Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck in 2024 - Top Cities and States
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A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that the average cost of a tummy tuck is $8,174. However, this figure doesn’t factor in costs like anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other expenses. The total price can vary widely based on factors like your location, the surgeon's experience, and the complexity of your procedure.
Learn about tummy tuck costs across major U.S. cities and states, explore what influences pricing, and look at different procedure types below.
Tummy tuck procedure cost by city and state
The price of a tummy tuck surgery differs depending on where you get the procedure. Cost of living, local competition, and demand can affect your tummy tuck investment.
Here's a breakdown of average costs in some major cities:
New York City, New York
In New York City, expect to pay an average of $14,538 for a tummy tuck. A more complex procedure here could increase the price to over $30,000. The city's high cost of living and concentration of top-tier surgeons contribute to these premium prices.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, a popular place for plastic surgery, sees tummy tuck costs ranging from $8,000 to $20,000.
San Francisco, California
In San Francisco, the average tummy tuck costs between $10,000 and $25,000. This reflects the city's expensive cost of living and the high demand for cosmetic procedures in the Bay Area.
Miami, Florida
Miami's thriving cosmetic surgery industry sees tummy tuck costs averaging between $3,500 and $10,000. Prices are typically lower here due to competition.
Dallas, Texas
In Dallas, prices typically range from $3,175 to $13,250.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago's tummy tuck costs are usually between $6,000 and $13,000. Chicago's prices reflect its status as a major metropolitan area with state-of-the-art medical centers.
Atlanta, Georgia
In Atlanta, tummy tuck procedures cost between $9,000 and $13,000.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle's tummy tuck costs range from $5,000 to $13,000.
Newark, New Jersey
In Newark, expect to pay between $6,000 to $15,000 for a tummy tuck.
What factors affect the cost of a tummy tuck?
To more effectively budget for a tummy tuck, keep the following in mind:
Procedure complexity: More complex procedures demand more time, skill, and resources. An extended tummy tuck, for instance, is more extensive and therefore costs more than a mini tummy tuck.
Surgeon's fee: Surgeons with decades of experience often charge higher fees. Their skills and expertise result in improved outcomes and reduced risks.
Geographic location: As we've seen, costs vary significantly depending on local demand and economic factors.
Facility fees: The surgical facility you choose may affect your quote. Hospital operating rooms generally cost more than outpatient surgical centers.
Anesthesia fees: You can expect to pay more for general anesthesia than local anesthesia with sedation.
Post-operative care: Your surgeon may include follow-up visits and medications in their quote. Be sure to confirm this during your initial consultation.
Consultation fee: Some surgeons bill for your first consultation, while others include it or bake it into the procedure cost.
Pre-operative tests: Any medical tests your surgeon deems necessary will add to the final cost.
Additional procedures: Combining a tummy tuck with other cosmetic procedures may increase the cost but save you money on anesthesia and facility fees.
Body type and amount of work needed: Patients with more excess skin and fat may require an extended tummy tuck (explained in the following section), which increases the cost.
Revision surgery: If you're having a tummy tuck to correct a previous procedure, this can be more complex and costly.
Technology used: Some surgeons use advanced techniques or technologies that may increase the cost but potentially improve results or recovery time.
Related tummy tuck procedures
Different types of tummy tucks address specific concerns and come with varying price tags:
Full tummy tuck
Among tummy tuck varieties, the full procedure is the most frequently performed. It addresses issues above and below the belly button by tightening muscles and removing excess skin and fat. This procedure typically costs between $6,000 and $16,000, though as discussed above, this varies depending on location and other factors.
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat between the belly button to the pubic area. It's less invasive and typically costs less, ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. This option is best for those with minimal excess skin.
Extended tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck addresses the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. Due to its complexity, it's usually the most expensive option, ranging from $9,600 to over $24,000.
Non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck
While a tummy tuck offers dramatic results, some patients explore non-surgical alternatives:
CoolSculpting: This fat-freezing procedure costs about $2,000 to $4,000 for a full abdominal treatment.
Laser lipo: Prices range from $2,500 to $5,500 per treatment area.
Ultrasound fat reduction: Expect to pay $1,000 to $4,500 for a series of treatments.
These options are less expensive but provide more modest results. They can work well for those with good skin elasticity and small fat deposits.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures? Will this lower my total cost?
Combining procedures often saves you time and money. When getting multiple procedures in one surgery session, you save on facility fees and anesthesia costs.
Here are some common procedures you can combine with a tummy tuck, along with their additional benefits:
Liposuction
Adding liposuction to a tummy tuck can enhance body contouring results. This combination is particularly effective for patients with stubborn fat deposits and excess skin. Liposuction can target areas such as the flanks (love handles) and upper abdomen, creating a more sculpted appearance.
