The closer you are to your ideal body weight before your Portland tummy tuck, the better your results will be. The procedure isn’t intended for dramatic weight loss – it’s for patients who are unable to tone their abdomen despite proper nutrition and exercise.
Our Board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Lewis, customizes his abdominoplasty in Portland to meet the needs of his individual patients. Dr. Lewis uses the powerful High-Lateral-Tension Abdominoplasty (HLTA) technique which involves less undermining of the abdominal skin than other abdominoplasty techniques, this leads to quicker healing and less risk of developing post-operative fluid collections.
Additional benefits of HLTA over traditional tummy tuck is that more skin is removed laterally (which is where the extra skin actually comes from) leading to a more youthful pelvic position and tightening of the thighs, neither of which you get from traditional tummy tuck. Depending on the amount of skin, fat and tissue you want to remove, he will recommend one of the following abdominoplasty techniques:
Contour both the lower and upper abdomen
A full tummy tuck in Portland Oregon is a very common procedure that involves incisions along the lower abdomen and around the belly button. Through those openings, Dr. Lewis will remove excess skin, tighten lax muscles and contour the area via liposuction.
Exclusively shape the lower abdomen
The mini is ideal for patients who are in good shape but want to address stubborn flab and skin laxity beneath the navel. Through a single incision in the pubic area, Dr. Lewis will remove skin, target small pockets of fat and tighten lax muscles in the lower abdomen.
Address flab on the tummy, love handles and hips
If you have love handles, unwanted flab on the hips and excess abdominal skin, the extended HLTA technique is for you. Through a longer incision than standard HLTA, Dr. Lewis can tighten your muscles, remove unwanted fat, and trim away skin on the abdomen, hips, flanks and back.
Tummy Tuck Cost Oregon
A tummy tuck at Portland’s Waldorf Center is a plastic surgery procedure that contours the tummy and waistline, primarily by removing excess skin and fat.* Also known as an abdominoplasty, this cosmetic solution is designed to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.
A tummy tuck is not intended to achieve weight loss, but is most suitable for people who are very near their ideal weight and dealing with loose, sagging belly skin; weakened abdominal muscles; and a small amount of stubborn fat that does not respond to diet or exercise efforts. A tummy tuck can be transformative, improving self-esteem and confidence.
YOUR TUMMY TUCK CONSULTATION
The choice to have a tummy tuck is a serious and personal one. Before finalizing any decision, patients should educate themselves on all of the variables involved, seeking out reliable sources of accurate information. Finding the right physician, who has significant relevant experience in this specific type of surgery, is essential. A tummy tuck begins long before the day of the procedure itself, with patient education and thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon of choice.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Waldorf Center believe in the importance of tummy tuck candidates being well informed so that they can approach the procedure with an understanding of what it can and cannot achieve, as well as how to prepare before the surgery and what to expect from recovery afterward. A solid relationship with a trusted doctor is key, which is why communication and comfort are emphasized at The Waldorf Center.
Tummy tuck patients are encouraged to make their decision after their questions have been answered (including concerns about what to expect during their recovery period) and they feel confident that a tummy tuck with one of our plastic surgeons is the right choice for them. Physicians recognize that no two patients share identical goals for cosmetic surgery. During your consultation, the surgeon will examine your midsection, note your medical history and stats, and tell you what a tummy tuck can reasonably accomplish.
CONTACT US
Contact The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck in Portland, Oregon. Patients in the Vancouver and Salem areas and beyond can call 503-646-0101 or 1-800-310-7901 today. You can also inquire about a visit online.
WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck is often performed on patients after bariatric surgery or as part of a postpregnancy Mommy Makeover to eliminate lax tissue unable to conform to new, slimmer contours. Male patients also visit our practice with concerns of a “spare tire” or “beer belly” as their abdominal muscles become weaker (to the point where they are no longer responsive to exercise) and skin loosens with age.
The procedure performed is unique to each patient and requires an expert eye and skilled assessment to consider which elements may be the appropriate combination to deliver the desired results. When handled by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck can be a very effective way to contour, flatten and tone the abdominal area to impact a patient’s entire physique for the better.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TUMMY TUCK
After your first visit with your plastic surgeon, there are a number of steps you may be asked to take in order to get yourself ready for surgery. To enjoy the best results from a tummy tuck, patients are advised to make themselves well aware of all of the steps involved. Our physicians recommend that you start planning strategically months in advance (some say a full six months is ideal) and follow all instructions for rigorous follow-up self-care to ensure the tummy tuck recovery process goes smoothly.
