Thousands of dollars may stand between you and your personal body goals. The old addage "it hurts to be beautiful" could very well be true when relating to the impact your wallet will take from cosmetic surgery procedures.
Like most cosmetic surgery procedures, the benefits of a tummy tuck come with a price tag.
Significance
A tummy tuck, also know as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened stomach muscles.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the amount of tummy tuck procedures increased 26 percent from 2004 to 2009, while other procedures leveled off.
Considerations
The more skin and fat that need to be removed, the more extensive (and expensive) the procedure. While tummy tucks can be performed as outpatient surgery, some patients are required to stay overnight in a hospital or facility.
Cost
According to reports from www.smarttummytucks.com, the average tummy tuck cost in 2009 falls somewhere between $5,000 and $9,000. It is important for patients to factor in facility fees, anesthesia fees, and surgeon fees when calculating the total cost of surgery.
Although the surgery itself may only run $5,000, the other fees can quickly add up.
Considerations
When figuring the cost of a tummy tuck, it is important to remember that it is considered cosmetic surgery and often will not be covered by your insurance company. Certain instances such as deformities and reconstruction after an injury may be covered depending on your insurance plan. Be sure to look over your coverage summary.
Keep in mind that many facilities offer payment plans and financing options. Payment plans vary depending upon the procedure done, your credit rating, and the length of time you may need to pay the loan off.
Additionally, factor in time lost from work, as that will affect the hit your wallet takes. Patients miss roughly one to two weeks of work due to the procedure.
Benefits
The ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery are:
Women who were pregnant/C-section patients.
Those who have lost a significant amount of weight.
Older patients/those dealing with aging.
Patients with stubborn genetics.
Many times people cannot lose those last few pounds of stubborn belly fat no matter their workout routine or diet plan. Any of the above reasons make you a good candidate for the procedure; however, because it is a serious surgery and a costly decision, do your research and consult your physician before taking this step.
Tags: cosmetic surgery, tummy tuck, tummy tuck, cosmetic surgery procedures, surgery procedures, your insurance, your wallet