Everyone wants to look their best, and for some of us, that means getting plastic surgery. New Jersey tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is a common cosmetic procedure that surgically removes excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen while tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. The recovery can be lengthier than other, less-invasive procedures, but the results are worth it.
If this is something you have been considering, you may be wondering how much a tummy tuck costs and how you’ll be able to finance it. Unfortunately, every tummy tuck procedure is so different that it can be difficult to predict your unique cost. So, first thing’s first — let’s look at what the average tummy tuck cost is.
What Is the Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck?
Of course, whenever you have questions about the cost of a plastic surgery, it’s difficult to make an accurate estimate. Plastic surgeries are, in fact, even more difficult to price than other types of surgeries because there are so many variations possible.
For example, there are several different types of tummy tucks. First, there are full tummy tuck procedures. These are traditional abdominoplasty surgeries that most patients will end up getting.
There are also mini tummy tucks. A mini tummy tuck (also known as a partial tummy tuck) simply improves the excess skin located below the belly button and does not make any improvements on the upper abdomen (the area above the belly button).
Finally, there are extended tummy tucks, which can remove excess skin around the majority of the midsection and not just on the frontal plane of the abdomen.
Naturally, all of these different procedures have different price tags. Furthermore, some patients will want or need more work than others.
For example, if extensive liposuction is also desired in addition to a tummy tuck, this is going to increase the price. Other patients may opt to get a tummy tuck with a mommy makeover, which means they may have a breast surgery and liposuction (in addition to a tummy tuck) performed at the same time.
With all of this said, we can still try to offer up a ballpark average cost of tummy tuck surgery in New Jersey.
Tummy Tuck Cost Estimates
In general, the average tummy tuck cost in New Jersey is between $8,000 and $12,000 or more. This is a baseline cost estimate and in no way reflects what your actual bill will be.
The best way to get the most accurate quote for the cost of a tummy tuck is to make a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon, explain what you’re looking for, and ask them how much they think it will be. If you decide to move forward with the surgery, as you and your surgeon work together to figure out the details, you will likely receive an even more accurate estimate down the line.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the factors that will play a role in your tummy tuck cost.
Plastic Surgeon’s Fee
Plastic surgeons exist at all levels of skill and experience. Generally, the more skilled and experienced your surgeon, the higher the cost will be for their services. Of course, this is because they’ll be in higher demand. The good news is, however, that you should get optimal results with a highly experienced board certified plastic surgeon.
Facility Fees
While many plastic surgeons do have in-house operating room facilities for tummy tuck surgery, many plastic surgeons are also connected with local hospitals or other surgical facilities where they perform their procedures. These facilities charge their own amounts for the use of their spaces. Of course, you’ll also need to pay for their trickle-down expenses related to utility bills at the facility, nurses and other staff, equipment, medical supplies, etc.
Anesthesia
Whenever a cosmetic surgery requires anesthesia, this is generally regarded as a separate portion of the procedure. Therefore, it comes with its own bill.
Your anesthesiologist will charge for their time, and, of course, you’ll need to pay for the anesthesia separately. Tummy tuck surgeries necessitate general anesthesia, so you’ll be “under” for the surgery and kept comfortable.
Additional Incidentals
You may notice when you get your bill that there are additional expenses listed as well. For example, some plastic surgeons well itemize the cost of the compression garments they give you. You may need to pay for medications and pre-surgery screening tests as well.
Does Health Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Insurance rarely covers plastic surgery costs. Therefore, most tummy tuck costs need to be paid for out-of-pocket or with special financing. You must inquire with your plastic surgeon’s office to see what tummy tuck financing options are available.
Of course, there is a plastic surgery procedure or two that may be covered by insurance. Sometimes, rhinoplasty that is required for a deviated septum or another breathing related problem is a cosmetic surgery will be covered by health insurance plans. In this case, it wouldn’t necessarily be considered a cosmetic surgery, but rather a plastic surgery that is medically necessary.
In addition, breast augmentation is a commonly covered cosmetic surgery when it is performed after a breast cancer related mastectomy. If a breast augmentation is performed simply to enlarge a woman’s breasts for cosmetic reasons, this would not be covered by health insurance plan.
Finally, in rare situations a full tummy tuck or other tummy tuck procedure might be covered by medical insurance. Usually, the procedure will be termed something different — like a panniculectomy — but the goal will be the same (to remove excess skin on the stomach). If something like this is going to be covered by insurance, though, it needs to be documented correctly, and, of course, you need to have the appropriate coverage plan.
Discuss the Cost of a Tummy Tuck at Your Consultation
At SR Plastic Surgery, we will work with you to help you figure out a tummy tuck procedure financing plan that works for you. If you have been thinking about tummy tuck surgery but have questions about cost, contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment. We’d be happy to discuss your options with you.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/cost