Apart from the usual: doctor's fees, equipment, etc. What are other factors that affect tummy tuck costs?

This is a very relevant question, since budget is often the foremost concern to get it done or not. Apart from the big amounts resulting from the surgery itself and doctor's fees, there are other small numbers that can add up and catch most people by surprise sometimes.

The Major Players

In case you do not have an idea of what we are talking about when we say the major costs, we mean the following: Doctor's Fees and actual operation costs. Surgeon fees may vary from state to state depending on the demand for tummy tucks in that location. Dallas on the one hand has fairly reasonable prices compared to other cities considered to be the hotbed of plastic surgery. The cost of the operation itself translates into the fees that you have to pay. An example is if your doctor is using a newer machine. You then will have a higher tab than with doctors that use older ones and new machines and equipment don't come cheap and the costs for it will most likely be passed on to the clinic's patients. Before you decide to cut costs here - remember that newer machines are much more efficient and often much safer.

Now that it's all laid out, let us move to the little things that can add up and affect the over all cost.

Laboratory Cost

Most insurance companies do not cover plastic surgery procedures. That is why - plastic surgery like a tummy tuck usually falls on the shoulders of the patient. One of the 'little payouts' a patient has to finance himself/herself is the cost of laboratory tests. Routine lab exams are ordered by surgeons before surgery in order to determine the over all health of the patient. It may even include psychological exams to determine a person's adjustment level.

Miscellaneous

After surgery, you will need pressure garments in order to keep you comfortable and promote healing. These garments are not cheap and can also add up. Some patients think that they can get away with just one pressure garment, only to find out later that they are wrong and rush out to buy another. It is advised that you at least have two pressure garments at hand.

Another cost addition is the transportation and other items that you need purchased before, during and after the operation. Watch out for those items mentioned as they can really add up and affect the overall cost of a tummy tuck procedure.