Cost of tummy tuck in Minneapolis/midwest area? I need to find an affordable solution. (photo)

Question

I need an affordable tummy tuck in the midwest. I live in Winona, MN & willing to travel reasonable distance. I'm a 37 yr mom of 4. 5ft4in & approx 122lbs. Outpatient surgery OK as long as credentials are in order. I've attached pics & I'm looking for firm quotes. I have a small(approx 1.5 cm) umbilical hernia that I'm hoping to get addressed at the same time. Any info or suggestions are appreciated. I've been working hard to get myself in shape & my tummy is the only thing holding me back now.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Umbilical hernia repair and tummy tuck may be $6500 on the low end.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds  
of tummy tuck procedures each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's 
 website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can  
deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

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 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. In Orange County, the estimated range is $7000- $15,000+ depending on the variables above.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear MNMomof4,  Thank you for your question. The photos you included did not show your abdomen and therefore the cost information I provide you will not be as specific as you hoped for. If you resend your photos I can be more specific but ultimately a thorough exam will be needed. We perform all our surgeries in our fully accredited (AAAASF) surgical facility with full anesthetic capabilities on an outpatient basis. Local hotels and aftercare with one of our staff is available if needed/wanted. However, most patients go home after surgery and Winona is a short drive away. I am fully trained in general surgery as well and we frequently repair small umbilical hernias as part of the procedure. Costs would range from $6500-10,000 depending on your particular needs and wishes. This is an all inclusive price (OR, anesthesia, surgeons fees, garment, ultrasonic massage, and post op visits). Please send photos to drgervais@minneapolisplasticsurgery.com and can be more specific. Good luck. #DrGervais

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

Benjamin Van Raalte, MD · Answer

If you are  petite and can be done under sedation for a mini tummy tuck with abdominal wall plication could be under $5000 for facility, sedation, and surgeon.  A full tummy tuck with general anesthesia is more about $6000 - $7000. Additional areas of liposuction add additional cost.A reputable surgeon cannot give you "firm quotes" without an examination. You could be turned down after findings physically or mentally that make you not an ideal candidate to do as an outpatient, or other physical findings that mean you cant have the surgery at all.Lastly, remember you are not buying a Chevrolet. It is not the same car built at General Motors and then you are shopping the dealers for the price. You are buying the person who assembles the car and the parts. Different surgeons will give you different levels of experience, qualifications, amenities (private operating room vs surgery center, different anesthesia, personality, staff caring, support, what he or she is doing). A non board certified person doing it in a non accredited facility could have the lowest price and not give you the same results.Another way to think of it is cruise lines. Different cruise lines will go to the same ports, but the cruise experience and how you enjoy it can be completely different.Research several people by website, call about costs if you desire but remember that is not only a ballpark, but not the always the only factors, and then obtain a few consultations.We have had patients that have come to us thinking we were a few hundred dollars higher and then, after comparing all the factors, apples and oranges decided we were not only the best value, but also provided more.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.To best help you, four pictures are necessary in order to determine which techniques and procedures will be best for your case. Always consult with a certified Plastic Surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The posted photos are "dark" and can not be seen! But the average out of pocket costs for full TT with hernia repair started from $8,000..//

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