Tummy Tuck Cost and Procedure Guide

Has major weight loss left you with extra skin hanging loosely over your tummy? Or perhaps post-pregnancy has left you with weak abdominal muscles and a sagging belly. If you've tried endless sit-ups and other exercises but the extra bulge just won't budge, a tummy tuck procedure might be the solution.

Below, we provide overview information about the procedure, types, average costs and results.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that flattens the stomach by permanently removing excess fat and skin and restoring or tightening weakened abdominal muscles. For many tummy tuck patients, the procedure results in a smoother, firmer stomach area and can give them a renewed sense of confidence.

There are several types of tummy tucks:

• Full tummy tuck

• Mini tummy tuck

• Extended tummy tuck

• Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck

• Drainless tummy tuck

• Tummy tuck with liposuction

• Non-surgical tummy tuck

Full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck may involve sewing stretched muscles together so they tighten (this can be an effective treatment for women who have experienced diastasis recti during pregnancy) or liposuction but is primarily to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area. A large incision is made horizontally between the pubic area and the belly button. It is likely that the belly button needs to be reshaped and repositioned during this procedure as well.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a similar procedure but it targets the lower part of your abdomen between your belly button and pubic area. This operation is best suited for patients who have skin laxity in the lower part of the abdomen and do not need muscle repair of the abdomen.

Extended tummy tuck

An extended tummy tuck is just how it sounds: It includes a full abdominoplasty but adds on the flanks and lower back (aka your love handles).

Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck

The Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck involves an additional incision that runs vertically and gives the surgeon better access to the abdominal muscles. This option allows patients who may be losing a large amount of fat to have a tighter waistline because the surgeon can remove more skin from the midsection.

Drainless tummy tuck

Combining a tummy tuck and liposuction, a drainless tummy tuck uses multiple layers of sutures, which eliminates the need for post-surgical drains. This allows for more fat to be removed and less post-surgical intervention. For many patients, the recovery time is shorter.

Some patients elect to add liposuction to their tummy tuck to maximize the removal of excess fat and skin, but it does not always mean the recovery will be drainless.

Non-surgical tummy tucks

While a tummy tuck is the only proven method to effectively eliminate abdominal fat and skin, non-surgical options such as CoolSculpting® are available for those wishing to avoid surgery.

CoolSculpting freezes fat in targeted areas, while other non-invasive methods include heat (radiofrequency) or high-intensity-focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) to remove fat.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?

The U.S. average cost for a surgical tummy tuck is $7,983.¹

The average price* for different types of tummy tuck procedures is as follows:

It is also important to point out that the price for a tummy tuck can be based on certain factors, including, but not limited to:

• Individual surgical needs

• Surgical fees (potentially depending on surgeon expertise)

• Anesthesia fees

• Cosmetic surgery center or hospital costs

• Prescription medication

• Medical tests

• Post-surgery garments

• Geographic location

Calculate the Cost of Tummy Tuck Surgery Near You

Is a Tummy Tuck Covered by Insurance?

Because tummy tucks are considered cosmetic procedures and not medically necessary, you should not expect any insurance benefits to pay for a tummy tuck procedure.

Procedures that are not medically necessary and do not improve physical functionality are, generally, not covered by medical insurance benefits and not eligible for health savings account (HSA) reimbursement. A similar procedure, panniculectomy, may, in some instances, be covered by insurance when it is considered a medical necessity to remove significant excess skin after extreme weight loss.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck? Who Isn't?

Men and women who are healthy nonsmokers and able to maintain a stable weight are generally good candidates for tummy tuck surgery. Many people who have had liposuction to remove fat from their abdomen also choose to have a tummy tuck, which can remove excess skin that a liposuction procedure cannot. A tummy tuck procedure may also be part of a combination of cosmetic procedures that address different issues during a single surgery, such as a mommy makeover.

A tummy tuck procedure might not be recommended if you're planning to lose a significant amount of weight or are planning on getting pregnant. People with underlying medical conditions like poor circulation or diabetes may have a higher chance of experiencing complications from tummy tuck surgery.

What Happens During Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Abdominoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure that can take between one to five hours. Patients are given general anesthesia, meaning they won't be awake during the surgery.

During a tummy tuck, the plastic surgeon makes at least one horizontal incision in the abdominal area to remove skin from above and below the belly button and repair abdominal muscles. In most cases, a new opening for the belly button is created as the remaining skin is repositioned.

Depending on the location and amount of skin being removed, your plastic surgeon may recommend a mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck Recovery: Timeline and What to Expect

Because a tummy tuck is an invasive surgical procedure, it is typically performed under general anesthesia at a surgical center or hospital.

After the surgery is performed, patients can expect to experience some pain and swelling for up to a few weeks and will likely need to limit strenuous activity for about six weeks.

Your doctor may want you to wear bandages or compression garments to help reduce swelling and support your abdomen as you heal from your tummy tuck surgery. Tummy tuck surgery will leave scars that fade over time.

Tummy Tuck Results: How Long Will They Last?

Tummy tuck results are instant, but results continue to improve within a few weeks as swelling decreases. While the results of a tummy tuck should be permanent, it's important to exercise regularly, follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight for long-lasting tummy tuck results.

Financing a Tummy Tuck With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for tummy tucks and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Michael Niccole, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Michael Niccole is the Medical Director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in Corona Del Mar, California, which he co-founded in 1982. He has been practicing medicine for 48 years and specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, nose and body. He was voted OC Weekly's "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" for multiple years.

Featured Video Care Expert

Dr. Justin West, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Justin West is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at Finesse Plastic Surgery in Orange, California, focusing on aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts and body. He creates results that enhance his patients’ natural beauty, and has been recognized throughout his career with awards that include Top Surgeon in Newport Beach, RealSelf Top Contributor and Top Doctor and Patients’ Choice.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.