A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and often brings together abdominal muscles separated by pregnancy. It is intended for abdomens that liposuction cannot correct: sagging skin, stretch marks below the navel, separated muscles. There are several forms: the mini tummy tuck, limited to below the navel; the full tummy tuck, with repositioning of the navel; and the extended tummy tuck, which extends to the flanks. Its price depends on the type, the combined procedures and the hospital stay. It may be covered when the abdominal apron causes documented problems. For the procedure, see our page on the tummy tuck.
The price of a tummy tuck varies with its extent: the mini tummy tuck is the least expensive, the full tummy tuck with muscle repair is in the middle, and the extended tummy tuck or one combined with liposuction is the most expensive. The quote includes general anaesthesia, one to two nights, drains, the compression garment and follow-up. Coverage is possible for a troublesome apron, assessed on file.
The mini tummy tuck removes a small excess of skin below the navel, with a shorter scar, without touching the navel. The full tummy tuck lifts the skin up to the ribs, brings the muscles together, removes the excess skin and repositions the navel. The extended tummy tuck lengthens the scar onto the flanks to treat lateral excess, which is common after weight loss.
| Type | Procedures | Relative budget |
|---|---|---|
| Mini tummy tuck | Skin below the navel | Moderate |
| Full | Skin, muscles, navel | High |
| Scope | Adding the flanks | Higher |
| With liposuction | Adding the flanks and back | Higher |
| Circumferential | Full circumference | Highest |
The quote covers the fees, general anaesthesia, the operating theatre, one to two nights in the clinic, drains, the compression garment, medication, often including thrombosis prevention, and check-ups. Combined liposuction of the flanks or back is extra.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Fees | Depending on the type |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Clinic | Operating theatre, one to two nights |
| Drains | A few days |
| Compression garment | Several weeks |
| Thrombosis prevention | Often prescribed |
A cosmetic tummy tuck is not reimbursed. When an apron of skin, often after major weight loss, causes documented irritation, infections or functional impairment, coverage can be requested before the operation. Significant muscle separation associated with a hernia or discomfort may also be the subject of an application. Any cosmetic procedures performed at the same time remain at the patient's expense.
| Situation | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|
| Apron with documented problems | Possible, assessed on file |
| Associated hernia | Partial coverage possible |
| Cosmetic request | No |
| Associated liposuction | No |
Here is how a full tummy tuck with plication, paid for by the patient, compares from one region to another, taking the Geneva level as the starting point.
| City | Canton | Easy second opinion | Price position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Geneva | Yes | Geneva level |
| Lausanne | Vaud | Yes | 2 to 7% lower |
| Fribourg | Fribourg | To be arranged | 5 to 10% lower |
| Sion | Valais | To be arranged | 3 to 7% lower |
| Delémont | Jura | To be arranged | 6 to 10% lower |
| Bern | Bern | Yes | 5 to 9% lower |
| Basel | Basel-City | Yes | 3 to 5% lower |
| Zurich | Zurich | Yes | 1 to 3% lower |
| Winterthur | Zurich | To be arranged | 0 to 4% lower |
| Zug | Zug | Yes | 0 to 2% lower |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen | To be arranged | 3 to 9% lower |
| Lugano | Ticino | Yes | 4 to 7% lower |
| Canton | Consultations available in | All-inclusive package offered | Price position | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Zurich, Aarau | Frequently | 2 to 8% lower | Varies with the season |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | Herisau, St. Gallen | Sometimes | 4 to 8% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | Appenzell, St. Gallen | Frequently | 3 to 8% lower | One to two weeks |
| Basel-Country | Liestal, Basel | Frequently | 1 to 5% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Basel-City | Basel | Frequently | 1 to 4% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Bern | Bern, Thun | Frequently | 1 to 6% lower | A few weeks |
| Fribourg | Fribourg, Bulle | Frequently | 2 to 8% lower | A few weeks |
| Geneva | Geneva | Frequently | Geneva level | Three to five weeks |
| Glarus | Glarus, Zurich | Frequently | 1 to 8% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Graubünden | Chur, Davos | Frequently | 3 to 10% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Jura | Delémont, Porrentruy | Sometimes | 4 to 9% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Lucerne | Lucerne, Zurich | Frequently | 1 to 5% lower | Varies with the season |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, Lausanne | Frequently | 2 to 7% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Nidwalden | Stans, Lucerne | Frequently | 2 to 9% lower | One to two months |
| Obwalden | Sarnen, Lucerne | Sometimes | 5 to 8% lower | One to two months |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Wil | Frequently | 2 to 8% lower | Varies with the season |
| Schaffhausen | Schaffhausen, Winterthur | Frequently | 3 to 6% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Schwyz | Schwyz, Zurich | Sometimes | 4 to 8% lower | Varies with the season |
| Solothurn | Olten, Bern | Sometimes | 5 to 8% lower | One to two months |
| Ticino | Lugano, Bellinzona | Sometimes | 5 to 8% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Thurgau | Zurich, Winterthur | Frequently | 1 to 8% lower | Varies with the season |
| Uri | Altdorf, Zug | Sometimes | 5 to 11% lower | One to two weeks |
| Valais | Sion, Monthey | Sometimes | 4 to 9% lower | One to two months |
| Vaud | Lausanne, Nyon | Sometimes | 4 to 9% lower | A few weeks |
| Zug | Zug, Lucerne | Frequently | 0 to 3% lower | One to two weeks |
| Zurich | Winterthur, Zurich | Frequently | 2 to 4% lower | Three to five weeks |
For the first few days, you need to walk slightly bent forward. The drains are removed after a few days. The compression garment is worn for several weeks. Office work often resumes after two to three weeks, physical exertion after six weeks. The scar fades over one to two years.
