How Much Is a Tummy Tuck in Kentucky?


Posted: December 20, 2019

Before investing in plastic surgery, it's only natural to want to know how much the procedure will cost. So why do the numbers vary so much when you look up the cost of a tummy tuck?

The simple answer is that tummy tucks and other plastic surgery procedures are not like retail products where an MSRP creates a standard for how much you can expect to pay. Many different factors can influence what a surgeon or practice charges for a given procedure, including the location of the office.

How Does Location Affect the Average Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

woman considering tummy tuck surgery for her belly bulge"Location, location, location" is the adage in real estate, and it applies to plastic surgery, too. A board-certified plastic surgeon in a major market like Los Angeles or New York City is very likely to charge more than a surgeon with the same qualifications who is based in Kentucky.

Higher plastic surgery prices correlate strongly with factors like:

  • The size of the patient population
  • Cost of living in the area
  • Rent on commercial property space

So, patients who are in densely populated cities with a high cost of living can expect to pay more on average for a tummy tuck. For the surgeons in these cities, this is beneficial; the rent they pay for their practice is high, so the cost of surgery must be high as well or they would lose money on the transaction.

Abdominoplasty and other procedures tend to cost less in areas with lower populations, lower cost of living, and lower rents on commercial properties. At the same time, however, these same factors may make it less likely for sufficient patient populations to exist in certain cities, which is why some practices emphasize service for out-of-town patients.

What Else Determines the Cost of a Tummy Tuck?

Another major consideration in the cost of a tummy tuck is the extent of the procedure:

  • A mini tummy tuck addresses a smaller area and takes less time to perform. It is generally less expensive than a full tummy tuck.
  • A full tummy tuck can vary in complexity, and this influences the price. A procedure principally devoted to removing excess skin is less time-consuming and complex (and therefore tends to be less expensive) than a procedure that requires extensive fat removal and muscle reshaping.
  • Any procedure where a tummy tuck is combined with one or more additional procedures, such as abdominoplasty as part of a mommy makeover, will likely be the most expensive. Total cost will depend on the extent of the treatment plan.

Surgeon experience performing tummy tucks is another major factor that influences the cost. When it comes to products and services, people will pay more for good work. Experience comes with practice, which in turn results in greater proof of the quality of work the surgeon provides.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Therefore, it is important to ask each plastic surgeon you consult about his credentials and experience performing tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon should be able to justify the price it asks you to pay, and the decision is ultimately yours.

Does a Tummy Tuck Have Additional Fees?

plastic surgeon creating tummy tuck surgery planThe answer to this question again depends on the specifics of the practice. For example, if the procedure is performed in a hospital or medical facility outside of the practice, fees for the surgical facility and anesthesia may be part of the overall cost of your tummy tuck. The price may also vary based on medication prescriptions and recovery items in your particular case, as well as expected followup appointments.

No matter the sticker shock you may experience when learning about the cost of a tummy tuck, your safety and best outcome should be your first concern. Paying a bit more is well worth it if you feel safer and more confident that a particular plastic surgeon can help you achieve the results you want.

Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today

Plastic Surgeons of Lexington has been serving central and eastern Kentucky for over 65 years. Our plastic surgeons are board-certified and have extensive experience performing tummy tuck and other procedures of the body, breasts, and face.

Schedule your initial consultation at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington by calling 859-276-3883 today. We are happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with a preliminary price estimate for your procedure.

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