Our plastic surgeons also recommend that patients maintain a stable body weight in the months leading up to the tummy tuck surgery and avoid taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, to achieve optimal outcomes. Smoking is detrimental to the healing process, as the chemicals inhaled interfere with the supply of blood and oxygen to tissues throughout the body. Ceasing smoking is critical in the weeks leading up to and after the tummy tuck operation.
WHAT COULD A TUMMY TUCK SURGERY ENTAIL?
A tummy tuck typically takes one to two hours, depending on how much skin needs to be removed and tightened and is performed in a hospital or outpatient facility. Most often, Waldorf Center patients spend one night recovering in our accredited surgery center before heading home.
Before the tummy tuck operation begins, a combination of medical treatments is administered to put the patients into a temporary, sleep-like state. This ensures their continued comfort by rendering them unable to feel pain.
For a tummy tuck, the curved, horizontally oriented or elliptical-shaped incision is generally low on the abdomen: below the belly button and near the pubic hairline. The resulting scar will stay hidden under most bathing suit bottoms and underwear. Excess skin and fat may be removed, and stretched-out or separated abdominal muscles are repaired as needed. In some cases, the belly button may be repositioned. Surgeons use skin adhesives, tapes, and sutures to close the wound.
Liposuction may also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to remove any excess fat from the area.
Depending on the concerns being addressed, a second incision may be made around the belly button to target skin, muscle, or fat in the upper abdomen.
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how much does a tummy tuck cost at kaise
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight.
There are a variety of different techniques used by plastic surgeons for abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including liposuction, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries.
The Procedure
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen is removed to help create an abdominal profile that is smoother, firmer and smaller. It is not a weight loss technique; although the tissue removed may weigh several pounds or more. Instead, it is a contouring procedure that is performed to give you a smoother, flatter, better shaped tummy.
This procedure is performed in Kaiser Permanente’s operating suite with either intravenous sedation or more commonly general anesthesia. The incisions that are used require the creation of a fairly long scar in the same place as a C-section scar either right on top of the pubic hairline or just inside the hairline. Unlike a C-section scar, the incision may go all the way out to the hips depending on the degree of correction necessary. This incision is typically placed low enough to be hidden within most clothes and bathing suits.
A small incision around your belly button is also needed to allow your belly button to stay in its normal position while the upper abdominal skin and fat is moved to a lower position on your abdomen. A new window is made in the abdominal skin to place your belly button in its normal position. This scar is nearly imperceptible.
Through these two incisions, excess skin and fat is removed. If necessary, we can also repair weakened abdominal muscles. These muscles may be separated during pregnancy and sutures are used to bring the muscles back together and give your waistline more definition. While you will not see the muscle repair or sutures because it is underneath, you will feel a tightening from the top of your abdomen all the way down to the bottom of your abdomen.
Preparation
Kaiser Permanente’s plastic surgeon will be glad to work closely with you. Be prepared to discuss your expectations and desired outcome. Make sure to address all of your questions and concerns. Aspirin, Motrin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some over-the-counter herbal medications must be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. These and other drugs and substances may cause excess bleeding and bruising. You can usually begin taking them again after a week or so. If you are a smoker, it is important to quit at least four weeks prior to surgery and keep from smoking until four weeks after surgery to ensure your wounds heal properly. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this in detail with you and you will also be given a sheet with a list of common medicines to avoid for a short period. Your plastic surgeon will detail the risks associated with surgery.
Recovery
Following your surgery, bandages will be applied to your incisions. In addition, you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or required to purchase a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. Two small drains may be placed temporarily to drain any excess fluid or blood that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions on how to care of your incisions and drains, including any medications that you may need to take. We will arrange for your follow-up visit at our Kaiser Permanente office.
tummy tuck cost in texas
Are you thinking about having a tummy tuck? If so, you’re probably considering how much the procedure is likely to cost. Since what you pay can be different depending on what kind of procedure you choose, as well as other factors, it’s helpful to look at how the cost of a tummy tuck breaks down.
Breaking Down the Costs of a Tummy Tuck
If you decide to have a tummy tuck, part of your surgical consultation will involve a discussion of the costs involved. You’ll also receive an itemized list of the different costs involved in your procedure, and you’ll be able to ask questions at your consultation. According to one consumer guide, the total cost of a tummy tuck, including all professional and facility fees and miscellaneous expenses, ranges from $7,475 to $17,650. The cost of the procedure commonly includes the following:
Your tummy tuck cost might also be different depending on how complicated your particular case is. In general, the more complicated a case is, the longer it’s likely to take, and the more it’s likely to cost. For instance, a standard tummy tuck removes excess skin above and below the belly button, whereas a mini tummy tuck only removes skin below the belly button, making it different in cost. An around-the-world or extended tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin from the back as well as the abdomen; this surgery takes longer and is more expensive.
