i'm growing uplose weightGet extra flabby skin on your belly? Or you have weak abdominal muscles and a flabby belly after pregnancy. If you've tried endless squats and other exercises and your unwanted bulge hasn't changed, a tummy tuck may be the solution.
Below is an overview of the procedure, including average tummy tuck costs and possible financing options.
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, also called abdominoplasty, is a surgical...plastic surgeryFlatten the tummy by permanently removing excess fat and skin and restoring/tightening weak abdominal muscles. For many tummy tuck patients, the procedure results in a flatter, firmer tummy and regains confidence.
There are several types of abdominoplasty:
- Complete Abdominoplasty
- Mini Tummy Tuck
- Extended Abdominoplasty
- Iris Tummy Tuck
- Non-drainage tummy tuck
- Abdominoplasty and Liposuction
- Non-Surgical Abdominoplasty
Complete Abdominoplasty
A total tummy tuck may involve stitching stretched muscles together to tighten them (this can be an effective procedure for women whose abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy) or liposuction, but the main purpose is to remove the abdomen Excess fat and skin area.. Make a large incision horizontally between the pubic area and navel. During this process, the shape and position of the belly button may also need to be changed.
Mini Tummy Tuck
AMini Tummy TuckThis is a similar procedure, but it targets the lower abdomen between the navel and pubic bone. This procedure is best for patients who have sagging skin on the lower abdomen and do not require abdominal muscle repair.
Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended tummy tuck is exactly what the name suggests: It involves a full tummy tuck, but with added sides and lower back (i.e. your waist handles).
Iris Tummy Tuck
lilyA tummy tuck involves an additional vertical incision that allows the surgeon better access to the abdominal muscles. With this option, patients who may lose a lot of body fat will have a narrower waist because the surgeon can remove more skin from the abdomen.
Non-drainage tummy tuck
A non-drainage tummy tuck combines tummy tuck with liposuction, with multiple layers of sutures, and no postoperative drainage. This allows more fat to be removed and reduces postoperative intervention. For many patients, recovery time is shorter.
Some patients choose to add liposuction to their tummy tuck to maximize excess fat and skin removal, but this doesn't always mean recovery without drainage.
Non-Surgical Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck is the only proven effective way to remove fat and skin from your belly, but if you want to avoid surgery, non-surgical options like CoolSculpting® or Vanquish are worth considering.
CoolSculpting Freezing FatVanquish uses heat (radiofrequency) in specific areas to melt fat. Vanquish can focus on a larger area than CoolSculpting, but it still may not be as effective as a surgical tummy tuck.
Another non-surgical and less invasive option is Emsculpt®. The device sends high-intensity electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) through the skin to contract muscles, which releases free fatty acids and increases muscle mass. That said, Emsculpt® is not a weight loss treatment.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154.1The average prices for each type of tummy tuck are as follows:
| program | cost |
|---|---|
Mini Tummy Tuck | $3,500 to $8,0002 |
elongated or full belly | $4,000 to $18,0003 |
Iris Tummy Tuck | Starting at $12,7004 |
Non-drainage tummy tuck | $8,000 to $20,0005 |
CoolSculpt® | Average cost $3,2006 |
defeat | Approximately $500-$800 for a 30-minute session (it may take four or five sessions to see full results)7 |
It should also be noted that the price of a tummy tuck may depend on certain factors, including (but not limited to):
- Individual Surgical Needs
- Surgery fee (may depend on surgeon's experience)
- anesthesia fee
- Plastic Surgery Center or Hospital Fees
- prescription
- physical examination
- postoperative clothes
- geographic location
Calculate the Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery in Your Area
Is a tummy tuck covered by insurance?
Since a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary, you should not expect any insurance coverage for a tummy tuck.
Surgery that is not medically necessary and does not improve physical function is generally not covered by health insurance and not eligible for HSA reimbursement. In some cases, a similar procedure (panniculectomy) may be covered by insurance if it is deemed medically necessary to remove large amounts of excess skin following extreme weight loss.
Who is the best candidate for tummy tuck surgery? Who is not?
In general, the best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are healthy men and women who do not smoke and maintain a stable weight. many people haveLiposuctionTo remove belly fat, opt for a tummy tuck, which removes excess skin that liposuction can't. Tummy tuck surgery can also be part of a combination surgerybeauty careFor example, to handle different problems in one operationmother's perversion。
A tummy tuck may not be recommended if you're trying to lose weight or are pregnant. People with comorbidities such as poor circulation or diabetes may be at greater risk for complications after tummy tuck surgery.
What happens during tummy tuck surgery?
A tummy tuck is usually an outpatient procedure that can take one to five hours. Patients receive general anesthesia, which means they are not awake during plastic surgery.
During a tummy tuck, the plastic surgeon makes at least one horizontal incision in the abdominal area to remove the skin above and below the belly button and repair the abdominal muscles. In most cases, the new opening of the navel is created by repositioning the remaining skin.
Depending on where and how much skin is removed, your plastic surgeon may recommend a mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck.
Recovery After Tummy Tuck: Timeline and Expected Results
Since a tummy tuck is an invasive procedure, it is usually performed under general anesthesia in an operating room or hospital.
After surgery, patients may experience pain and swelling for several weeks, and may need to limit strenuous activity for about six weeks.
Your doctor may recommend that you wear bandages or tights to reduce swelling and support your abdomen while it heals after tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tuck surgery leaves scars that fade over time.
Tummy Tuck Results: How Long Will They Last?
The results of a tummy tuck are immediate, but will improve over a few weeks as the swelling subsides. While the results of a tummy tuck should be permanent, it's importantpractiseregularly, following a healthy diet andmaintain a healthy weightLong-lasting results of abdominoplasty.
Financing Tummy Tuck Surgery with a CareCredit Credit Card
Ready to revitalize your look and boost your confidence? CareCredit credit cards make it easy to pay for tummy tucks and related costs that aren't covered by health insurance. *apply todayand use our acceptance locatorsee a doctor or plastic surgeonAccept CareCredit near you so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Download the file to continue your health journeyCareCredit Mobile AppManage your CareCredit account, find providers on the go, and easily access the Well U Center for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.
About the Author
Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with over 10 years of experience. She works with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and writes for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women's Health Online, Headspace, and more.
our expert reviewers
Dr. Michael Nicol is the Medical DirectorCosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center and MedSpaHe founded the company in Corona Del Mar, California in 1982. He has been practicing medicine for 48 years and has a bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He received his medical training at UC Irvine, where he completed his residency in general surgery and otolaryngology. Dr. Nicole is a resident in Plastic Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, specializing in facial, breast, nasal, and body plastic surgery.
He is a member of the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has been named "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" by OC Weekly magazine for many years and was named "Person of the Year" by the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 2008 for donating his plastic surgery skills to those in need.