$5,200 Tummy Tuck - Why is the Surgeon's Fee So Low?

After 3 babies, I need an umbilical hernia repair and might combine this with a tummy tuck. I have spoken with 2 surgeons; one was over $8100 total cost (surgeon fee $5500) and the other was $5200 total(surgeon fee $2200). The latter fee seems too low but is affiliated with a top notch teaching hospital (top 25 in the nation) where the surgery is done. Surgeon is board certified too and has 14 years experience in plastic surgery. Why would the fee be so low? Should I be concerned?

Tags:

fees price

Comment on this

10 Doctor Answers | Asked by J.H. in NC

Doctor Answers (10)
Community Comments (0)

$5,200 - Why is the Surgeon's Fee So Low?

I have never seen a study that suggested the cost of a cosmetic surgical procedure was in any way related to the quality of the outcome! If you have verified the background and training of the surgeon and were satisfied with his/her interaction with you then I would not have any concerns about the lower cost. If you can, view some pre and post op photos, talk to prior patients, check website ratings, and get any input you can from friends or medical professionals who can give you... more

Different price quotes for a tummy tuck

Prices do vary among plastic surgeons and in various areas across the country. From what you described and what other plastic surgeon respondents suggested, this far lower fee may be related to the fact that the surgery is being perfomed in a teaching hospital. The fee can be this low to encourage patients to have their surgery performed here in order to assist in the training of plastic surgery and other residents. Another reason, somewhat related, is that these same residents may be... more

Low surgeon's fee--Is there something fishy here?

My colleagues are right to advise comparing exactly what your fees cover. Please verify that the "low" quote is for actual fees rather than "estimated" fees. Sometimes the reality of the actual bills are substantially different, and when questioned, the doctor may say "Oh, the total was for the surgery part, not the hospital or anesthesia part!" But you are rightly concerned about the apparent disparity in the quoted surgeon's fee. Is the second surgeon... more

Low Fee For a Tummytuck

Fees for procedures may vary a great deal. I suggest that you make sure that you are comparing apples to apples with respect to what procedures each surgeon is going to perform. Also make sure that that surgeon is the one performing it. Often a surgeon at a teaching hospital will oversee residents doing the procedures and the fees are significantly reduced as a result. Lastly, ask to speak with other patients that have had the same procedure done, and then find out... more

Variation in Surgeons' Fees

There is a lot of variation in surgical fees among different surgeons which is largely geographical. You are correct in questioning such a wide difference assuming that both surgeons are located in the same area. One explanation may be that many academic surgeons (UNC, Duke, etc.) have their incomes supplemented by the universities for their teaching responsibilities. The costs in both NC and KY are almost always going to be a good deal less than in NYC, LA, etc. more

You should make your decision based on referral ,credential and experience

The fee fir procedure is based on many factors and high fee or low fee does not mean your surgeon is good or bad. The fee is based on demand.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

28 reviews

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Personal Decision

Surgeons working at a University Hospital are usually salary based. Therefore maybe they can afford to have lower rates. Be sure to check the doctors credentials and his past work, if they satisfy you I do not see any reason not to have your surgery in teaching hospital by an university surgeon.

Check results

Plastic surgery is all about the results. If the results/pictures of the surgeon are appealing to you, if they have a good reputation then you should not put too much stock on the price differences. There are things that can make a difference such as geographic location, use of a pain pump, use of an anesthesiologist versus nurse anesthetist, etc.

Different fees may indicate you are getting a different service

The difference in fees is significant but should not scare you away. You need to find out what exactly you are getting for your money, and don't be afraid to ask your surgeons about it. As the other surgeons answered, the most likely reason for the difference may be that the university surgeon will bring you into the teaching program where he will peform the surgery with residents or oversee residents performing this surgery. All plastic surgeons have gone through this process, it is how... more

Price for Surgery

Prices for cosmetic surgery vary from city to city and surgeon to surgeon. The fees you describe are very low. You may want to enquire about who is doing the surgery. If you are at a teaching hospital, you be having your surgery done as part of a teaching program, where the residents or fellows are actually performing the surgery. Not sure. Only you can decide if you are happy with the consultation and the circumstances. Also, make sure they explain fully... more