Cost of Liposuction
How Much Does Liposuction Surgery Cost?
Summary: This article covers the liposuction cost, including plastic surgeon fees and other factors that may affect the price of liposuction.
Liposuction is a procedure where localized fat deposits are removed to improve the shape of one or more areas of the body. Some areas of improvement include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs and knees. Although liposuction is never a substitute for proper dieting and exercise, it can remove areas of fat that are not responding to traditional weight loss methods.
The liposuction cost can vary widely depending on the size of the area treated, the volume of fat removed, technique used, type of anesthesia and plastic surgeon. With that being said, liposuction is one of the most difficult procedures for estimating price. Obtaining an accurate quote over the phone for the cost is nearly impossible. When researching the price, its important to take these factors into consideration.
Fees Involved in Liposuction Surgery
With any surgical procedure, there are three basic fees. First, the surgeon’s fee, pays for the surgeon to treat you. The anesthesia fee pays for the anesthetic, though most liposuction procedures are performed with an anesthetic injected during the procedure itself, leading to a minimal charge for anesthesia. Finally, the facility fee pays for the hospital, outpatient surgical center, or doctor’s office where your liposuction is performed. You may also incur additional expenses for medications, compression garments, or other post-treatment care during your liposuction recovery time.
The following is the average cost you can expect to pay for each part of the body.
- Arms: $1,500-$4,500
- Back: $1,500-$4,000
- Breasts: $3,000-$6,500
- Buttocks: $1,500-$4,500
- Cheeks, Chin, Neck, Jowls: $1,500-$4,500
- Flanks: $1,500-$5,000
- Hips/Waist: $1,500-$5,000
- Anterior Thighs & Knees: $1,500-$5,000
- Inner Thighs & Knees: $1,500-$5,000
- Outer Thighs: $1,500-$5,000
- Upper & Lower Abdomen: $4,000 – $8,000
- Lower Abdomen: $2,000-$3,500
Factors Affecting the Price of Liposuction
The actual amounts for the fees involved in liposuction can vary significantly. Your geographic location will impact the price; the cost tends to vary between rural areas and major cities, and are also higher in certain regions of the country. Even within the same metropolitan areas, some surgical centers may have higher fees than others.
There are also variables related to the procedure itself. In general, a longer or more complicated procedure will cost more than a less extensive liposuction treatment. This is a major reason why it is less expensive to treat a smaller body area or remove a smaller volume of fat. Large volume liposuction, which involves the removal of larger volumes of fat from multiple areas of the body, tends to be the most expensive liposuction procedure. Although liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure, if your procedure requires an overnight stay, you can expect this to add an additional expense.
Finally, the surgeon you choose will greatly affect the cost, as well as the outcome of your procedure. Highly qualified, board-certified liposuction surgeons are able to command higher fees, though most patients who choose these surgeons find the additional expense to be well worth it. Experienced doctors can choose the most appropriate techniques and ensure a positive outcome with a reduced risk of complications. Some of the topics that your surgeon will cover during a liposuction consultation include:
- Medical history
- Areas of concern
- Skin quality (elasticity)
Based on these results and other information discussed during the consultation your plastic surgeon will recommend the best approach to meet your goals.
During liposuction, the surgeon sculpts the remaining fat layer to leave you with natural-looking contours. This requires both experience and training, making it well worth it to choose a highly qualified liposuction surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and has specific training using the liposuction technique that is being suggested for your situation. You must be able to trust the surgeon to sculpt your body in a way that you will be happy with.
Paying for Liposuction (Payment Plans & Financing Options)
As with most cosmetic treatments, liposuction is not covered by health insurance, but don’t let this keep you from considering it. Today, many surgeons offer flexible financing options such as affordable monthly payments. If the cost of liposuction is an issue for you, be sure to bring up the question of financing during your consultation visit. If they do not offer financing themselves, they should be able to direct you to financing options to make your liposuction procedure affordable.