What does body contouring surgery cost? Because surgical fees vary across the country and even within any given city, it is impossible to provide an accurate answer for any specific procedure on a general basis.
The first question most patients will ask, however, about body contouring surgery costs is whether their health insurance will pay for part or any of the surgical procedure. As a general rule, there are very few body contouring procedures that insurance will cover. This may seem unfair to many, but the reality is health insurances don’t consider most of the excess skin as causing any significant medical problems. Removal of the abdominal overhang, or pannus, may occasionally be covered due to skin rashes and its weight, but problems of the breast, arms, back, and thighs are almost always rejected.
Therefore, it is best to think of paying out of pocket for most or all of the bariatric plastic surgery procedures. The cost of a procedure is always a combination of three fees…use of the operating room, anesthesiologist’s charge, and the time of your plastic surgeon. Two of these costs are fixed, the operating room and anesthesiologist. They charge by time and at a fixed rate. The longer the operation is, the more their costs will be. Your plastic surgeon’s fee is variable…it is completely up to the plastic surgeon as to what they want to charge and whether they may offer discounts for multiple procedures. Additional charges may be incurred for overnight stays, postoperative garments, and any preoperative lab work. The good thing about elective surgery costs is that they are fully disclosed up front in their totality.
The issues surrounding elective surgery costs and payment are fairly universal across the country. After your consultation, you will receive a surgical quote at some point which will detail the costs. You will likely be required to place a deposit before booking your surgery. Full payment is usually required in many plastic surgery practices one or two weeks before your surgery. Make sure you read and understand the cancellation policy as unforeseen circumstances do occur to some patients and they have to reschedule or cancel their booked surgery.
Also, be aware and be clear on your plastic surgeon’s policy regarding revisional surgery. The need for revisional surgery due to complications or adverse results is not rare in major body contouring surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana