Does the Patient Have to Pay for Tummy Tuck Revision Cost?

When a plastic surgery (abdominoplasty) revision is necessary, does the patient have to pay?

I paid for a full Tummy Tuck, but the result I have been left with is pretty hideous by anyone's standards. My plastic surgeon attempted to right his wrong by performing laser skin tightening on my upper abdominal area, which did absolutely nothing. After finally expressing my unhappiness to my PS, when I realized that my end result was what you see here, it was decided that I needed a revision. Is it fair that I'm being forced to pay the hospital and anesthesiology fees for my revision surgery, now scheduled for March 31st?

I compensated this surgeon very well at the time of the original surgery, and I am now the one who must undergo a SECOND surgery, with all of the risks, downtime, and discomfort associated with that. I realize that if I were asking the surgeon to 'tweak' something, my payment of these fees would be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, this is hardly just a tweaking; my results were unsightly and unacceptable, and I didn't receive what I paid for - a FULL TT. What are your thoughts on this? Additionally, am I an idiot for letting this surgeon have a second shot at me? Thanks in advance for your consideration.

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by siouxmac in Rhode Island

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Revisions after tummy tucks should be rare. ...

Revisions after tummy tucks should be rare. Occasionally a tiny dog ear at the corner of the incision needs to be repaired and this is usually at no charge. Charges, however, are at the discretion of your surgeon. In general, if the result is something that falls short of what your surgeon anticipated and you followed all appropriate post-op instructions, a revision will usually be done at no charge. If the result is somewhat less than hoped for but it is because of the patient's body,... more

Charges for Revision Surgery

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon's office differs with how they deal with revisionary surgery and the charges involved. It is standard that if the surgeon waives his/her surgeons fee, that the patient pay the fees associated with returning to the operating room (OR fees, anesthesia, supplies, etc). Best Wishes!

Tummy tuck revision

I can appreciate your disappointment from this picture. Most plastic surgeons communicate what can be expected from a given surgery and will discuss your personal expectation. Form this photo, it appears that you had a mini-tummy tuck. However, you may have been a more appropriate candidate for a full tummy tuck. All of these should have been discussed with you before the first surgery.

Are you sure you had a full tummy tuck?

I can understand your disappointment. Plastic surgeons generally strive to communicate realistic outcomes and deliver satisfactory results. It is hard to tell from this picture but it is my impression that you underwent a mini tummy tuck and not a full judging from your picture. In a full tummy tuck the umbilicus is completely inset all the way around. There does not appear to be a scar around the umbilicus but it is difficult to tell. Did you have stitches around your belly button? If you... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

This is dependent upon the surgeon. Common practice is...

This is dependent upon the surgeon. Common practice is that if a revision is performed within 1 yr of surgery, many physicians will waive their surgical fee and only charge for the facility: to pay the anesthesiologist, nursing staff, and for supplies.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck revision cost

Thank you for the photo. It is still hard to say without a proper exam or review of the operative note. For revisional surgery, the surgeon often does not have control over some costs, (O.R. fees, Anesthesia fees, supplies, etc:). Best to discuss this with your surgeon. Delineate your expectations and together your should be able to come up with a plan.

Tummy Tuck Revision Fees

I am sorry to hear your disappointment about your results. It illustrates the importance of choosing the surgeon with the requisite reputation, experience, and skills who understands your objectives and can clearly set the expectations. Each office has a different set of policies regarding revisions. If you trust that the surgeon has your best interests at heart and the skill to achieve what you want then you should stick with him. If you have lost trust then consult with 2 other surgeons to... more

Revision tummy tuck cost.

Hello. Sorry to hear that you are not happy with your results. Every surgeon has their own protocol on revision. I usually tell patients to wait one year post surgery to have anything revised. Pricing also differs for each surgeon. In most cases you pay facility and anesthesia cost and the doctor doesn't charge. Best of luck to you.

Paying for a tummy tuck revision

Tummy tucks are a very popular and effective way to contour the abdomen. Sometimes, patients have excess or loose tissue or may have a scar that did not heal as well as they would've liked. These patients may benefit from a tummy tuck revision. Whether a patient pays for a tummy tuck revision and how much they are responsible for depends on the office policy of the surgeon. If it is a small revision, many of these procedures may be performed in an office setting as an outpatient.... more

Tummy Tuck Revision cost

It seems you had a Mini Tummy Tuck, most probably by a non PS. As for payment for revision, this should have been discussed prior to the first and even the second surgery you plan. See a BOARD CERTIFIED PS for the revision. You will be happier. There is NO LASER that will tighten the lax skin.