How to afford a tummy tuck..?

Question

Hi! I'm an 18 year old freshman in college. I have struggled with weight loss my entire life and even when I lose weight, my stomach still does not look good. I would like to get a tummy tuck to get rid of some excess skin by weight loss and lose more weight. I am under my parent's health insurance plan but I don't know if that helps at all. Is there a way to make an operation more affordable? I do work full time and parents would help. How much is the average cost?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure that is generally not covered by insurance. The only way it may be covered is if you only wish to remove the skin/fat that hangs over your waist (pannus).  This particular procedure is called a panniculectomy. However, if you want to treat the loose skin on your stomach and it doesn’t hang, then insurance probably won’t cover it. Financing is an option to make the surgery more affordable for you. The financing company would pay off your surgery so you can get it, then you’d make weekly or monthly payments to the financing company. These payments can be in the hundreds of dollars and interest is applied to them.

The cost of a tummy tuck varies greatly. In Toronto, the price ranges from $7500 to $9500.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

When it comes to cost of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure ( quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider… are some of the potential variables involved. You will find average costs of surgery listed on this website, and on individual plastic surgeon's websites as well.Generally speaking, it is always in patients' best interests to achieve a certain degree of financial stability prior to undergoing elective surgery of any type. Patients should also keep in mind that additional surgery may be necessary in the short or long term, following the primary procedure that is being performed;  this additional surgery may be associated  out-of-pocket expenses. Again, best to achieve a physical, emotional, and financial “stable state” prior to considering elective plastic surgery.

When it comes to selection of plastic surgeon, I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.

Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery.

***Ask to see lots of examples of their work and preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.

Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery or type of financing offered; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.

Best wishes.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat, and to tighten the abdominal wall. Women and men who have excess skin and/or fat around the abdomen which does not respond to diet and exercise are candidates for abdominoplasty. Many patients complain that they cannot flatten their abdominal muscles through exercise, which also means a tummy tuck may be right for them. Abdominoplasty candidates have:·         excess abdominal skin which may sag·         a disproportionate or protruding abdomen·         weakened or separated abdominal muscles·         excess fat concentrated in the abdomenOther tummy tuck patients may recently have lost a lot of weight and need to have excess skin and tissue removed. Many women choose to have an abdominoplasty following pregnancy. Older patients may be candidates for a tummy tuck due to reduced skin elasticity, family traits, age, immobility.The cost will depend upon the type of tummy tuck anesthesia skill find an experience of the surgeon. There’ll be regional differences. Approximate costs can be found on real self, and other websites such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.Payment plans can be offered through Care Credit, local banks, credit cards, and other companies such as Prosper.  Some plans have 12-18 months interest free.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Cost varies by geographic location, surgeon expertise, OR time, anesthesia, length of procedure etc.  I would recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery and who is also a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgery.  You can call their offices in advance and ask for quotes prior to scheduling consultations.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Generally speaking, a Tummy Tuck procedure is considered cosmetic and is not covered by health insurance. My best advice to you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will carefully assess your aesthetic goals and wishes. Many plastic surgery practices offer financing such as Care Source - in some cases for up to a year or so interest-free. Very good luck to you.

How to afford a tummy tuck..?

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Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Tummy Tuck financing

Answer: Tummy Tuck financing

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How to afford a tummy tuck..?

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Tummy Tuck Revision/Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty/Liposuction/High Definition Procedures

Answer: Tummy Tuck financing

Answer: Tummy Tuck financing

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.