Surgeon’s Fee
Your surgeon charges a fee for their time and expertise. How much they charge depends on several things, like
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon’s fee for a tummy tuck is $5,493.
Anesthetist’s Fee
The anesthetist for your surgery charges their own fee for their time and expertise. The amount they charge depends mostly on how long your procedure takes, as they typically charge on an hourly basis. You can also expect to pay a higher fee if your anesthetist is more experienced or highly-reputed. The anesthetist’s fee is charged on an hourly basis, with the total cost ranging from $400 to $1,800.
Facility Fee
The facility fee is a charge that covers all the others expenses of the tummy tuck procedure, including the equipment and disposable items used in the surgery, as well as other running costs of the office-based surgical facility. The amount you pay in facility fees depends largely on:
For a tummy tuck, the facility fee can range from around $1,200 for a simple tummy tuck performed in a surgeon’s clinic to $10,000 for a hospital-performed procedure with an overnight stay.
Miscellaneous Costs – Prescriptions and Garments
The facility fee covers all the expenses relating to the procedure itself, but it doesn’t cover the cost of the pre-operative stage or your recovery period. Miscellaneous tummy tuck costs include things like prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics and support or compression garments for wearing after the procedure. As well as this, your surgeon may order some pre-op medical tests. These can cost up to $500, depending on how many tests are ordered. The amount you pay for prescriptions depends on how many medications you’re prescribed. Most surgeons will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics, but some will also prescribe additional medications such as anti-nausea drugs and sleep aids. Your insurance might cover part or all of the cost of medications, even if the procedure itself isn’t covered. Finally, there are compression garments. A well-made garment can cost up to $350. Your surgeon may be able to provide or suggest a less costly alternative, but it’s vital to buy and use a compression garment to ensure that you recover from your tummy tuck properly.
How Location Affects Tummy Tuck Cost
Where you live, or where you choose to have your procedure, can also affect how much your tummy tuck costs. There are two main reasons for this.
How to Pay for a Tummy Tuck
Most of the time, tummy tucks don’t qualify for insurance coverage, but in some situations the procedure is considered medically necessary. This is the case when excess abdominal skin causes problems like skin rashes and infections or when the weight of the excess skin causes back pain. North Texas Plastic Surgery offers a range of financing options, so if you need a little help to pay for the procedure you’ve been dreaming of, you can get it. Want to learn more about tummy tuck pricing through North Texas Plastic Surgery? Call today to schedule a free consultation, and get your questions answered!
How much does a full tummy tuck cost in US
The cost of a tummy tuck is often a deciding factor for patients when choosing which plastic surgeon they trust to perform their tummy tuck. When searching for the best plastic surgeon to perform your abdominoplasty, it is important to note that expertise, training, skill, and ensuring the highest level of patient care, safety, cleanliness, and materials are all variables that will affect the overall cost of your tummy tuck.
If the low price for a tummy tuck seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you are hesitant about the low cost of a tummy tuck, you can always do more research by asking questions about the facilities, surgeon’s credentials, and expertise in performing the procedure to make sure the plastic surgeon specializes in tummy tucks and is not cutting any corners. In order to have lower tummy tuck costs, the surgeon may not use the best quality materials or may be compromising the quality of care, service, cleanliness, and safety. Although cheaper plastic surgery may seem financially appealing, plastic surgery is real surgery and you only have one body, so you do not want to bargain when it comes to your safety & appearance.
Since plastic surgery is considered elective cosmetic surgery, tummy tucks are typically not covered by medical insurance. However, tummy tuck surgery involves various costs besides the actual surgical fee for the procedure, such as labs or medications, and some of these costs may be covered by insurance. Typically, the pricing for a tummy tuck and all associated fees is broken down on a formal price quote that is presented to you at the consultation, so you will know exactly what they are paying for before committing to the surgery. We will go over the general breakdown of tummy tuck costs below.
Geographical Location
The cost of a tummy tuck varies greatly depending on the surgeon’s geographical location and the demand for the procedure in that area. The national average cost for a tummy tuck, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is around $6,000. However, in cities with high demand, like Beverly Hills, the cost of a tummy tuck can range from $12,000 to $50,000.
1. Consultation Fee
The first fee you will pay along your plastic surgery journey is the consultation fee to meet with your plastic surgeon, discuss your goals, and create your surgical plan. Some plastic surgeons do not have consultation fees, but usually, when the consultation is free, you do not meet with the plastic surgeon, you will meet with a nurse or the surgeon’s patient coordinator instead. The consultation fee secures the time and date of your appointment since there are limited consultation spots, and it is typically applied towards the total cost of your abdominoplasty procedure. Every plastic surgery office is different, so it is best to call beforehand and clarify exactly who you will be meeting with at the initial consultation.