Breast augmentation
Since a single surgery results in only one recovery period, combining a tummy tuck with breast enlargement surgery can shorten your recovery and costs.
Mommy makeover
A mommy makeover typically includes a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and sometimes liposuction. This combination is popular among women who want to restore their pre-pregnancy figure or address changes due to significant weight loss. While the upfront cost is higher than a tummy tuck alone (averaging $20,000), it's usually more affordable than having each procedure performed separately.
How long will the results last?
Tummy tuck results are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. The removed fat cells and excess skin won't return. However, pregnancy, aging, or a weight gain of 25 pounds or more will affect your results over time.
To maximize the longevity of your results:
Maintain a steady weight by eating balanced, nutritious meals
Stay hydrated
Avoid smoking, which can affect skin elasticity
Protect your skin from sun damage
Does insurance cover tummy tuck costs?
In most cases, insurance companies do not cover tummy tucks because they consider them cosmetic and elective procedures.
However, there are exceptions:
After pregnancy or post-massive weight loss: If excess skin causes rashes or infections, insurance might cover part of the procedure.
Hernia repair: If you have a hernia in your abdominal wall, known as a ventral hernia, insurance may cover the muscle repair portion of the surgery.
Functional issues: In rare cases where excess skin severely impacts daily activities, you might qualify for coverage.
Always check with your insurance company to get pre-authorization if you think you qualify for tummy tuck coverage. Your surgeon's office can provide documentation to back up a medical necessity claim.
Are there financing options for a tummy tuck?
Yes, several financing options can help make a tummy tuck more affordable:
Medical credit cards: Companies such as CareCredit offer credit cards just for healthcare expenses. You may even take advantage of promotional interest-free periods.
Personal loans: Banks and lenders provide personal loans that can be used for tummy tucks and similar cosmetic procedures.
In-house payment plans: Certain surgeons offer payment plans, so you can spread the cost over a set period of time.
Healthcare-specific lenders: Companies such as Prosper Healthcare Lending specialize in cosmetic surgery financing.
FSA or HSA: If you have a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, you might be able to use these funds for your tummy tuck.
If you decide to take out a loan for your tummy tuck, read the terms carefully. Pay attention to repayment terms and interest rates, ensuring they align with your financial situation.
Is a tummy tuck worth the money?
Based RealSelf reviews, 95% of patients deemed the tummy tuck procedure “worth it.” The value of a tummy tuck extends far beyond the operating room. Patients frequently report that the boost to their self-image and the improvement in their appearance make the procedure invaluable.
Those who've struggled with loose skin and separated abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss, often report better quality of life and increased comfort in their skin.
Benefits that many patients find valuable include:
Improved body contour and silhouette
Tighter, flatter abdomen
Removal of stretch marks on excised skin
Better-fitting clothes
Increased confidence in swimwear and intimate situations
Potential improvement in posture and core strength
However, you must keep realistic expectations. While a tummy tuck can dramatically improve how your stomach area looks, it won't completely change your body type or solve all body image concerns.
Set the foundation for a positive tummy tuck experience by thoughtfully considering your motivations, followed by an honest discussion with your surgeon.
Also, don't forget to factor in the recovery period when considering if a tummy tuck is worth it for you. Most patients need about two weeks off work and should avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks. This downtime may be a significant consideration, especially for those with demanding jobs or busy family lives.
Even though results are long-lasting, they're not immune to the effects of aging or future pregnancies. If you plan to have more children, it might be wise to postpone your tummy tuck until you've completed your family.
Before and after photos
Tummy tucks can deliver dramatic, transformative results. Many patients notice significant improvements in their abdominal contour, skin tightness, and overall body shape immediately following recovery from the procedure.
While individual results will differ, most people experience a slimmer and more contoured midsection after their tummy tuck. The effects are often most dramatic once all swelling has subsided, typically 3 to 6 months post-surgery, with the final results becoming fully apparent around the one-year mark.
Tummy tuck in Las Vegas | Dr. Troell
Tummy tuck costs vary depending on location, surgeon experience, and the complexity of the procedure required to achieve a patient’s goals. Knowing costs beforehand can help you budget accordingly. See if insurance can cover all or part of your procedure, and make an informed decision from there.Choosing a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon will help you get stunning tummy tuck results. If you're in Las Vegas, Dr. Troell at Beauty by Design offers expert care backed by over 20 years of experience and multiple board certifications, including extensive experience with complex tummy tucks and body contouring procedures.
Dr. Troell's approach combines surgical expertise with an artistic eye, ensuring natural-looking results that enhance your overall body contour. He understands that each patient's body and goals are unique, and he tailors every procedure accordingly in his state-of-the-art facility.
To learn more about how a tummy tuck can transform your appearance and boost your confidence, schedule a consultation with Dr. Troell and his team. Call 702-242-6488 to discuss your options.