Check the type of tummy tuck, the muscle repair, the repositioning of the navel, any associated liposuction, the number of nights and thrombosis prevention. Ask for photos of scars at one year.
A woman with a small excess of skin below the navel: mini tummy tuck. A woman after three pregnancies with separated muscles: full tummy tuck. A person after major weight loss, with an irritated apron of skin: application for insurance coverage.
Compression garment, scar care, help at home for the first few days, two to four weeks off work.
After one or more pregnancies, the two rectus abdominis muscles often separate, leaving a bulging belly that neither exercise nor weight loss can correct. During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon brings these muscles back together with strong sutures along their entire length. This step, called plication, flattens the abdomen and sometimes improves back support. It lengthens the operation and therefore increases the price, but it is often the main source of satisfaction. When an umbilical hernia is also present, it is repaired at the same time, and this part may be eligible for insurance coverage.
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Lifting the skin | Access the muscles |
| Muscle plication | Flatten the abdomen |
| Skin removal | Remove excess skin and lower stretch marks |
| Repositioning of the navel | Natural appearance |
| Liposuction if needed | Slim the flanks |
A mini tummy tuck is tempting because it costs less and leaves a shorter scar. But it only treats the skin below the navel and does not repair the muscles above. If chosen wrongly, it gives a disappointing result, and a second operation then costs more than if the right technique had been chosen from the outset. The surgeon's examination, standing and lying down, makes it possible to decide.
The scar, placed low, is positioned to be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit. It stays pink for several months, then fades. Silicone sheets, massage and sun protection improve its appearance; a widened or thick scar can be treated. See the price of tummy tuck scar treatment.
A mini tummy tuck often takes an hour and a half; a full tummy tuck with plication, two to three hours; with liposuction of the flanks, longer. This duration, general anaesthesia and one to two nights in the clinic make up most of the price. Thrombosis prevention, with compression stockings, early mobilisation and often injections, is routine.
| Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Mini tummy tuck | About an hour and a half |
| Full with plication | Two to three hours |
| With liposuction | Three hours or more |
Before comparing prices, it is useful to have a good understanding of the procedure: our page Tummy tuck in Switzerland describes it.
What you need to know before signing a quote.
Is help needed at home? Often for the first few days, for physical tasks.
Is drain removal painful? Removal is quick and causes little pain.
Does the abdomen swell afterwards? Yes, for a few weeks, under the compression garment.
How long does a full tummy tuck take? Often two to three hours.
Are compression stockings necessary? Yes, to prevent thrombosis.
Can you drive soon afterwards? Often after two to three weeks.
What is plication? Bringing separated abdominal muscles back together.
Does plication help the back? Sometimes, by strengthening the abdominal wall.
Can an umbilical hernia be repaired at the same time? Yes, and this part may be covered by insurance.
Can a mini tummy tuck be disappointing? Yes, if the muscles above the navel are separated.
Where is the scar placed? Low down, so it can be hidden by underwear.
Are silicone sheets useful? Yes, to improve the scar.
Will the abdomen be flat? Often noticeably flatter, depending on the deep fat.
How much does a tummy tuck cost in Switzerland? It depends on the type and the associated procedures; our tables compare the regions.
Does a mini tummy tuck cost less? Yes, it is shorter and limited to below the navel.
Is muscle repair included? Often in a full tummy tuck; check this.
Is liposuction of the flanks included? Not always; it can be added.
Is a tummy tuck reimbursed? It can be in the case of an abdominal apron with documented problems.
Which problems count? Irritation, repeated infections under the fold, functional discomfort.
Is prior approval required? Yes, generally.
Is muscle separation reimbursed? Depending on the case, particularly with a hernia or discomfort; assessed case by case.
How many nights in the clinic? Often one to two.
Are drains inserted? Often, for a few days.
Is the compression garment provided? Often; it is worn for several weeks.
How much time off work? Often two to four weeks.
Can you carry a child afterwards? No heavy lifting for several weeks.
Is the scar long? Yes, from one hip to the other, low and hidden.
Is the navel redone? It is repositioned in a full tummy tuck.
Should you wait until you have finished having children? This is strongly recommended.
Must you stop smoking? Yes, absolutely.
Must your weight be stable? Yes, for several months.
Do stretch marks disappear? Those on the skin that is removed do.
Do prices differ between Lucerne and Geneva? Slightly; see our tables.
Do men have tummy tucks? Yes, particularly after weight loss.
Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a surgeon who will assess your abdomen and give you a detailed quote.
Feel free to contact us for relevant information about your medical project and payment options.
Benefit from a personalised assessment and significant discounts from the second procedure onwards. Save up to 60% on the total cost of your operations.