Average cost of a tummy tuck in 2024 - Top cities and states
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The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries. Surgeons in the US perform nearly 140,000 of them every year [1]. If you’re considering it to tighten and shape your midsection, you may wonder, “What are tummy tuck costs like in 2024?”
The average cost of a tummy tuck surgery in the US is $7,215 [2]. But this varies significantly based on factors like your location, surgeon choice, and aesthetic goals.
Let’s look at the average tummy tuck cost in major cities and states across the country, and the factors that influence the total price. We’ll also cover what to expect from the process, recovery timeline, and financing options.
Tummy Tuck Procedure Cost by City and State
Overall costs vary depending on where you go to get the procedure.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a tummy tuck in some major cities in the US in 2024:
New York City, New York
In New York City, tummy tucks cost an average of $14,500. The higher-than-national-average cost isn’t surprising, considering it’s expensive to live here.
Los Angeles, California
Tummy tuck costs in LA are similar to NYC. The average is slightly higher, at $15,400.
San Francisco, California
Tummy tucks are pricey in San Francisco, with the average cost around $18,500. The high cost of living here contributes to higher cosmetic treatment costs.
San Jose, California
Tummy tuck costs in San Jose are lower than in San Francisco. The average is $13,500 to $15,000.
Sacramento, California
You can find slightly cheaper tummy tucks (than in the coastal cities) in California’s capital city. The average cost is around $13,100. This is still higher than the US average.
Las Vegas, Nevada
In Las Vegas, tummy tucks cost an average of $10,700. Many plastic surgeons live and work here, which helps keep prices lower than in other big cities.
Miami, Florida
Tummy tuck prices in Miami are lower than in Las Vegas, averaging around $8,000.
Dallas, Texas
It costs an average of $12,600 to get a tummy tuck in Dallas.
Houston, Texas
Women in Houston pay a bit more for tummy tucks than in Dallas, averaging around $14,600.
Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago, tummy tucks cost around $12,400. Though higher than the national average, it’s more affordable than other major metropolitan areas like San Francisco and LA.
Phoenix, Arizona
On average, women pay around $14,000 for a tummy tuck in Phoenix.
What factors affect the cost of a tummy tuck?
Several factors affect how much you’ll spend on a tummy tuck:
Surgeon's experience and reputation
The best tummy tuck surgeons charge more because so many people want to go to them. Their training, certifications, and reputation affect how much they charge.
Geographic location
As you can see above, abdominoplasty costs vary depending on where you live or where your desired surgeon is. The cost of living, the number of plastic surgeons in the area, and how many people want surgery affect your final investment.
Complexity of the procedure
The exact price depends on the type of tummy tuck you get and the work involved for the surgeon. Mini tummy tucks cost less than regular or extended tummy tucks because they’re less involved. Adding liposuction or other procedures will also raise the cost.
Facility fees
The operating room and equipment fees are a big part of the total bill. Having surgery in a hospital usually costs more than in a surgery center or private operating room.
Anesthesia fees
The anesthesia fees depend on who is giving it, what kind they use, how long your surgery is, and where it’s done.
How does a tummy tuck work?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from your stomach. It tightens stretched muscles and reshapes your waistline. The result is a firmer and flatter midsection.
Here’s an overview of how a tummy tuck works:
Step 1: Consultation and evaluation
First, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon. You’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. The surgeon will examine your stomach, take measurements, and check your skin. They’ll also take “before” photos. The surgeon will explain the surgery, risks, and recovery in detail.
Step 2: Anesthesia
On the day of your tummy tuck, you’ll get general anesthesia to keep you asleep and comfortable during surgery. The procedure can take 1-5 hours depending on the extent.
Step 3: Incision
Once you’re asleep, the surgeon will make a horizontal incision under the bikini line. The length of the cut depends on how much skin you need removed. If you’re getting a full tummy tuck, the surgeon will make a second cut around your belly button to reposition later.
Step 4: Repairing the muscles
After separating the skin from the abdominal wall, the surgeon will tighten the weakened muscles in the area. This makes your stomach and waist look slimmer, smother, and flatter.
Step 5: Removing excess skin
The surgeon will pull the upper skin down and trim away the excess skin. Liposuction may be performed to reduce fat in the belly,flank and lower back areas (if needed).
Step 6: Repositioning the navel
In a full tummy tuck, the surgeon will reposition the belly button to make it look natural.
Step 7: Closing the incisions
The surgeon will close the incisions with buried stitches.
Step 8: Drains
You may have small tubes under the skin to help excess fluid, blood, and debris drain after surgery. The surgeon will teach you how to care for the drains until it’s time to remove them.
Step 9: Initial recovery
Right after surgery, nurses will watch you in the recovery room as you wake up. You’ll feel some swelling, bruising, and pain in your stomach. But don’t worry — you’ll get medicine to help manage these symptoms. The surgeon will give detailed instructions on how to recover at home. You’ll need someone to drive you home the same day and help with daily chores for a week or two.
Step 10: Follow-up visits
You’ll return to your surgeon’s office within a week or two of surgery to ensure proper healing. The surgeon will check your incisions, remove sutures and drains, and help you change dressings. Compressive garments and lymphatic massage help to speed up your recovery and get faster results.
