What’s the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes extra fat and skin from your stomach area. It can help: 

• Tighten sagging skin

• Remove stretch marks

• Change the shape of your belly 

• Fix weakened muscles 

Although a tummy tuck may sound appealing, there are a few things you should consider before moving forward — including the costs. 

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How does a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) work? 

Tummy tucks are usually done under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure. The typical steps of a tummy tuck are: 

• Incisision: A surgeon makes a horizontal cut below your belly button, in an area that’s known as the bikini line.

• Diastasis recti repair: If you have diastasis recti, meaning your belly muscles are weak and have separated, the condition can be addressed after the incision is made. During the repair, the muscles are tightened and pulled back together. 

• Excess skin removed: The skin is pulled down like a window shade, and the excess skin is removed. Then, your surgeon makes a new opening for and realigns your belly button.

• Liposuction: If needed, liposuction is used to remove any small pockets of fat.

• Incision closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, surgical glue, tape or clips. 

Tummy tucks are very common. Nearly 100,000 are performed each year, according to recent data. A full tummy tuck, which addresses the entire midsection, is the most common kind. But there are also other options, including:

• Mini tummy tuck: Unlike a full tummy tuck, which treats the entire abdomen, a mini tummy tuck focuses on loose skin, muscles, or fat just below the belly button. Mini tummy tuck incisions are smaller and allow you to recover faster. They’re often a good choice for post-pregnancy “pooches.”

• Extended tummy tuck: This is for people who have large amounts of loose skin, often after major weight loss. The incision is larger and often leaves a bigger scar.  

• BodyTite: This is a radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RAFL) that helps remove more stubborn fat. 

While a tummy tuck can help you look leaner, it’s not meant to be a replacement for weight loss. With that in mind, plastic surgeons recommend that you be within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight before you get a tummy tuck. That’s because large amounts of weight gain or weight loss can undo the surgery-assisted shape of your belly. You should also be in good health, a nonsmoker, and able to rest for several weeks after the surgery.

What is the average cost of a tummy tuck?

The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,154, according to a 2020 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) report. But that amount doesn’t include costs for things like anesthesia, the operating room, or medication. Once you add in those costs, the price tag can soar to $20,000 depending on your location. 

The experience level of your surgeon and the type of tummy tuck you have can make the final cost of the procedure higher or lower. A mini tummy tuck, for example, is usually slightly cheaper than a full tummy tuck and ranges between $5,000 to $6,000.

Factors affecting the cost of a tummy tuck?

From your very first meeting with a plastic surgeon to the supplies that you’ll need during recovery, the expenses add up quickly. Tummy-tuck related costs you may pay include: 

• Surgeon’s fee: This makes up the bulk of the average tummy tuck cost. More experienced surgeons, and surgeons in certain locations, typically charge more.

• Consultation fees: These are the fees you pay to meet with your plastic surgeon. Sometimes, these fees are included in your procedure cost quote, but not always. 

• Anesthesia: There are fees for the time of the anesthesiologist and the anesthesia used in your procedure.

• Hospital or surgical-facility costs: The amount of the operating-room fee is based on where you have your surgery. Tummy tucks are usually done as outpatient procedures, so you’ll go home the same day as your procedure.  

• Medical tests: You might need blood work or other diagnostic tests done before your tummy tuck.

• Post-surgery garments: Your surgeon will probably recommend that you wear compression garments after your surgery to help you heal faster and reduce skin sagging.

• Medications: You may need to take medications to help you heal or prevent infection. And you may have to pay those costs out of your own pocket. 

The complexity of your tummy tuck procedure may also impact the cost. It’s important to discuss your situation, options, and potential costs with your healthcare provider. 

Does insurance cover tummy tucks?

In most cases, insurance — whether it’s private, Medicaid, or Medicare — won’t pay for a tummy tuck. That’s because it’s considered a cosmetic, and not medically necessary, procedure. There are some cases, though, where your insurance might cover part of the cost if you’re experiencing rashes or infections from excess skin. 

You can’t use pre-tax funds from a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA) for cosmetic surgical procedures, like a tummy tuck. However, if you have good credit, you could take out a private loan to finance your surgery. Look for loans with low interest rates. Some plastic surgeons also offer in-house financing through medical credit accounts, like CareCredit. 

How expensive is follow-up care for a tummy tuck?

The exact costs of your follow-up care can vary widely depending on any complications you may have and the length of your recovery. And you may have to pay out of pocket for your compression garments or medications, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, depending on your insurance. 

For your recovery, you will likely have to miss 2 weeks of work — or more if your work involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity. 

Is a tummy tuck worth it?

If a tummy tuck makes you feel more confident and your surgery and recovery go smoothly, you probably will be very happy with the decision. On the other hand, since a tummy tuck is a major surgery, there can be drawbacks such as:

• Several weeks of recovery time: This includes avoiding strenuous activity for 2 to 6 weeks.

• Swelling and soreness after the surgery: While swelling and bruising should get better in 4 to 6 weeks, it can take as long as 3 months for swelling to fully resolve. 

• A permanent scar: In addition to a permanent scar, it’s also normal to have numbness or tingling at the incision site for several weeks.

To be sure you truly understand what to expect from a tummy tuck, the ASPS recommends asking your surgeon questions, such as:

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

• What will be expected of me to get the best results?

• Where and how will you perform my procedure?

• What surgical technique is recommended for me?

• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?

• How are complications handled?

• How can I expect my stomach to look over time or after pregnancy?

• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my tummy tuck?

Are there alternatives I should consider?

There are some fat-removal options that are typically less invasive, and somewhat less expensive, than a tummy tuck. They include: 

• Liposuction: Liposuction is less invasive than a tummy tuck and involves less scarring and recovery time. But it won’t get rid of stretch marks, lift sagging skin, or repair abdominal muscles. 

• Emsculpt: This is a nonsurgical method that uses a special device to cause strong muscle contractions that tone the ab muscles.

• Renuvion: Ideal for people with less belly fat and loose skin, this treatment tightens the skin using heat. 

• CoolSculpting: Also known as cryolipolysis, this process freezes and destroys fat cells. 

How long does a tummy tuck last?

The great news is that a tummy tuck can often be permanent. But that’s assuming you stay within 10 to 15 pounds of your surgery weight. Maintaining a stable weight is important to avoid changing the shape of your midsection. That’s because weight changes can stretch your abdominal muscles, possibly requiring a revision surgery.

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Written by:

Jennifer Thomas

Jennifer Thomas is a writer and editor with decades of experience covering topics such as health, finance, lifestyles, business, and technology. She is a former journalist with the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune Media and has also written for publications such as Fortune, Prevention magazine, and Health magazine.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

Reviewed by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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