2. Abdominoplasty Surgical Fee
The surgical fee or surgeon’s fee is the cost for the surgeon to perform the plastic surgery procedure. There are various factors that can determine the price of the surgical fee such as the surgeon’s expertise, the length of the surgery, the different types of abdominoplasty, and how complex the procedure is. Also, if it is the surgeon’s specialty and how often they perform tummy tucks. The tummy tuck surgical fee is typically the main cost in the quote breakdown since it is the price of the procedure itself.
3. Operating Room and Anesthesia
Plastic surgery is typically performed at a surgery center or hospital. These facilities have fees in order to provide your surgeon with an equipped operating room and staff to perform your tummy tuck, as well as fees to pay the anesthesiologist to administer the anesthesia, and for the anesthesia medication itself. The operating room and anesthesia fees are separate facility costs and are typically charged by the hour, so if your surgery takes longer than the expected time, you will be expected to cover the overage fees. Some hospitals charge flat rates by the procedure for operating room and anesthesia costs, instead of by the hour, so it is best to check in with your plastic surgeon’s office to ask for more details about the facilities they operate at.
4. Post-Operative Surgical Garment
Another cost to keep in mind is the surgical garment you will be wearing after surgery to help facilitate your healing and enhance your results. Some patients purchase more than one garment so it’s easier to wash and dry the garment in-between wears since the post-op garments are typically worn for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery, and you are only supposed to be out of your garment for about a maximum of 30 minutes. The cost of a tummy tuck surgical garment is typically anywhere from a hundred dollars to a couple of hundred dollars depending on the quality of the material and the company that your surgeon prefers for his or her post-op garments.
5. Medications
You will be prescribed a few medications for the post-operative healing stage. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of post-operative prescriptions, even for elective cosmetic surgery, but it will depend on the insurance and your policy. You can always check with your insurance company beforehand so you can calculate the anticipated costs associated with your procedure. Antibiotics are prescribed after plastic surgery procedures to prevent infection, especially if you have drains. Prescription pain medication is also typically prescribed after plastic surgery to help with any pain or discomfort, but it depends on the surgeon. Some plastic surgeons like Dr. Cat Begovic are known for their gentle technique, so Dr. Cat’s patients do not need to take prescription pain medication after tummy tuck surgery, just Tylenol to manage any discomfort.
6. Tummy Tuck Scar Care
After plastic surgery, many patients chose to undergo scar treatment in order to have the least noticeable scar. Scar treatment will vary depending on the size and pigment of the scar, but it can range from topical silicone patches and gel to scar camouflage with medical tattooing.
You can always call your insurance to determine which types of scars and treatments are covered and which will incur out-of-pocket costs.
Tummy Tuck Financing
Payment is due in full before the procedure, but many plastic surgery offices accept financing, meaning you can finance the amount of your procedure upfront and then pay the balance over time, making smaller monthly payments to the finance company. It is always best to check with your plastic surgeon’s office beforehand to see what their payment and financing options are before scheduling.
The Best Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills
Dr. Cat Begovic is a tummy tuck specialist in Beverly Hills who has an extensive background in performing tummy tuck surgery. Over the years, she has developed her very own special, gentle surgical technique that has little to no pain, a nearly invisible scar, and creates refined, natural-looking tummy tuck results. She has patients that travel from all across the globe to have her signature tummy tuck. She is highly sought after for tummy tuck surgery because of her expertise, attention to detail, and for having the highest standards of safety, and patient care.
Dr. Cat’s patients receive her undivided attention with personalized patient care from start to finish, so her patients heal phenomenally with no complications, which is something you truly can’t put a price on. Dr. Cat mentions “I have had many patients go elsewhere because of price and then 6 months later they call my office saying they went with another surgeon, something got horribly botched and now they are willing to travel to fix it.”
For this reason, Dr. Cat emphasizes the importance of having tummy tuck surgery done correctly the first time because depending on the complexity of the revision, sometimes the errors are irreparable, even for a surgeon like Dr. Cat, who is highly skilled in performing complex revision tummy tucks. You should also consider the cost of medical bills that come with post-op complications. Not to mention, revision surgery is more expensive than the initial procedure because of the complexity. These are all factors to consider when trying to decide on which surgeon you trust to perform your tummy tuck surgery safely and to produce the best possible result. Contact Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery today for a top-rated Abdominoplasty in Beverly Hills!