significant amount of weight or plan to become pregnant. People with underlying medical conditions like poor circulation or diabetes may have a higher chance of experiencing complications from tummy tuck surgery.

How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?

Abdominoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure that can take between one and five hours. Patients are given general anesthesia, meaning they won’t be awake during the surgery.

Preparation

Before your tummy tuck, your surgeon may provide instructions to help ensure the best possible outcome. This typically includes stopping smoking, avoiding certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risk, and arranging for someone to drive you home and assist you during the first few days of recovery. You may also be asked to get lab work done or a medical evaluation in advance of your procedure.

Procedure

During a tummy tuck, the plastic surgeon makes at least one horizontal incision in the abdominal area to remove skin from above and below the belly button and repair abdominal muscles. In most cases, a new opening for the belly button is created as the remaining skin is repositioned.

Depending on the location and amount of skin being removed, your plastic surgeon may recommend a mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck.

Recovery

Because a tummy tuck is an invasive surgical procedure, it is typically performed under general anesthesia at a surgical center or hospital.

After the surgery is performed, patients can expect to experience some pain and swelling for up to a few weeks and will likely need to limit strenuous activity for about six weeks.

Your doctor may want you to wear bandages or compression garments to help reduce swelling and support your abdomen as you heal. Tummy tuck surgery will leave scars that fade over time.

Potential Side Effects or Complications

Even though a tummy tuck is typically considered safe, any surgical procedure can have potential side effects or lead to complications. These could include:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) with cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fat necrosis (when fatty tissue dies)
• Fluid accumulation under the skin
• Infection
• Irregular scarring or asymmetry in the shape of your abdomen
• Numbness or persistent pain
• Recurring looseness of the skin
• Skin discoloration or prolonged swelling

Tummy Tuck Results: How Long Will They Last?

Tummy tuck results are typically instant, but results may continue to improve within a few weeks as swelling decreases. While the results of a tummy tuck should be permanent, it’s important to exercise regularly, follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight for long-lasting tummy tuck results.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?

Whether you’re considering a mini tummy tuck to address mild laxity or an extended procedure to tackle the flanks and lower back, a tummy tuck can be a life-changing procedure for those who have struggled to achieve results through diet and exercise alone. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help evaluate your goals, medical history and candidacy to help you find the approach that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tucks

Do you still have questions about tummy tucks? Here are answers to some common questions.

Financing a Tummy Tuck With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for tummy tucks and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Michael Niccole, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Michael Niccole is the medical director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in Newport Beach, California, which he co-founded in 1982. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, nose and body and was voted OC Weekly’s Best Cosmetic Surgeon multiple times.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content, and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health, Headspace and more.