The average cost for a mini tummy tuck is $6,000 to $7,500. Before we discuss mini tummy tuck cost, we should understand the definition of a mini tummy tuck and how it differs from a full tummy tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After
Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles. The loose excess skin is removed both above and below the belly button. The end result should be a flatter and tighter stomach.
A “mini” tummy tuck is also called a partial abdominoplasty. The mini tummy tuck procedure tightens or removes the excess skin below the belly button. The incision is much smaller and usually the mini tummy tuck does not involve repositioning the belly button. It is less invasive than a full (standard) tummy tuck and is well-suited for women with C-section scars and loose skin. If you are within 10% of your ideal body weight, you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
Usually mini tummy tucks are outpatient procedures performed under general anesthesia, although some patients may require a short stay in the hospital. Don’t expect that the name mini tummy tuck will result in mini tummy tuck cost! It can take two to three hours and the price will range between $4,000 and $15,000, so it is not significantly lower in price than a full abdominoplasty. The mini tummy tuck can require more skill than a full tummy tuck so both surgeries will be similarly priced. You should let your doctor decide which procedure is best for you.
There are a lot of other variables that affect the cost. Your health and the extent of tissue that needs to be removed will impact your mini tummy tuck cost. If you only need a small amount of fat suctioned and removal of a small amount of skin, your mini tummy tuck will be relatively inexpensive. However, expect to pay more if you need a large amount of liposuction, muscle repair, or significant work around your belly button. Often, liposuction is done along with the mini tummy tuck to refine the look of the abdomen. This will result in additional cost.
Here are the components of the mini tummy tuck cost:
- Surgeon – The surgeon’s fee for a mini tummy tuck depends on his/her geographic region and his/her skill and qualifications.
- Anesthesia – The extent of the surgery will determine whether you need IV sedation anesthesia (“twilight”) or general anesthesia.
- Hospital – If your mini tummy tuck requires a hospital stay for one or two nights, you can expect to spend $2,000 to $5,000 more.
- Other expenses – There may be extra lab fees and medical tests.
- Post-surgery expenses – You can also expect some additional expenses during your follow-up care, such as the cost of compression garments and prescription medications.
To give you some examples, a highly qualified New York City plastic surgeon may charge about $10,000 for a mini tummy tuck, including the cost of anesthesia and the operating room. In Chicago, the cost for a mini tummy tuck can range from $2,000 to $6,000 depending again on the size of the area to be addressed. In Atlanta, the prices for a mini tummy tuck range from $5,500 to $7,000, including the surgical, anesthesia and facility fees. In Los Angeles, the fees for the surgeon alone range from $3,500 to $6,000. And in Baltimore, the total fee including surgeon, IV sedation, facility and compression garment range between $5,000 and $7,000. The average nationwide mini tummy tuck cost is $7,500.
Many clinics will only quote their mini tummy tuck cost if you go in person for an examination. Others may give you an estimate if you submit photos, such as via the plastic surgeon’s website. There is no way to know the complete details of the mini tummy tuck cost until you have had a complete consultation and examination with the board certified plastic surgeon you have selected.
Do some comparison shopping. The most expensive price for mini tummy tuck surgery is not necessarily an indication that the surgeon is better than others. Similarly, be suspicious if the price you are quoted is extremely low. Try to find out why. If the lowest mini tummy tuck cost is your only consideration, those cheap prices may end up in terrible results and cost you more to fix in the long run. Ask for credentials, mini tummy tuck before and after photos, and anything else you may need to make an intelligent decision.
