Introduction to Cosmetic Surgery for the Body

Ever dreamed of achieving the perfect curves and contours that you’ve always wanted? For many of us, the shape and definition that we desire are hidden by unwanted skin and fat—it takes an extra bit of help to reveal the hidden potential underneath. That’s where plastic surgery comes in to lend a helping hand. Diet and exercise aren’t always capable of achieving our ideals, and to get at that last pocket of fat or tighten that annoying patch of loose skin, surgical procedures such as liposuction, body contouring, lifts, tummy tucks, and scar revision are all available. Smooth away the last of those imperfections. Cosmetic surgery can give you a way to improve the body you’ve always had.

Costs of Plastic Surgery for the Body

Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty surgeries, are currently a very popular procedure for removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area to tighten and flatten the stomach. According the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the cost of an average tummy tuck was $4,505 in 2007.

Area lifts such as arm lifts and thigh lifts tighten and tone the quality of skin in targeted parts of the body. The natural effects of age and gravity can create loose hanging areas that resist change from exercise and weight loss. Data from the ASPS lists the average national cost of an upper arm lift in 2007 as $3,101, the cost of a thigh lift as $3,857, and the cost of a buttock lift as $3,630.

Tummy tucks and area lifts often go hand-in-hand with liposuction and body contouring procedures. They are often included as steps in either of these two larger surgeries. It is impossible, however, to truly give an accurate estimate of the costs of liposuction and body contouring, since they depend heavily on the size of the area of body that is being worked on. For heavier patients who want a larger quantity of fat and skin excised from their bodies, this cost will be significantly greater than those who seek cosmetic surgery in only one area. As a rule, however, large-scale body contouring and liposuction can cost in the tens of thousands.

Non-Surgical Costs

Apart from the surgeon’s fees for cosmetic surgery for the body, there are a number of additional fees. Hospital facility fees, anesthesia fees, checkup fees, and pre-op and post-op consultations and tests all add to the cost of your surgery. Be sure to check with your surgeon about the precise non-surgical costs that may be involved—otherwise, you’ll be in for a sticker shock after your operation.

What Financial Options are Available?

Since most cosmetic surgery for the body is elective, insurance plans will not help cover the costs. The hefty price tag falls on the patient, but you can find assistance in the form of your surgeon. Many surgeons’ offices and specialized cosmetic surgery centers offer financing plans for the cash-strapped; ask about paying in monthly installments or receiving loans through affiliated providers. Even if you don’t have the money immediately on hand, there are still plenty of ways to achieve that body you’ve always wanted.