What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck? Pricing and Procedure Overview

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck (aka mini or partial abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat between the belly button and the pubic area. Not only can this surgery be a powerful way to contour the lower abdominal area and tighten the lower abdominal muscles, it can also replace a C-section scar with a smaller scar that's hidden below the panty line. Plus, a mini tummy tuck can be combined with complementary procedures — such as liposuction and a breast lift — as part of a more comprehensive mommy makeover.

How Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Work?

A mini tummy tuck is performed by a plastic surgeon in an outpatient surgical center or an office-based facility. Here's how the procedure works:

1. You will be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation.
2. The surgeon will make a single incision at the bikini line, about an inch below any existing C-section scar.
3. They will remove excess skin and fat, stretching the skin downward as they smooth and adjust it.
4. If needed, they can tighten or repair the underlying abdominal muscles.
5. They will close the incision with dissolvable stitches, surgical tape or glue.

The procedure takes two to three hours, and you can go home a few hours after it's done. You may be groggy from the anesthesia, so you'll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you and take care of you for at least 24 hours after surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck: Key Differences

A mini tummy tuck is a much more limited procedure than a full tummy tuck. That's because a mini tummy tuck is only performed on the lower abdomen, while a full tummy tuck targets the entire abdominal area.

Here are a few more key differences between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck.

• Incisions and scarring. During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon makes two incisions — one in the lower abdomen, and the second near the belly button — so scarring is more obvious. A mini tummy tuck only requires one incision, typically leaving a smaller scar (usually less than six inches long) that's hidden below the panty line.
• Conditions treated. If you're dealing with diastasis recti — separation of the abdominal muscles — a full tummy tuck is a better way to correct it. While this condition can occur above and below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck would only repair the diastasis below the belly button, leaving a noticeable bulge in the upper abdomen. Also, the surgeon can reshape the belly button during a full tummy tuck, but not during a mini tummy tuck.
• Recovery and cost. Many people can go back to work a week after a mini tummy tuck, while a full tummy tuck requires up to a month of recovery. However, both procedures require limited physical activity for at least four weeks to ensure proper healing and optimal results. A full tummy's average cost is $9,916 with a price range between $4,500 - $18,900² and a mini tummy tuck’s average cost is $8,066 with a price range between $4,000-$16,000.¹

If you're wondering whether a mini tummy tuck is worth it, it's important to be realistic about what this surgery can achieve. A full tummy tuck is a bigger procedure that offers more dramatic results, while a mini tummy tuck is a smaller procedure that offers more limited results.

Take a look at this chart for a summary of the differences between mini tummy tuck vs. full tummy tuck:

Candidates for a mini tummy tuck?

If you have a tummy pooch (possibly after pregnancy or weight loss) that doesn't flatten with diet or exercise, a mini tummy tuck can be an effective solution. Note that while mini tummy tucks are usually performed on women, men can get them as well.

You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you:

• Want to tighten sagging skin on your lower abdomen
• Want a scar revision after a C-section
• Need minimal muscle repair below your belly button
• Aren't planning future pregnancies
• Are within your recommended weight range

You may not be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you:

• Have a roll of skin and fat that forms above your waist when you bend over
• Need significant abdominal muscle repair and tightening
• Have given birth to two or more children

Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery

Here's what you can expect during recovery from a mini tummy tuck.

• Recovery time: Most people can resume work a week after a mini tummy tuck, but if your surgery involved muscle repair, you may need a second week of recovery.
• Pain management: While the anesthesia should keep you from feeling pain during mini tummy tuck surgery, you can expect some discomfort during recovery. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication for the first few days and recommend over-the-counter pain medication afterward as needed.
• Bed rest: Recovery from a mini tummy tuck does not require significant bed rest. You can get up and walk the first day, though you may be slightly hunched over at the waist. Over the first week of recovery, you will gradually be able to stand more upright.
• Exercise: Aggressive activity after a mini tummy tuck can lead to excessive bleeding and swelling, causing problems with healing. That's why it's important to avoid strenuous activities like cardio exercise and heavy lifting until at least a month after surgery.
• Bleeding, bruising and swelling: A small amount of incisional bleeding is normal after a mini tummy tuck, as are bruising and swelling. You can expect swelling to peak five days after surgery, and to recede every day afterward. You'll need to wear a compression garment for six to eight weeks after surgery to reduce swelling and bruising, help loose skin retract and prevent fluid collection.
• Scarring: It's normal for the edges of your scar to look elevated or bunched early on. After about four weeks, you can start applying a silicone gel to reduce the scar's visibility. Scars that are red or dark in color may be treated with a V-Beam laser as soon as four weeks after surgery.

