Understanding Tummy Tuck Cost: What Makes the Final Price?
Written by Dr. Fred Coville · December 30, 2025
Posted In: Abdominoplasty
After childbirth, years of child-rearing, or simply as a part of the aging process, patients often feel concerned about the shape of their abdomen. Sometimes there is fat that refuses to budge or sagging skin that won’t stay in place. At Cornerstone Plastic Surgery, Dr. Coville performs abdominoplasty surgery to restore his patients’ youthful abdominal contour. Often added as part of a mommy makeover, abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, removes excess skin around the waist and readjusts underlying muscles to restore the youthful appearance of the abdomen. Liposuction may be added to a tummy tuck to get rid of excess fat during your tummy tuck. Despite a tummy tuck’s high price and prolonged recovery time, 96% of patients on RealSelf say that the procedure is worth it. It is a popular procedure for mothers wanting to reclaim their bodies after childbirth. Men on RealSelf have called the procedure “life-changing.” So, what is the real tummy tuck cost to consider when thinking about surgery?
What Factors Affect the Tummy Tuck Cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the cost of a tummy tuck in NJ ranges between $7,000 and $18,000. Factors in the cost of your abdominoplasty are the type of tummy tuck, provider, consultation fees, anesthesia fee, geographic location, and any expenses associated with recovery. The only reliable way to get an accurate price for your treatment plan is to schedule an in-person consultation.
Your personalized cost depends on:
- Whether muscle repair is necessary
- The amount of excess skin
- Whether liposuction is added
- The type of tummy tuck (mini, full, extended)
Still wondering “how much does a tummy tuck cost?” Well, the most accurate way to determine how much a tummy tuck costs for your goals is a consultation with Dr. Coville, where your anatomy and surgical needs can be assessed directly.
Surgeon’s Experience
The surgeon’s expertise is one of the biggest contributors to the overall price of a tummy tuck. Board-certified surgeons with advanced training, such as Dr. Coville, may charge more due to:
- Precision in muscle tightening and scar placement
- Expertise in revision or complex anatomy
- Lower complication rates
- Consistently natural results
These elements directly affect surgical time, safety, and long-term satisfaction, making the surgeon’s experience a key cost factor.
Anesthesia
Tummy tucks require general anesthesia, and these fees vary depending on the anesthesiologist’s experience and the length of your procedure. Board-certified anesthesia providers, while more expensive, offer enhanced safety and monitoring, an essential factor for any surgical procedure. Longer, more complex surgeries (such as those combined with liposuction) will naturally increase total anesthesia costs.
Location
Geographic region significantly impacts the price of a tummy tuck. Major metropolitan areas often have higher fees due to increased operating costs and higher demand.
In New Jersey, tummy tuck prices reflect access to top-tier facilities, experienced surgeons, and advanced technology. Many patients from surrounding regions choose South Jersey specifically for a balance of expertise, convenience, and high-quality care.
Combination
Many patients choose additional treatments, most commonly liposuction, to their abdominoplasty. While this increases the overall tummy tuck cost, combination procedures often:
- Enhance the final contour
- Reduce the need for separate surgeries
- Consolidate anesthesia and facility fees
Common add-on procedures include:
- Liposuction of the flanks or hips
- Breast surgery as part of a mommy makeover
- Scar revision from previous abdominal surgeries
During your consultation, Dr. Coville will recommend whether combining procedures may help you achieve more balanced results.
What Other Costs Go Into the Final Price?
Beyond the surgical fee itself, patients should be aware of supplementary costs that contribute to the total tummy tuck price. These often include:
Facility Fees
Accredited surgical centers provide advanced equipment, a sterile environment, and highly trained staff. This ensures safety and quality throughout your procedure.
Pre-Operative Testing
Lab work, medical clearance, and any necessary imaging may be required to ensure you are a safe candidate for surgery.
Post-Surgical Garments
Compression wear is crucial for optimal healing and contouring.
Medication
Pain medication, antibiotics, and other prescriptions may be included depending on your needs.
These investments support a safe, comfortable recovery and contribute significantly to your outcome.
Can a Tummy Tuck Be Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning insurance typically does not cover the price of a tummy tuck. However, limited exceptions exist.
If you have a medically documented condition, such as chronic skin irritation, infections, or functional limitations caused by excess skin, your insurance may cover a portion of the procedure, usually relating to skin removal.
Muscle repair and cosmetic contouring components are rarely eligible for coverage.
Dr. Coville and his expert team at Cornerstone Plastic Surgery can guide you through what documentation may be required and whether you might qualify for partial reimbursement. For patients paying out of pocket, financing options may also be available.
Is a Tummy Tuck Worth the Investment?
For many patients, the benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. A tummy tuck can:
- Improve posture and core strength
- Restore abdominal stability after pregnancy
- Improve clothing fit
- Enhance body confidence
Because loose skin and muscle separation cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments, the results are long-lasting and often transformational, making the procedure a meaningful investment for many individuals.
Take the Next Step: A Consultation With Dr. Coville
Because every abdomen is different, the most accurate way to understand your tummy tuck cost is through a personalized, in-person evaluation. During your consultation with Dr. Coville, you’ll receive a customized surgical plan, a clear and itemized cost estimate, and expert recommendations aligned with your anatomy and aesthetic goals. You’ll also review recovery expectations and ideal scheduling to help you plan confidently.
Written by Dr. Frederick Coville
Frederick A. Covile, M.D., Cornerstone Plastic Surgery's Owner and Medical Director
