A tummy tuck, technically known as abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to create a smoother, firmer midsection. This surgery addresses excess skin and fat often resulting from significant weight fluctuation or pregnancy. It also commonly involves tightening underlying abdominal muscles that may have separated, a condition called diastasis recti. For individuals considering this elective surgery in New Hampshire, understanding the financial commitment is a primary concern. The total price is a composite of several professional and facility fees, which vary widely based on individual patient needs.
Estimated Costs for Tummy Tucks in NH
The typical total cost for a full abdominoplasty in New Hampshire generally falls within the range of \$8,000 to \$15,000. This figure represents the all-inclusive price, encompassing the combined fees for the surgeon, the anesthesia provider, and the surgical facility. New Hampshire’s pricing tends to align with broader New England regional trends, which are often slightly higher than the national average. For comparison, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports a national average surgeon’s fee alone of approximately \$8,174, which excludes these other substantial costs.
Breaking Down the Surgical Fees
The largest portion of the total cost is the surgeon’s fee, which covers the professional expertise and time of the plastic surgeon. This fee varies based on the surgeon’s reputation, experience level, and geographic location within New Hampshire. Another significant component is the anesthesia fee, which compensates the anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) for administering general anesthesia and monitoring the patient. This cost is often calculated based on the total duration of the procedure; a longer or more complex operation will incur a higher fee.
Facility fees cover the use of the operating room, necessary equipment, and support staff, such as nurses and surgical technicians. This fee applies whether the surgery is performed in an accredited hospital setting or a private surgical center. The total cost also includes miscellaneous expenses for post-operative care, such as medical tests, prescription medications, and specialized compression garments. These garments are necessary to reduce swelling and support the newly contoured abdominal area during recovery.
Variables That Affect the Price
The type of tummy tuck performed is a primary determinant of cost. A less invasive mini-abdominoplasty, which targets only the lower abdomen, is less expensive than a full abdominoplasty. The full procedure involves a hip-to-hip incision, removal of more skin, and extensive muscle tightening, requiring more surgical time. The most expensive option is an extended or circumferential tummy tuck, which addresses skin laxity on the flanks and back, significantly increasing the complexity and duration of the operation.
The surgeon’s experience and reputation directly influence their fee; highly sought-after, board-certified plastic surgeons often charge a higher rate. Geographic location within New Hampshire also plays a role in pricing, mirroring the general cost of living. Practices near major population centers, such as the Seacoast or the Manchester/Nashua area, typically have higher operating costs reflected in their surgical fees compared to smaller, more rural practices.
It is common for a tummy tuck to be combined with liposuction to achieve a more sculpted result by removing localized fat deposits. Adding liposuction increases the overall surgical time, which raises the surgeon’s fee and the time-based anesthesia and facility fees. This combination procedure, often requested for optimal contouring, can significantly elevate the final price.
Navigating Payment and Coverage Options
A tummy tuck is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure, meaning health insurance providers rarely offer coverage. The surgery is typically not covered because its primary purpose is aesthetic enhancement rather than treating a specific disease. Patients should plan to pay the full amount out-of-pocket.
There are rare exceptions where a portion of the procedure may be deemed medically necessary and eligible for partial coverage. This occurs when a massive pannus, or overhanging apron of skin following significant weight loss, causes chronic, non-healing rashes or severe mobility issues. In these instances, the removal of the excess skin (a panniculectomy) might be covered, but the muscle tightening component is almost always excluded.
To manage the cost, most plastic surgery practices offer various financing options. Common methods include medical credit cards, such as CareCredit, which provide dedicated lines of credit, often with deferred interest plans. Many offices also work with third-party lenders to offer structured payment plans or accept personal loans, allowing patients to spread the total cost over time.
Before receiving a final quote, patients schedule an initial consultation with the surgeon, for which there is often a separate fee. Some practices will apply this consultation fee toward the total cost of the procedure if the patient moves forward with the surgery. Patients should confirm this policy during initial scheduling.