A tummy tuck can restore a firmer, flatter midsection after pregnancy or significant weight loss. However, because tummy tucks are highly customized, the costs can vary widely depending on the technique, your surgeon’s expertise, and the specific details of your surgical plan.
Below, we break down the typical tummy tuck cost in the Houston area, including mini, full, and extended techniques. We’ll also explore additional expenses you can expect when planning for your procedure, recovery essentials, and financing options available at The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS).
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How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Texas?
According to RealSelf data, the average tummy tuck price in Texas is approximately $10,700, with Houston prices slightly higher at $14,660. At ACPS, our tummy tuck prices start at $12,000 for surgery performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons and range from $6,500 to $8,000 for surgery performed by our aesthetic plastic surgery fellows. These prices typically include anesthesia and facility fees.
Your final cost will depend on the extent of your surgery and any additional procedures performed at the same time, such as liposuction or a mommy makeover. We will provide you with a personalized quote after your consultation based on your unique goals, anatomy, and treatment plan.
You can review our current pricing ranges on our Plastic Surgery Pricing page, which provides general estimates for all major procedures.
Mini vs. Full vs. Extended Tummy Tuck: How Costs Compare
A major consideration when budgeting for your procedure is the extent of your concerns and the complexity of your surgery. Our plastic surgeons offer 3 types of tummy tucks:
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Focuses only on the lower abdomen, below the bellybutton. Because it’s less invasive and typically performed under lighter anesthesia, it usually costs less than other tummy tuck techniques.
- Full Tummy Tuck: Addresses both upper and lower abdominal skin and includes full muscle tightening (diastasis recti repair) and navel repositioning. The procedure takes longer and involves a more extensive recovery period, increasing the overall cost.
- Extended Tummy Tuck: Targets excess skin around the hips, back, and flanks for a more comprehensive contour improvement. This is the most expensive tummy tuck option due to its larger scope and longer surgical time.
We can help you determine the right procedure for your needs during your consultation.
Factors That Influence Your Tummy Tuck Price
Every abdominoplasty is customized, which means your final tummy tuck cost will depend on several individual factors, including:
- Surgical complexity: As mentioned above, the technique used influences the overall cost.
- Surgeon’s expertise: Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeons with extensive abdominoplasty experience may charge higher fees, but their skill can contribute to safe, natural-looking results.
- Anesthesia and facility fees: These vary based on the duration of the surgery and the type of accredited surgical center used.
- Liposuction add-ons: Combining liposuction with abdominoplasty (for example, on the flanks or hips) can improve results but also increases total cost.
- Postsurgical supplies: Compression garments, scar care products, and other recovery items add modestly to the overall budget.
For many patients, the long-lasting improvement in comfort and body confidence makes this one of the most worthwhile cosmetic procedures available.
Don’t Forget To Budget for Recovery
While the surgery itself is the main investment, the recovery period comes with a few additional costs. We recommend assembling your “tummy tuck recovery must-haves” list before your procedure to ensure a smooth start to your healing.
Here’s what to consider buying:
- Compression garments: Some surgeons provide one garment immediately after surgery to minimize swelling and support the abdomen. Having an extra on hand can be helpful for hygiene and comfort. You can wear one while washing the other or transition to a smaller size as swelling decreases.
- Scar care products: Silicone strips or gels can promote optimal scar healing and help minimize discoloration over time.
- Medications: You’ll likely receive prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics. Prescription pain medication helps manage discomfort, while antibiotics help prevent infection. You may also want over-the-counter options for the later stages of recovery.
- Comfort supplies: Items such as supportive pillows, a recliner, or a wedge cushion can make resting and sleeping more comfortable during the first few weeks.
Financing Your Tummy Tuck
Financial considerations shouldn’t stand in the way of feeling confident in your own body. Our practice offers tummy tuck financing through PatientFi. Their flexible plans allow you to make manageable monthly payments with little to no interest for qualified applicants.
Our team is happy to walk you through available payment structures and help you choose a plan that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for a tummy tuck?
Good tummy tuck candidates are healthy, nonsmoking adults with stable weight who struggle with excess abdominal skin, weakened ab muscles, or localized fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Your ACPS surgeon will assess your overall health, goals, and expectations to confirm candidacy.
Will my insurance cover a tummy tuck?
Most insurance plans classify tummy tucks as elective cosmetic procedures and do not cover them. However, in limited cases, such as severe rashes or infections caused by excess skin, partial coverage for a functional panniculectomy (apron belly) may be possible. Our staff may be able to assist you in determining whether your situation qualifies.
Are tummy tucks worth the money?
Many patients say yes, a tummy tuck is absolutely worth the investment. Beyond aesthetic improvement, tummy tucks can strengthen your core muscles, reduce back discomfort, and improve your posture. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the results are typically long-lasting and life-changing.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about what a tummy tuck can do for you, please request a consultation using the online form or call us at (713) 799-9999 to get started.
This blog post was originally published in July 2015 and was updated in November 2025.
