Tummy tuck, clinically called abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure involving removal of excess abdominal skin and fat, and tightening of weak abdominal muscles. The patient should have a strong understanding of all aspects of this procedure, including its estimated costs, before making a decision.
During the pre-operative consultation, the patient should feel free to ask any questions related to the costs, payment, insurance and financing of tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing abdominoplasty and other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.
Factors Affecting the Price
The price of abdominoplasty can vary between two practices, and sometimes, may even vary between two patients at the same practice. Several factors will go into determining the actual cost.
Where the Practice is Located
Geographical location of the practice will impact the overall cost of tummy tuck plastic surgery. The living cost index generally varies from one place to another, which will influence the average cost of most types of goods and services, including aesthetic services. Major cities and busy urban centers typically have a higher cost of living than smaller towns in interior areas.
Fee Charged by the Surgeon
The surgeon will usually charge a fee according to their qualifications, certifications and recognition in the area of abdominoplasty. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that a patient should select the best surgeon for their needs, and treat factors such as surgeon’s fee as only secondary considerations.
Surgical Venue and Anesthesia Costs
A traditional abdominoplasty will usually be performed with the patient under general anesthesia. This will entail additional costs because the services of an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse will be involved. Tummy tuck will be performed either at a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center or private surgical suite. The costs and benefits in each of these options will vary.
The patient should also consider post-operative costs such as prescription medications, medical tests, compression garments, and visits to the surgeon’s office. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
Extent of Surgery
The complexity and length of abdominoplasty procedure can vary from one patient to another depending on their anatomical and cosmetic goals. Patients who choose substantive procedures such as traditional, extended or circumferential abdominoplasty will usually have to bear a higher cost than a patient who only wants a partial abdominoplasty.
In some cases, liposuction, breast lift or another surgical or non-surgical procedure may be combined with abdominoplasty. This will push up the overall sticker price of this surgery.
Insurance and Financing
Although tummy tuck surgery is an elective procedure, and does not usually get covered under health insurance, but in exceptional cases, it may be a medical necessity to perform this procedure. Insurance coverage may be possible in such cases.
All other patients can have the option to get the procedure financed through third party medical care financing companies or other sources such as credit cards, personal borrowings, or traditional bank loans.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
