How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?

A mini tummy tuck costs $6,450 on average according to over 590 recent patient reviews. That’s just a few hundred dollars less than the average cost of a full tummy tuck.

The cost of a mini abdominoplasty can range from just $3,850 to $16,000 for a more extensive procedure, which may include add-ons like abdominal muscle repair and liposuction. 

Mini tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin, fat, and stretch marks in the lower abdominal area—the region between the belly button and the pubic area. It’s a more limited procedure than a full tummy tuck, with a shorter recovery time, but not everyone is a good candidate. 

“A mini tummy tuck is not necessarily a lot less expensive than a full tummy tuck, so the first step is to see a plastic surgeon and determine the best plan,” says Dr. Richard Baxter, a plastic surgeon in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. 

Here, we’ll break down what’s included in the price, why costs can vary so much, and whether or not patients think the results of this abdominoplasty procedure are worth the money.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

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What does the cost include?

During your initial consultation, your prospective surgeon should make a specific recommendation about what your procedure will involve. That’s the best time to request a personalized, all-in cost quote, including: 

• The surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia fees
• Facility fees for the hospital or surgery center
• Lab work and medical tests
• Any follow-up appointments

Also ask if you’ll need to buy prescription medications or recovery supplies, like a compression garment. If those costs aren’t included in your doctor’s estimate, you’ll need to factor them into your total budget.

For other important questions to ask at your initial consultation, see our guide to choosing the right surgeon for you.

Why do mini tummy tuck costs vary?

Factors that have the biggest impact on your mini tummy tuck price include:

1) Your surgeon’s level of training and experience

Any type of tummy tuck is best performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. This credential means that they have six to eight years of surgical residency after medical school, plus extensive training on all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Surgeons with decades of experience and expertise in tummy tuck surgery—along with a solid track record of happy patient reviews and an impressive photo gallery—will charge more for their services. They’ll also be more likely to have a better final result and avoid potential complications. 

Many patients find it’s worth seeking out a plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks and has honed their technique to deliver finesse finishing touches, like believable belly buttons and natural-looking highlights and lowlights across the abdomen.

Revision surgery can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s definitely more cost-effective to find a plastic surgeon who will do the job right the first time.

2. The complexity of your procedure

A mini tummy tuck procedure is tailored to each patient’s goals and concerns. 

Some just want the removal of excess skin, a lower belly pooch, a C-section scar, or stretch marks, while others want a belly button float, a partial diastasis recti repair, liposuction, or even a separate but complementary procedure, like a breast lift—a combination that’s on par with a mommy makeover, price-wise.

The more involved and time-consuming an operation is, the higher your final bill.

3. Where your surgery is performed

Your surgeon’s own surgical facility should cost less than a hospital operating room. 

If your surgery won’t be performed in a hospital, make sure the private surgical suite is accredited by the Joint Commission, the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), or Medicare. Also ask if your doctor has privileges to perform abdominoplasty at a nearby hospital, just in case you need to be admitted quickly during an emergency. 

Location is a big factor in the cost of a mini tummy tuck or any other cosmetic surgery. Medical practices in areas with higher costs of living typically have to charge more.

Some people travel abroad for mini tummy tuck procedures, which can make them more affordable (even factoring in travel expenses and a stay at a recovery house). Be sure to thoroughly research your provider, their facility, and any travel warnings from the U.S. State Department before going this route. Medical tourism can be risky, and your safety should be a top priority.

Related: 6 Key Things to Do If You’re Traveling Outside the U.S. for Plastic Surgery

4. The type of anesthesia you have, and who administers it

A mini tuck can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation, which can be administered by your surgeon’s staff, saving you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars.

Many providers (and patients) prefer general anesthesia, which is much more expensive: The price includes the anesthesia provider fee and the facility’s anesthesia fee, which covers the cost of supplies, medications, and any additional staff.

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will charge a lower fee for their services than a board-certified anesthesiologist (an MD), but the latter has more training and experience, which could increase your safety—especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Is a mini tummy tuck worth the money?

RealSelf reviewers give mini tummy tuck surgery a 86% Worth It Rating, compared to 96% for a full abdominoplasty. So while most patients were satisfied with their investment, it doesn’t have the same level of rave reviews as a traditional tummy tuck.

Those who were happy results reported a boost in self-confidence, and a more contoured waistline, with minimal scarring. Many who rated their procedure “Worth It” combined a mini tummy tuck with other procedures like lipo 360, BodyTite, or a Brazilian butt lift, to enhance their results. 

Among those who weren’t happy, several cite unsatisfactory results, including being left with asymmetry that required expensive revision surgery or unsightly scars. Some patients even report complications, infections, and a particularly difficult tummy tuck recovery process.

An abdominoplasty (mini or otherwise) is not a weight loss method: it’s a body contouring procedure. In order to maintain your results over time and protect your investment, you’ll need to be at a sustainable goal weight prior to surgery and be committed to a healthy post-op lifestyle.

As you’re weighing whether this procedure is right for you, also keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. 

If you have excess fat and loose skin on both the upper and lower abdomen—and/or muscle laxity or separation (diastasis recti) along the full length of the abdominal wall—then you’ll probably get a better result from a traditional tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty), which addresses the entire midsection. While the procedure comes with a slightly longer scar (compared to a mini tuck), many patients find it an acceptable trade-off for a smooth, tight stomach.

Can you finance the cost of a mini tummy tuck?

Yes, most practices offer payment plans or accept financing options for this type of cosmetic surgery.

The CareCredit credit card is widely accepted by providers across the U.S., for both plastic surgery and nonsurgical procedures.

Mini tummy tuck costs in U.S. states

Browse average mini tummy tuck costs in U.S. states, according to patient reviews on RealSelf. As of July 2023, Michigan had the cheapest average cost (as reported by patients), while Texas was the most expensive. States not currently listed did not have enough data to include.

Mini tummy tuck costs in major U.S. metros

Average costs according to patient-reported data. As of July 2023, the cheapest metro area in the U.S. to get a mini tummy tuck is Detroit, while people tend to pay the most in Los Angeles. Cities not listed did not have enough data to include.