Deciding to have a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a significant investment of your time and money. As you’re considering the procedure, it’s natural to ask, “How much does a tummy tuck cost?”
While your price will vary with your individual needs, the average cost of tummy tuck surgery in Metro Phoenix (Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler) can range from $13,000 to $17,000. Still, the ROI you receive by enhancing your appearance and self-esteem with this procedure cannot be understated.
To help you weigh your potential costs versus a tummy tuck’s many benefits, we list 5 factors that can affect your overall price below.
1. Do you need to consider a mini, full, or extended tummy tuck cost?
The scope and complexity of your tummy tuck significantly impact its cost. There are three main types of tummy tucks, each tailored to different needs:
- Mini Tummy Tuck: This procedure focuses solely on the lower abdomen, below the bellybutton. It is less invasive, involves a smaller incision, and typically costs less than a full tummy tuck. However, it’s only suitable for patients with minimal excess skin or fat in this area and good abdominal muscle tone.
- Full Tummy Tuck: A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area. It involves tightening the abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, and reshaping the skin around the bellybutton. This procedure is ideal for individuals with significant sagging or muscle separation due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations.
- Extended (Circumferential) Tummy Tuck: An extended tummy tuck goes beyond the front of the abdomen, contouring the flanks and sometimes the lower back. This comprehensive procedure is often chosen by individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and have excess skin extending around the waistline. While more expensive than a mini or full tummy tuck, the extended version provides dramatic results for those who need it.
During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess your goals, anatomy, and overall health to recommend the best tummy tuck option for your unique needs and budget.
2. Does insurance cover tummy tuck surgery?
Health insurance typically does not cover elective procedures, including tummy tuck surgery. There are rare exceptions to this if your procedure is deemed medically necessary. Even in these rare cases, insurance may pay for only a portion of your procedure.
Functional Medical Necessity
Insurance companies typically consider covering abdominoplasty only when it is deemed medically necessary to address functional issues, such as:
- Excess Skin Causing Health Problems: If large amounts of excess abdominal skin cause recurring rashes, infections (intertrigo), or ulcers that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments, insurance may consider coverage.
- Hernia Repair: If a hernia (e.g., ventral or umbilical) is present and needs surgical repair, the abdominoplasty might be partially covered as part of the procedure to reinforce and tighten the abdominal wall.
- Diastasis Recti Repair: Although repairing separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) is commonly included in a tummy tuck, it’s not always covered unless it is linked to functional impairments like severe back pain, or postural issues.
Post-Bariatric Surgery or Significant Weight Loss
- For patients who have undergone bariatric surgery or experienced massive weight loss, excess skin can cause physical and hygiene-related challenges. In such cases, insurance may cover a portion of the surgery, especially if it’s classified as a belt lipectomy rather than a cosmetic abdominoplasty.
3. What are your financing options?
We offer patients CareCredit® and other flexible payment options to help make the surgery as accessible as possible. These programs spread your payments out over time, allowing you to plan more easily for your plastic surgery. There are often zero-interest offers for qualified borrowers and other flexible terms to make financing work for a variety of budgets.
Other financing options our patients have used include:
Personal Loans
- Banks or Credit Unions: Many banks and credit unions offer unsecured personal loans that can be used for elective procedures. These loans often come with fixed interest rates and repayment terms.
- Online Lenders: Platforms like SoFi, LightStream, or LendingClub provide quick access to personal loans tailored to medical expenses, often with competitive rates for qualified borrowers.
Credit Cards
- While not always the most cost-effective option, patients may use credit cards, especially if they qualify for cards with:
- 0% Introductory APR: Allowing them to pay off the balance over time without accruing interest (if paid within the promotional period).
- Cashback or Rewards: Earning points, miles, or cashback for the expense.
Savings or Dedicated Cosmetic Surgery Fund
- Some patients plan ahead by setting aside money in a high-yield savings account specifically for their procedure. This avoids debt and interest payments.
Employer-Sponsored Benefits
- Some employers offer wellness stipends or reimbursement programs that may be used for elective procedures. While uncommon, it’s worth checking with HR.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- While HSAs and FSAs are typically reserved for medically necessary expenses, certain procedures (or portions of procedures) deemed medically necessary, such as reconstructive surgeries, might qualify for reimbursement. Patients should consult with their surgeon and account provider to confirm eligibility.
4. Are you combining your tummy tuck with other procedures?
Many patients who visit us after weight loss or pregnancy maximize their results by combining their abdominoplasty with other procedures. We often recommend pairing a tummy tuck with liposuction and breast augmentation as part of a mommy makeover—the ultimate combination surgery.
Combining a tummy tuck with other procedures is popular because it allows you to address multiple concerns during a single surgery-consolidating your costs and recovery period. This cost-effective approach also means paying for surgical and anesthesia fees only once.
5. What is your surgeon’s experience level?
When having a tummy tuck or other cosmetic surgery, it is essential to place your care and trust in the hands of an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Thoroughly research your surgeon’s background, read patient reviews, and view before and after patient photos featuring actual results. It’s also important to understand that your surgeon’s skill level, credentials, and geographic location will impact the final cost of your cosmetic procedure.
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BONUS: What is the cost of not having this procedure?
It’s understandable to be anxious about setting aside the time and money to invest in a tummy tuck, especially if you have other pressing responsibilities at work or home. However, we encourage you to consider the positive impact a life-changing tummy tuck procedure can have on your appearance, lifestyle, and self-esteem. Also, consider these lesser known and often unexpected benefits of tummy tuck surgery we hear about from our patients :
- Reduced back pain
- Improved posture
- Improved core strength
- Reduction in stress urinary incontinence
- Better clothing fit
- Reduced stretch marks
- Increased motivation to exercise and eat healthfully
Most patients who have a tummy tuck share with us that feeling better about themselves is truly priceless. Perhaps that’s why RealSelf.com reports that a tummy tuck consistently gets a 95% “worth it” rating from happy patients.
As you weigh the cost and benefits of having a tummy tuck, remember we are committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals in the safest, most cost-effective way possible. If you still have questions about how to pay for a tummy tuck procedure, we encourage you to request a consultation or call our office at (480) 466-7355.
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