Plastic Tummy Surgery - Popularity, Costs, and Considerations

Abdominoplasty is the medical name for what is better known as the 'tummy tuck' - plastic surgery operations specifically to give a flatter, taughter abdomen. In the USA, the numbers of people having the surgery increased 137% from 2000 to 2007. In the UK, there was a 31% increase in numbers from 2007 to 2008, with 3,526 patients choosing it in the latter year.

The biggest consumers for this procedure are women, making over 90% of the cases. The UK's Harley Medical Group performed 2,000 post-natal tummy tucks in 2008, highlighting one group for whom the operation has a special appeal. Pregnancy and childbirth can damage abdominal muscles and also create residual loose skin, which dramatically alter the shape of the tummy. Modern mums are often keen to 'keep up' with media-driven images of celebrity moms, who often sport bafflingly flat tummies soon after childbirth.

This patient group, and indeed others, may have found that despite diet an exercise, lingering tummy fat (and/or loose skin) refused to budge. Cosmetic surgeons are aware of the emotional impact of 'body flaws' on their patients. What may seem a perfectly acceptable appearance to one person can transform in another into a focal point for acute embarrassment or loss of confidence. Cosmetic surgery brochures and websites precisely promote the procedures ability to restore this lost confidence.   Critics argue that self confidence should come 'from within' and that signs of 'everyday living' on the body should not be seen as flaws. One certainty is rising 'sales figures' in tummy tucks mean it is probably not about to go out of fashion any time soon.

Home country versus abroad

Costs in the USA and UK have certainly become more in the average person's reach since the early days of plastic surgery, when it was the province of only major stars and the seriously wealthy. However, it remains a major expense to come from disposable income. Typically, the surgery could cost from £4,500 upwards in the UK, or from $5,000- $10,000 or more in the USA. As it is typically non-essential surgery, it is not covered on most healthcare insurance policies.

Medical tourism has become a burgeoning industry to offer cheaper medical and cosmetic surgeries to patients in developed cultures typified by the UK and USA. Promotional material may include the idea of combining a holiday, or 'medical retreat' with a surgical procedure.

Whilst for some patients, this can present a more cost-effective way to get the surgery done; professional bodies of cosmetic surgeons have been quick to point out potential risks and pitfalls. It may feel more difficult to refuse surgery if the patient hasn't seen the clinic until they fly there for the operation. Flying home itself could pose medical risks. Additionally, the UK's Dept of Health points out the professional standards vary internationally and cautions against choosing surgeons based solely on cost.