According to patient reviews on RealSelf.com, as of July 2023, the average cost of a mini tummy tuck in Kentucky was $8,987. According to the RealSelf website, the average reported cost for a mini tummy tuck in the United States was $10,031 (based on 622 patient reviews), but the range is wide. Depending in part on the extent of the procedure and the location of the plastic surgery practice, reported prices run from about $4,903 to $16,600. The final cost depends on many variables (which we break down below), so your personalized quote may differ.
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What the Price Includes
When comparing cost estimates, it’s essential to know what’s included in the quoted price. The various costs associated with a tummy tuck procedure include:
- Surgeon’s professional fee
- Anesthesia fees
- Facility or operating room fees
- Lab work, medical tests, or imaging
- Follow-up appointments
- Postoperative supplies, such as compression garments
If any of those items are excluded, your “sticker price” may look lower, but the actual out-of-pocket cost could end up higher.
Why Prices Vary
As we said earlier, the cost of a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck can vary significantly. There are several reasons for this:
- Surgeon experience, qualifications, and reputation. Highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons tend to charge more, which often reflects higher quality and lower risk of needing revision.
- Complexity or extent of the procedure. If you require muscle tightening (partial diastasis repair), liposuction, or more skin removal, that adds time in the OR, which increases the cost.
- Type of facility and location of practice. Hospital ORs are typically more expensive than accredited outpatient surgery centers. Also, practices in regions with higher living costs tend to charge more.
- Anesthesia type and provider. General anesthesia or the use of a board-certified anesthesiologist costs more than sedation or local anesthesia with a nurse anesthetist.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck Cost
Even though a mini tummy tuck is a more limited procedure, it’s not always dramatically cheaper than a full tummy tuck. RealSelf notes that the average cost of a mini tuck is only a few hundred dollars less than a full abdominoplasty. A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area (above and below the belly button) and often includes more extensive muscle repair, skin removal, and reshaping of the navel, which adds operative time, complexity, and cost.
Because the full version is more extensive, the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and recovery demands are higher, so the price differential tends to reflect those extra burdens. In many cases, the marginal added cost of doing a full rather than a mini makes sense if you need a more comprehensive result.
What a Mini Tummy Tuck Involves
A mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) focuses on the area below the belly button down to the pubic region. It involves a shorter incision, and recovery time is often faster than following a full tummy tuck. Because the target area is below the belly button, there is no need for a navel incision as with a full tummy tuck.
Why Not Everyone Is a Good Candidate
A mini tummy tuck is not appropriate for all patients. A mini tuck won’t be sufficient if you have loose or sagging skin both above and below the belly button, or a large “roll” or “muffin top.” Additionally, if the separation of abdominal muscles is significant, a condition called diastasis recti, a full tummy tuck allows better access for comprehensive repair. Most patients are willing to accept the longer scar of a full tummy tuck for the more dramatic transformation. You can read more about tummy tuck scars in our earlier blog post.
Even though cost is a consideration for most tummy tuck patients, it should not be the primary factor when choosing a plastic surgeon. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is a worthwhile investment in your future confidence and happiness. To discuss your aesthetic goals and get your personalized surgical quote, please request a consultation or call Commonwealth Plastic Surgery at (859) 277-9435.
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