There’s no straightforward, simple answer to the question of how much a particular plastic surgery procedure costs, which is frustrating if you’re not in the 1%. Pricing varies wildly—by thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars—and is dependent on factors such as where you live, your doctor’s expertise (and fame) level, the type of anesthesia used, whether you’ll be in a private surgery center or a hospital, how long the procedure takes, your negotiation skills, and what insurance may cover.
According to RealSelf members, a tummy tuck costs an average of $8,225 but can range anywhere from $3,350 to $13,050. So how do you know what you should be paying for yours? The best advice is to steer clear of rock-bottom prices (the risk of a seems-too-good-to-be-true plastic surgery deal is a lot more dangerous than with an online shoe sale), set up consultations with a few board-certified plastic surgeons, and ultimately choose the doctor—not the price—you feel most comfortable with.
In the spirit of transparency, we asked seven women across the country to share how much their tummy tuck cost and whether it was worth the price.
$9,500
When: 2019
Where: Raleigh, North Carolina
“My tummy tuck cost $9,500, but I also had lipo of my inner thighs and upper arms, so the total was $15,000. In addition, I rented an electric recliner for three weeks, at $25/week, that would lay me flat and elevate my feet with the touch of a button, and that was the best purchase ever. I also bought a compression garment, since I didn’t like the ones I got from my doctor, Arnica, and a Fleet enema. It was a hell of a recovery to see my flat tummy, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. There are some imperfections I see, like upper abdomen thickness, a fatty area to the side of my belly button, and thickening at my pubis, but these are minor and I am not even a year post-op. I’m hoping those go away, but no one else notices.” —Micah, 46
$5,000
When: 2019
Where: Norfolk, Virginia
“The procedure was discounted from $6,000 as a courtesy because I work at the same hospital as my doctor. There weren’t any significant additional costs—just an abdominal binder and scar cream. Initially, I thought it was worth it, but I’m debating it a year later. My incision is too high, and the scar is VERY visible. I’m unable to wear a bikini, which was the whole point of doing the surgery. I also have ‘dog ears’ on the left side, so eventually I will need revision.” —Diana, 40
$8,500
When: 2018
Where: Woodbury, Minnesota
“Surgery center costs were added into the initial cost of my procedure, but since we went over the allotted time, I was charged an additional $150—my doctor had let me know this was a possibility ahead of time. She also provided me with the medical wraps, which can cost anywhere from $15–$50, the [compression] socks, which retail for about $20, and a vitamin regimen. The painkillers were covered by my insurance, so that was just a copay.
I received a total of four other quotes, and the doctor I chose was not the cheapest or most expensive. She was the one who heard what I wanted and had the skill to deliver what she promised. Go with your gut when picking a surgeon. My stomach still retains some of my stretch marks from two pregnancies, but the overall appearance is truly wonderful. It looks natural and flat, with an adorable belly button. It has boosted the way I feel, in and out of my clothes, so it was totally worth every penny.” —Lisa, 36
$10,000
When: 2019
Where: Missouri City, Texas
“I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction to abs, flanks, and axillas [armpit fat]. I have been mostly satisfied, and my doctor has been amazing with postsurgical care and access, but because of my age, perhaps, I’ve had issues with a small scar area that hasn’t fully healed yet, almost a year out. That would be my only negative comment.” —Kakali, 51
Related: Doctors Answer 6 of the Most Common Questions About Tummy Tuck Recovery
$6,800
When: 2012
Where: Yorktown, Virginia
“I lost over 100 pounds and had loose skin after the weight loss, so I paid $6,800 for a tummy tuck, which included all pre- and post-op care, three [scar removal] sessions, and a [compression] garment. I was up and moving around pretty quickly—I slowly walked two miles two days after the procedure and went to the movies four days after—but I don’t think I was prepared for ‘swell hell.’ It is real, and I wish I’d had more lymphatic massages.
“My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. I went with a doctor who had done work on a friend, and I’ve returned to him multiple times since. He’s wonderful and did my arms too. I’m extremely happy with my [results], even after many years.” —Jaime, 38
$5,500
When: 2019
Where: Claremore, Oklahoma
“This was a discounted price because I paid in cash. There were no other associated costs, as the prescription pain meds and antibiotic were covered by insurance, and the binder to wear after surgery was included in the surgery cost. I am 80% happy with my results. My stomach looks great, but my complaint is that the skin where the incision comes to an end—right above each hip—has started to overlap the incision, which is creating small bulges. I feel like my sides, or love handles, needed lipo when my procedure was done, and I was not told about that or offered that service. Now I am going to have to go back in and get that done and pay another surgery fee. If it had been done at the same time, the cost would have been cheaper.” —Toni, 50
$10,000
When: 2018
Where: Philadelphia
“I paid around $10,000 [for a tummy tuck with 360 lipo]—$5,500 went to the surgeon, and the rest went to the hospital. The only other cost involved was support garments to wear after the surgery, which was probably around $100. For decades, I had been hiding my tummy under clothing. I am a small person and not overweight, but any additional weight went to my stomach.
I am happy with my results, and it was totally worth it, but I would tell anyone going for this surgery not to expect a totally flat stomach. Mine still has a curve to it and can pooch out if I eat too much or am bloated. I have seen other [RealSelf] members complain about the same things, but it took me probably two years to accept that this is the norm. You just have to be realistic that this is not a miracle cure for not exercising or bad eating habits. It’s easy to fall into complacency and think that since you’ve had this done, you can eat whatever.” —Julie, 56
