Few plastic surgery procedures are as transformative as a tummy tuck. The before-and-after photos in this post and our photo gallery are a testament to the remarkable results you can expect. When considering the cost of tummy tuck surgery, it’s important to understand the factors that influence your tummy tuck price and why your choice of a plastic surgeon is crucial.
The Extent of the Procedure
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, isn’t a cookie-cutter procedure. As we explain in a related post, the complexity and extent of the tummy tuck play a crucial role in determining its cost. Tummy tuck procedures typically fall into 1 of 3 categories:
Mini tummy tuck: This less invasive procedure focuses on the area below the belly button and involves a smaller incision. Due to its limited scope, a mini tummy tuck is generally less expensive than other abdominoplasties.
Full tummy tuck: A standard tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen and may involve muscle repair. It typically involves an incision from hip to hip and includes reshaping the belly button. This procedure is more comprehensive and thus more expensive than a mini tummy tuck.
Extended tummy tuck: An extended tummy tuck addresses the abdomen, flanks, and sometimes the lower back. It involves a longer incision that extends around the flanks and takes more time to complete.
In general, the amount of excess skin to be removed and the degree of muscle tightening required significantly impact the overall price.
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The Surgeon’s Expertise
Selecting a surgeon with the expertise and experience to perform advanced abdominoplasty techniques can significantly affect the cost of a tummy tuck. However, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and results over choosing “bargain body contouring,” which can comprise your safety and results.
Dr. Mosher offers a higher level of customization tailored to his Vancouver-area patients’ specific anatomy and aesthetic goals. Below are some of the customizations and marks of expertise that can contribute to exceptional tummy tuck results and may affect the price.
‘Drainless’ Tummy Tuck
The cost of a tummy tuck also depends on the technique used. During a traditional procedure, the plastic surgeon inserts drains to remove fluid that can accumulate between the skin and muscle. These drains can be an uncomfortable nuisance, and patients need to periodically empty them during their recovery’s first week or so.
As a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring procedures, Dr. Mosher rarely uses drains for tummy tuck surgery. Instead, he uses advanced suturing techniques that prevent fluid accumulation and eliminate the need for post-surgical drains. This method provides a more comfortable recovery experience, and patients appreciate not having to manage drains during healing. The technique does require more surgical time, which adds slightly to the cost of the procedure.
Comfort Management System
As mentioned earlier, tummy tuck procedures often include repairing abdominal muscles that can become separated during pregnancy. This condition, called diastasis recti, often creates a noticeable “belly pooch.” If your surgery involves repairing these muscles, we provide you with a Comfort Management System that delivers targeted pain management medication directly to the muscle layer.
Creating a Natural-Looking Bellybutton
One of the tell-tale signs of a poor tummy tuck outcome is when the belly button (umbilicus) looks unnatural after being reshaped. Dr. Mosher was part of a clinical study that trained new plastic surgeons in techniques that produce aesthetically pleasing belly button results after tummy tuck surgery. The goal is to make the new belly button’s position proportional after removing abdominal skin, so it’s neither too high nor too low, and to keep the navel relatively small while avoiding a circular scar. The scar should be internal.
Other Elements of Your Tummy Tuck Cost
The cost of a tummy tuck also includes anesthesia and operating room fees. Some patients elect to combine abdominoplasty with other procedures, such as liposuction and a breast lift with or without implants. Combining procedures can be a cost-effective option in the long run.
What’s Next?
Even though it may be tempting to search for the lowest cost when choosing a plastic surgeon, choosing a highly credentialed body contouring specialist and a safe facility reduces the risk of complications that could lead to additional costs down the line. Learn more about your tummy tuck options and get a specific price quote by requesting a consultation using the online form or calling us at (604) 888-9378.
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