How I Paid for my Tummy Tuck

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When I first decided to share about my tummy tuck experience, I never imagined the outpouring of support or questions.  Today I am sharing how I paid for my tummy tuck which includes the total cost as well as tummy tuck payment ideas for you too!

6 Month Update

It has been 6 months since I had my tummy tuck surgery.  You can read all about why I had the surgery here and about my recovery here.  Overall, I feel amazing.  I have been able to start light workouts and really stretching my new abs out.  I am getting used to my new body and although I have put on some weight, I am still so happy that I had surgery. 

I have had some issues loving this body.  I knew that having my back pain alleviated, was the most important part of the surgery, but part of me absolutely was looking forward to seeing a flat stomach and being more confident.  That wasn’t exactly my experience.  I have had some body dysmorphia issues that I didn’t realize would pop right up.  I can honestly see why people get addicted to plastic surgery, because I would be lying if I didn’t see the chunk around my bra line and think about how easy it would be to just have that removed. 

I actually was starting to have some obsessive issues over this and I think surgery along with winter and a pandemic and the isolation of teaching at home was just a bad combination, but one that kept me from really writing more about this.  I have a plan to share more on this topic in the future, but I am working on that self-love aspect of recovery and just adjusting to this body.  So that is where I am at 6 months out.  Body looks and feels great, mind hates me.

How I Paid for My Tummy Tuck 

I get at least 10 questions a week about this surgery.  I welcome any and all that come my way and am so glad to share my experience.  I am not a medical professional, but I truly believe that first hand accounts can be really beneficial to learn from.  Two of the questions that I get the most are, how much my surgery cost and how I paid for my tummy tuck?The first question is pretty straight forward.  In Colorado, with a board certified plastic surgeon who is one of the top in the state, I paid $12,500 with $500 of that being for the long lasting pain injection (exparel).  I did have a small bit of lipo to my flanks to help shape and smooth everything together which is pretty typical for any quality surgeon out there. 

From the day of my surgical consult to the surgical date, I had 15 days. I was less than prepared for this and because the doctor wanted to have this fixed urgently and it worked out for my work schedule I agreed to move quickly.  Two weeks is not enough time to save for a surgery that I was not really considering until possibly the following year.  I honestly thought I would have the consult and then save up and pay in full for the surgery to have it. 

That is what MANY people do for their surgery and if you have the means and the time, do it!  Save for you and get that surgery.  However, I didn’t have that time or disposable savings to work with.  Instead, I went ahead and used my CareCredit account and took advantage of the doctors offer of 18 months zero interest. That is it.  I have 18 months to pay this surgery off in full with zero interest so I am just making payments monthly to have it paid off soon. 

Tummy Tuck Payment Ideas For You

I thought it might be a good idea to share some possibly payment options for those considering plastic surgery of any type.  Here is a quick list I put together:

1. Consult then Save: Typically surgeons will charge you a consult fee but they will also give you a surgical estimate that is good for 6 months to a year.  I highly recommend scheduling a few consults with a few doctors and then choosing the one that has the best work, credentials, reviews and bedside manner then saving for your surgery.  I have seen some BOTCHED work from people rushing into surgery just because the cost is low.  It is your body and your money, make a good investment.
2. Payment Plans:  Often surgical offices will have a payment plan option for patients.  When you are doing your consults, ask about this, see what they offer and see if you can set up a payment plan with them directly. 
3. Insurance: My insurance didn’t cover surgery.  Initially they would have covered the portion that fixed my muscles but would have left the excess skin and honestly, if I was going through that pain, I was going to look decent. If you are dealing with debilitating issues, contact your insurance and see how much they are willing to cover, you might be surprised to find that they cover certain surgeons. 
4. CareCredit: Often surgical offices will partner with CareCredit to offer zero interest payment plans.  You essentially have to qualify for the line of credit via CareCredit and then you can use that to pay.  It is set up as a sort of medical/vet expense plan.
5. Loans: I have heard of people taking out a loan to pay for surgery as well.  This could be a good option if you want a longer term, can find a low to zero interest option and want to really build up your credit. 

I know that how I paid for my tummy tuck is not for everyone and I hope these tummy tuck payment ideas help you out.  Let me know if you have any other questions about tummy tucks in the comments. 

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