How Much Does Skin Removal Surgery Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Skin Removal Surgery Include?
Skin removal surgery (body contouring after weight loss) removes excess, sagging skin that remains after significant weight loss — typically 100+ pounds from bariatric surgery or lifestyle changes. Common areas include the abdomen, arms, thighs, and chest.
The national average cost for skin removal surgery is $12,000 per area. Most homeowners pay between $5,000 and $25,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Body Area
Arm lift (brachioplasty): $5,000-$8,000. Thigh lift: $5,000-$10,000. Lower body lift: $10,000-$20,000. Full body: $20,000-$50,000+
Combined Procedures
Tummy tuck + arm lift: $12,000-$20,000 (vs $15,000-$23,000 separate)
Insurance
Panniculectomy (medical necessity): often covered. Cosmetic body contouring: typically not covered
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Number of body areas
- ✓Amount of excess skin
- ✓Surgeon experience
- ✓Combined procedures
- ✓Insurance coverage for functional issues
- ✓Geographic location
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Document skin infections, rashes, and functional limitations — insurance may cover surgery deemed medically necessary
- 2.Combining multiple areas in one procedure saves on anesthesia and facility fees
- 3.Wait until your weight has been stable for 12-18 months to ensure the best results
- 4.Some bariatric surgery centers have plastic surgery partnerships with bundled pricing
📈 Skin Removal Surgery Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $10,193 | — |
| 2021 | $10,621 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $11,311 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $11,628 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $12,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Skin Removal Surgery Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,100 | $9,840 | $20,500 |
| Alaska | $6,400 | $15,360 | $32,000 |
| Arizona | $4,750 | $11,400 | $23,750 |
| Arkansas | $4,000 | $9,600 | $20,000 |
| California | $6,750 | $16,200 | $33,750 |
| Colorado | $5,400 | $12,960 | $27,000 |
| Connecticut | $6,100 | $14,640 | $30,500 |
| Delaware | $5,250 | $12,600 | $26,250 |
| Florida | $4,900 | $11,760 | $24,500 |
| Georgia | $4,500 | $10,800 | $22,500 |
| Hawaii | $7,100 | $17,040 | $35,500 |
| Idaho | $4,600 | $11,040 | $23,000 |
| Illinois | $5,250 | $12,600 | $26,250 |
| Indiana | $4,400 | $10,560 | $22,000 |
| Iowa | $4,300 | $10,320 | $21,500 |
| Kansas | $4,250 | $10,200 | $21,250 |
| Kentucky | $4,200 | $10,080 | $21,000 |
| Louisiana | $4,350 | $10,440 | $21,750 |
| Maine | $5,100 | $12,240 | $25,500 |
| Maryland | $5,750 | $13,800 | $28,750 |
| Massachusetts | $6,500 | $15,600 | $32,500 |
| Michigan | $4,600 | $11,040 | $23,000 |
| Minnesota | $5,100 | $12,240 | $25,500 |
| Mississippi | $3,900 | $9,360 | $19,500 |
| Missouri | $4,350 | $10,440 | $21,750 |
| Montana | $4,750 | $11,400 | $23,750 |
| Nebraska | $4,400 | $10,560 | $22,000 |
| Nevada | $5,100 | $12,240 | $25,500 |
| New Hampshire | $5,600 | $13,440 | $28,000 |
| New Jersey | $6,250 | $15,000 | $31,250 |
| New Mexico | $4,500 | $10,800 | $22,500 |
| New York | $6,600 | $15,840 | $33,000 |
| North Carolina | $4,500 | $10,800 | $22,500 |
| North Dakota | $4,500 | $10,800 | $22,500 |
| Ohio | $4,500 | $10,800 | $22,500 |
| Oklahoma | $4,150 | $9,960 | $20,750 |
| Oregon | $5,500 | $13,200 | $27,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,100 | $12,240 | $25,500 |
| Rhode Island | $5,750 | $13,800 | $28,750 |
| South Carolina | $4,350 | $10,440 | $21,750 |
| South Dakota | $4,250 | $10,200 | $21,250 |
| Tennessee | $4,300 | $10,320 | $21,500 |
| Texas | $4,650 | $11,160 | $23,250 |
| Utah | $4,750 | $11,400 | $23,750 |
| Vermont | $5,400 | $12,960 | $27,000 |
| Virginia | $5,250 | $12,600 | $26,250 |
| Washington | $5,750 | $13,800 | $28,750 |
| West Virginia | $4,000 | $9,600 | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | $4,700 | $11,280 | $23,500 |
| Wyoming | $4,600 | $11,040 | $23,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover skin removal after weight loss?
A panniculectomy (removing the hanging abdominal skin apron) may be covered if documented as medically necessary (recurring infections, impaired mobility). Purely cosmetic skin removal is not covered. Documentation from your doctor is essential.
How much weight should I lose before skin removal?
Most surgeons require you to be at or near your goal weight with stable weight for 12-18 months. After bariatric surgery, this is typically 18-24 months post-op. BMI under 30-32 is generally preferred for best results and lowest surgical risk.
🏙️ Skin Removal Surgery Cost by City
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