You can’t zip your jeans. You feel like your pooch is pathetic. You want a tummy tuck. But just how much will a tummy tuck cost?

The average cost of a tummy tuck is $6,253, according to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But “average” spans a huge range. There are so many other things that factor into the cost of a tummy tuck. The average fee as referenced above does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. It doesn’t take into consideration how large a person is, or how much fat needs to be removed. You need to be sure to ask questions with anyone you consult with about every cost that isn’t included in a price that seems too good to be true.

MINI TUMMY TUCK. MINI COST?

Not exactly. Basically, the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck is the length of the incision, thus the amount of skin that can be removed. But you can’t just stroll into a plastic surgeon’s office and say, “Hey, I only want a mini tummy tuck”. Doesn’t work that way. Because of your individual condition, you might not be a good candidate for a mini. If a doctor is all too happy to oblige what is really your desire to save on cost, find another doctor. And it is important to know that insurance won’t cover any of the costs.

COOL SCULPTING: WORTH THE COST?

“Gee, a tummy tuck costs more than I really want to fork out.” (Need money for Ubers, devices, clothes, restaurants…the list goes on…) So what are the alternatives to getting a tummy tuck?  Cool Sculpting supposedly works miracles. Must cost less. Right? Nope. Cool Sculpting is based on the amount of fat you want zapped. Which could be a lot. Which could hike the price. While Cool Sculpting might seem like it would cost less, it also does way less than a tummy tuck. And contrary to all the hype, the fat zapped with Cool Sculpting won’t disappear immediately. Patients might look the exact same after days, weeks and even months of the procedure. And the results can last less than six months. Oh, and it doesn’t work if you are really overweight. Not so cool.

LIPOSUCTION. WHAT’LL THAT COST?

You really want to get rid of that inner tube around your middle? Blast that beer belly for less than a tummy tuck? Are you ready? The average cost of liposuction can range from $4,000 to $8,000. What??? Again, that doesn’t include all the other costs we mentioned that figure into the cost of a tummy tuck. And if you’re hoping to get tummy tuck-like results, you’re out of luck. Lipo won’t do anything to address the sagging skin or underlying muscle separation the tummy tuck targets.

TUMMY TUCKS OVERSEAS; IT’LL COST YOU

Medical Tourism is hot, with people hoping to save money by combining a little R&R with a tummy tuck. They’re going everywhere to keep the cost of a tummy tuck down; Brazil, Japan, Italy, Mexico, Russia (yep), India, Turkey, Germany and France. But before you whip out that passport figuring you’ll also get miles with a cheaper tummy tuck, beware. An overseas bargain can turn into a financial nightmare. There are vastly different standards in other countries for training and accreditation than there are in the United States. What is and isn’t acceptable to take place in the operating room will be different as well. Safety protocols could be deficient or nonexistent, and that is not something you want to risk. Plus traveling soon after a big operation can lead to complications as well. Not only can it cause fresh incisions to tear open, but it also can increase the risk of blood clots. You’ll pay for your foreign tummy tuck in more ways than one.

WORTH EVERY PENNY

A tummy tuck is surgery. Plain and simple. And as with any surgery, it requires a surgeon who is not only board-certified, but skilled, experienced and trained in the procedure you are getting. Tummy tucks included. In the Denver area, you don’t have to look far to find the best plastic surgeon with all those qualifications, and more. Dr. Thomas A. Narsete. Dr. Narsete has performed hundreds of tummy tucks on every type of tummy out there. Both male and female. He understands what you’re going through and the toll all that excess fat around your middle can take on your self-esteem. He’ll spend time with you, going over the procedure and what you can expect. He won’t promise unrealistic results. Just results that will make you feel better than you could imagine. Make an appointment with Dr. Narsete now. And go from flab to fab.