To help reduce complications and speed up recovery time, be sure to follow your surgeon's recommendations.

Tips to prevent infection after a mini tummy tuck

Take these steps to help prevent an infection after a mini tummy tuck.

1. Before surgery: Shower with antibacterial soap. Disinfecting your skin before a mini tummy tuck can decrease the chances of infection once your skin is opened during surgery.
2. After surgery: Keep your incision clean and dry. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how and when to change any bandages in order to keep bacteria at bay. Wash surgical garments regularly, wear clean clothes, and keep pets away from incision locations.

In addition, be sure to watch for any of the following signs of infection:

• Sudden exhaustion
• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more
• Fluid drainage that's cloudy, green or foul smelling
• Pain that doesn't subside or that suddenly increases
• Swelling that doesn't decrease over time
• Redness that doesn't diminish over time or exhibits radiating streaks
• Incision area that feels warm to the touch

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms after a mini tummy tuck. Many post-surgery infections can be easily treated.

Mini Tummy Tuck Results

You may see some results immediately after surgery, with full results visible about six weeks later. That's how much time it takes for all the swelling to go down and your skin to relax. And mini tummy tuck results are considered permanent, barring pregnancy or major weight gain. You can maintain these results with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Mini Tummy Tuck Risks

Though mini tummy tuck surgery is typically considered safe, risks may include:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Irregular scarring
• Fluid accumulation under the skin
• Infection

Mini Tummy Tuck Benefits

A mini tummy tuck can:

• Provide a more contoured waistline
• Replace a C-section scar with a lower scar that becomes a thin line
• Eliminate some stretch marks located below the belly button
• Boost self-confidence
• Be combined with other procedures (e.g., liposuction, Brazilian butt lift, etc.) to enhance results

How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?

A mini tummy tuck’s average cost is $8,066 with a price range between $4,000-$16,000.¹ Your cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of your particular surgery. For instance, add-ons like abdominal muscle repair and liposuction can increase the total cost of your procedure.

The cost of a mini tummy tuck also depends on where you live; a plastic surgeon in an area with a higher cost of living will typically charge more.

Average cost of a mini tummy tuck by location

Additional mini tummy tuck costs

The overall cost of a mini tummy tuck includes various components:

• Surgeon's fee
• Surgical facility fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Lab work and medical tests
• Pain medication
• Compression garment
• Follow-up appointments

When you get a quote from a prospective plastic surgeon, ask if all of these costs are included so you can budget accordingly. A mini tummy tuck is an elective cosmetic procedure, so it won't be covered by insurance. However, some surgeons accept financing options like the CareCredit credit card. Before scheduling your procedure, check with your doctor's office to find out what payment methods they accept.

Financing a Mini Tummy Tuck With The CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for mini tummy tucks and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Our Expert Reviewer

Dr. Michael Niccole is the Medical Director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in Corona Del Mar, California, which he founded in 1982. He has been practicing medicine for 48 years and received his undergraduate education from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He received his medical education from the University of California Irvine, where he also performed his residency in General Surgery and Otolaryngology. Dr. Niccole performed his residency in Plastic Surgery at University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, and specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, nose, and body.

He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery. He was voted OC Weekly's "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" for multiple years and the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Man of the Year" in 2008 for donating his plastic surgery skills to help those in need.

Author Bio

Robyn Tellefsen is a freelance writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, finance, and more. Her work has appeared on sites such as LoopNet, Beachside Rehab, First Horizon Bank, SoFi, A Place for Mom, American Express, Chase and more.