Is a Tummy Tuck Without Muscle Repair Cheaper?

Question

I'm a 27 yr old mother of 4 boys, the last 3 being within 3.5yrs. I had my first child at 16yrs old and I gained almost 60lbs. My other pregnancies were normal weight gain and I lost all of it. Since then I've always had loose skin directly in the center of my stomach (around my belly button.) I only want the skin to be tightened (and possibly a small amount of fat removed). I don't believe I need (nor do I want) the muscle repair. Can I do this and will it cost less than having the repair done?

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

Although it would be cheaper because it would take less time, you need it so you'll be pretty unlucky to find someone who would do this for you. Visit your board certified plastic surgeon to understand why. On physical examination he can e much more explicit about how tightening the muscle fascia improves your contour.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The price is dependent on
many factors - is it a mini, full or extended abdominoplasty such as a fleur de
lis pattern where redundant skin is removed from the center as well as the
bottom of the abdomen? Is it skin only (in your case yes) or does it include
tightening of the muscles? Will Liposuction also be necessary? Will it be
performed in a hospital with an overnight stay or in an independent out-patient
facility? Will a surgical assistant be needed? Will a board-certified
anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist be used? Will an (anti) pain pump
be used?

All of these factors
influence the cost. Although you can get a tummy tuck without muscle repair,
the results would not be as ideal. The price differs depending on what area you
are in, but for reference, in Orange County, California the estimated range is
$7000- $15,000 depending on the variables above.

#tummytuckcost

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

If your muscles are in good condition than you can easily undergo a tummy tuck without muscle repair. If, however, your muscles are separated, I would highly recommend that you repair these at the time of the tummy tuck.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

In most cases, women who have had pregnancies usually require tightening of the muscles as part of the tummy tuck in order to get the best contour possible-- this is really a critical step. Simply removing the excess skin and fat usually won't get you the full benefit, and as with most cosmetic surgery procedures, we want to give you the best chance at an excellent result during your procedure. I don't think the cost would be any different, but more importantly, if the muscle is not repaired, there will likely still be a bulge present that often cannot be corrected with exercise alone.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The cost is the same regardless of whether or not the muscle repair is done, but the recovery time is longer if you do. Though no one can tell for sure by looking at a picture, but with a history of several pregnancies it is very likely that the muscles have separated and your results would not be as good if you forego the repair. Good plastic surgeons don't like to do procedures where they know the results will be less than ideal so I expect that you will hear unanimous agreement that the repair should be done.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.

	Tightening the abdominal wall is an integral part of a full abdominoplasty.  Typically after childbirth the muscles of the abdominal wall separate and the abdominal skin stretches.  This means even if you're at your ideal body weight after giving birth you have two things working against your abdominal contour.

	Resecting skin alone only corrects part of the problem.  In addition, you still have some of the same downsides of a full tummy tuck (the size of the scar).  A rectus plication (tightening of the abdominal wall muscles) adds no additional visible scar but significantly improves the contour of your abdomen.

	Of course, as a plastic surgeon our job is to provide you with safe viable options to meet your goal.  If you don't want your muscles tightened your surgeon will likely try to work with you, just make sure you understand what it means for your end result.

	I hope this helps.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post.In considering the cost of a Tummy Tuck, you should look at the components of the cost:1. Surgeons Fee. This is usually the greatest part of the overall cost and can vary immensly from location to location (just like the cost of living varies in each location) as well as in the same location, it can vary from surgeon to surgeon. Usually, a surgeon commanding a higher price is very experienced and has very good results reliably, and is very busy due to the above.  This also depends on if a circumferential, tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and skin only tummy tuck is performed.  These are usually less expensive in decreasing order.2. Anesthesia Fee. This can vary depending on if a board certified MD anesthesiologist is used, vs. a nurse anesthetist, vs. a non-certified nurse, vs. only local anesthesia (an awake procedure). Obviously, the further you go down the line, the cheaper the price. You do get what you pay for.3. Facility Fee. This can vary if it is a a state/medicare certified facility, vs. the back of a doc's office.4. Accessories. This includes things like a pain pump, Exparol injections (72 hour long lasting numbing), garments, tissue glues, etc. These are not necessary for a great result, just add to the comfort of a result.5. Revision. Usually a revision such as dog ears or lowering the scar, or a seroma, is much less that the original surgery, but this depends entirely on what exactly is being done.6. Add on surgeries are usually discounted, as in a mommy makeover.7. Insurance. If an insurance based surgery, such as a hernia repair is done at the same time, the tummy tuck may be discounted.As with anything in life, buyer beware of risks of cutting corners in surgery.Real Self has average costs of every operations in your location that you can peruse before seeing a surgeon, but keep in mind that the above quality can change from office to office. Choose a surgeon that you are very comfortable with and is board certified.Best Wishes,Pablo Prichard, MD

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I can  not recall the last tummy tuck that I did not also repair the muscles. From your lateral photo, it looks like you  need msucle tightening as well.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck is a safe and effective procedure to contour the abdomen, create a tight waist, and remove extra skin, fat, and stretch marks.

	In our practice, we feel that as every patient is different so should be every tummy tuck. In our initial consult we spent a great deal of time talking to the patient to understand their concerns to learn their aesthetic priorities and to evaluate their abdomen. By doing this the patient can create a surgical plan that will address their concerns and help them meet their aesthetic goals. We have many patients that can get excellent results by addressing the extra skin and fat and not repairing the muscle layer. This may often be done through a mini tummy tuck. Your best bet is to only work with a plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of plastic surgery and has a great deal of experience in tummy tucks, liposuction, and body contouring. This surgeon will be able to evaluate your abdomen and help you determine what components of body contouring will help you meet your aesthetic goals.
	Without a muscle repair, the procedure may take less time and could potentially be cheaper.

George Sanders, MD · Answer

From looking at your pictures, it would seem that you have a significant amount of muscle separation about the belly button as well as lax skin above and below the belly button. To do a tummy tuck with skin tightening but no muscle tightening is indeed possible, but you would not achieve an excellent result.

Is a Tummy Tuck Without Muscle Repair Cheaper?

Answers (17)