An abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is a form of cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin from the abdomen and/or tighten the abdominal muscles. It may also be combined with a liposuction procedure in order to remove excess fat from the abdominal area.

An inherited condition, the appearance of stretch marks, stomach muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy, or significant weight loss are all possible reasons to pursue an abdominoplasty. However, if you plan to get pregnant or lose weight in the future, you may want to consult with your surgeon whether this is the best time for the procedure.

The first step in deciding whether a tummy tuck is for you is to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon, ideally one who specializes in abdominoplasty procedures. You should come prepared to discuss your medical history, including pregnancies, medical conditions, medications you currently take, previous surgeries, and drug allergies. The surgeon will assess the condition of your abdominal muscles as well as evaluate the amount of loose skin and excess fat. To do this, the doctor will likely examine you both standing and laying down.

During this consultation you should come prepared with any questions you may have about the procedure; you will also want to discuss with your surgeon the results you anticipate from the cosmetic surgery to be sure you have realistic expectations about your results. Finally, you will want to be sure to understand the potential risks and complications that, although rare, are possible with any form of plastic surgery.

Once you decide to go ahead with the plastic surgery and have completed your consultation, the next step to consider is the financial cost. The price of a tummy tuck can vary but generally includes three fees: the anesthesia fee, the facility fee, and the surgeon’s fee.

Overall, average fees for the procedure can range from $3,000 to upwards of $9,000. Cost will also vary depending on the amount of fat or excess skin removed; the more removed, the longer the surgical time and the higher the cost. The surgeon’s fee is the most variable as it can change depending on the extent of the surgery and the qualifications of the surgeon.

Obviously an experienced surgeon in Beverly Hills or New York will be the most expensive compared to other areas of the country. Though qualifications are not necessarily correlated with cost, you may find that more experience, board certified surgeons are more expensive. However, it is often worth it to pay more in order to get the highest level of care.

Unfortunately most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic surgery, such as an abdominoplasty though this will depend on the terms of your insurance policy. However, as with most forms of plastic surgery, your surgeon can work out a payment plan for your tummy tuck so that it does not cause a financial burden.

Overall, a tummy tuck may be the best way for you to get that flat stomach you have always wanted. By following a few important steps in preparation for your cosmetic surgery, you will be a happy and satisfied patient.

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