Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a procedure that includes various costs such as the plastic surgeon’s cost, the facility price and the anesthetic fees. The tummy tuck surgeon’s cost will be based on his or her skills and the complexity of the technique.
The national average tummy tuck cost will range from $3,000 to $8,500, with the anesthesiologist’s price set at around $500 to $700, the surgical setting at approximately $700 to $1,000, and the remaining cost of $3,500 to $6,000 being the tummy tuck surgeon fee.
The tummy tuck cost will go higher if the tummy tuck surgery is extended or there is excessive fat and skin that needs to be cut away.
Prices will also vary amongst facilities. A tummy tuck can be done in a hospital or office surgical setting. The operation is expected to last many hours and in some cases, individuals are advised for an overnight stay. Overnight stays require more spending.
Another aspect that affects tummy tuck costs is whether the cosmetic surgeon is board certified. You’ll need to make sure the doctor you choose has a professional level of expertise in the area of abdominal cosmetic surgery.
Higher qualified doctors usually require higher tummy tuck costs, but the upside is that you can be confident that you will receive quality treatment and lasting results.
Financing
Most surgeons provide payment programs so patients can finance the procedure over a period of time. The patient can opt for installment programs through the cosmetic surgeon’s in-house financing plan, or credit received by an outside finance organization which has joined together with the cosmetic surgeon.
Tummy Tuck Pictures
Tummy tucks before and after photos can be viewed on Dr. Bahram Ghaderi’s website: www.stcharlesplasticsurgery.com.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After tummy tuck surgery, tummy tuck scars will look thick and dark in color, and could last up to several months. The tummy tuck scars should become less prominent as the wound renews. Individuals will be absent from work for up to four weeks.
In the first few days, patients will experience pain, swelling and uneasiness, but the doctor will offer medication to help. A tummy tuck drain wil be set up, and the patient will be advised to get plenty of rest. The sutures will be extracted within a week.
In the first few weeks, the patient will wear a compression garment under their clothes. Elastic stockings may also be advised to wear to reduce the risk of blood clot development.
Moderate exercise should be resumed at this time to speed the healing process. Light walking is suggested to reinforce the immune system, repress blood clot formation, and decrease swelling.
A tummy tuck is a major operation that requires a specific recovery period. Patients will need to be careful with their physical activities, as to not reopen any wounds.
A full recovery will usually take up to one full year, and with the right exercise and diet habits, results will be long lasting.