Types of tummy tucks
Different types of tummy tucks target the abdomen in their own ways. The best one depends on your body and how much change you expect.
Five of the most common types include:
Standard tummy tuck
Patients wanting to target their whole abdomen get a full or traditional tummy tuck. It’s best if you have lots of excess skin and loose muscles in the upper and lower belly. The surgeon makes a cut from hip to hip and around the belly button to remove more skin. Expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 for a standard tummy tuck [3].
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck is what it sounds like — a smaller version of a full tummy tuck. It involves a shorter cut above the pubic area to target loose skin and muscles in the lower belly only. The belly button doesn’t move. This could be ideal if you have a small belly pooch and not too much extra skin. Mini tummy tucks cost an average of $4,000 to $5,500 [4].
Extended tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck helps if you have loose skin on your sides — not just your belly. It removes skin from the love handles and flanks, beyond the hip-to-hip cut. It’s the most complex surgery with a lengthier recovery but gives the most dramatic change. Costs differ based on fat volume and treatment area size. But you’ll likely pay an average of $4,000 to $18,000 [5].
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy removes hanging skin and fat below the belly button after bariatric surgery or significant weight loss. Your health insurance may cover this procedure if the extra skin causes rashes, infections, or back problems. Panniculectomy costs $8,500 to $15,000 on average [6].
Reverse tummy tuck
A reverse tummy tuck only removes loose skin in the upper abdomen. You may get it if you’ve already had a regular tummy tuck and need more skin removed above the belly button. The average cost is similar to a traditional tummy tuck [7].
Recovery after a tummy tuck
Recovering from a tummy tuck happens slowly over a few months.
Here’s what to keep in mind as you heal:
Rest and limited activity: Rest at home and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks
Pain management: Take prescribed pain medication, especially in the first few days when the discomfort is worst. Try your best to avoid narcotics and use ibuprofen (Advil) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Wearing compression garments: Wear the special garment recommended by your surgeon to reduce swelling, support your skin, and shape your new contours
Drain management: Keep track of the fluid and empty your drains until your surgeon takes it out. Drains are not always necessary and are usually removed the first week.
Wound care: Keep your incision clean and dry.
Avoiding strain on the sutures: Don’t put pressure on your stomach and avoid sudden movements that can pull on your stitches
Monitoring for complications: Watch for rare but possible problems like blood clots and infections. If you have any concerns contact your surgeon or the office sooner rather than later.
Follow-up appointments: Keep your appointment schedule as recommended by your surgeon to ensure proper healing and a fast recovery.
Gradual return to normal activities: Reintroduce light activity within a month and full exercise within 6 weeks with your surgeon’s green light
Scar care: Use recommended scar management options recommended by your surgeon.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Keep your weight steady with a healthy diet. Exercise regularly to prolong your results
Emotional support: Ask loved ones and your surgeon for support if you feel worried or sad during your healing
Can you combine a tummy tuck with other procedures to save costs?
Yes, it’s common to get a tummy tuck with complementary surgeries. These often include mommy makeover procedures like liposuction, breast augmentation, and/or breast lift. Doing more than one surgery on the same day costs more, but you can save on facility and anesthesia fees.
Does insurance cover the tummy tuck cost?
Most of the time, health insurance won’t cover the tummy tuck cost. That’s because it’s considered cosmetic and not medically necessary. But there are some exceptions. A panniculectomy to remove skin folds after major weight loss may be covered if the skin causes rashes, infection, or pain. If this sounds like you, call your insurance provider to see what they can do.
Are there financing options for a tummy tuck?
In addition to their payment plans, some surgeons work with third-party financing companies to let you pay for your procedure over time instead of all at once. This can make the procedure costs much more manageable.
During your consultation, don’t forget to ask your surgeon if they’re running ongoing or upcoming promotions. Some may even offer discounts if you pay the full procedure amount upfront.
Are tummy tucks worth the money?
Most women who get tummy tucks feel it’s worth the investment. It’s a major surgery that can make a substantial difference in how your midsection looks when diet and exercise alone can’t do the trick. Tummy tucks help many patients feel more confident and comfortable in their skin and clothes, especially after childbirth or losing a lot of weight.
Tummy tuck near me | Burbank, CA
Visit Burbank Plastic Surgery if you’re considering a tummy tuck in Greater Los Angeles. Dr. Orloff is a top-rated, board-certified plastic surgeon known for delivering beautiful, natural-looking tummy tuck results. He enjoys helping people feel confident through treatment plans tailored to their goals and body type. Book a consultation and our staff will help you go over your abdominoplasty options.
Sources:
1. 10 things to know about tummy tucks, Summit Health
2. How much does a tummy tuck cost?, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
3. How much does a tummy tuck cost?, Aedit
4. Mini tummy tuck, Aedit
5. What to know about an extended tummy tuck, Healthline
6. Panniculectomy costs, insurance and surgery explained, CareCredit
7. FAQs about a reverse tummy tuck, Verywell Health