How Much Does Liposuction Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Liposuction is one of the most common procedures done in the United States, and even though the fat can come back, many opt for this procedure for a quick fix.

The cost of liposuction varies according to a few different factors: the size of the patient, the part of the body being worked on, post- and pre-op needs, recovery time, geographical location and the doctor performing the surgery.

How much does liposuction cost?

On average, the cost for liposuction will widely vary depending on the factors mentioned above.  On average, plan on budgeting anywhere from $2,500 to as much as $9,000 to have a complete procedure done.  This when we factor int he anesthesiologist charge, doctor’s charge and all typical fees usually charged to the bill.

Because liposuction is deemed as a cosmetic procedure, most insurance companies won’t offer any coverage.

Cosmeticsurgery.com reports that “according to cost data supplied by the ASAPS, the national average surgeon fee for liposuction is $5,232. Surgeon fees within various regions of the United States vary widely depending on whether the practice is in an urban, suburban, or rural area.”  For example, a plastic surgeon in the Los Angeles area is going to cost much more than a plastic surgeon in Cincinnati.

Liposuction.com offers a table of the average liposuction cost is based on the different parts of the body, and these averages are based on total fees, including the surgeon fee and all other costs associated with liposuction.

For example, Dr. Melton located in Chicago, Illinois, states that the first treatment for women can start in the $2,000 range, while men can start in the $3,000 range.

Types of LiposuctionPrice
Abdomen$3,000 to $6,000
Arms$2,000 to $4,500
Back$2,000 to $4,000
Breasts$3,500 to $6,000
Buttocks$2,500 to $4,500
Cheeks$2,500 to $4,000
Chin$2,500 to $4,000
Flanks$2,500 to $3,500
Neck$2,500 to $4,000
Thighs$3,500 to $5,500
Waist$3,000 to $6,000

NOTE: The fees above won’t include the additional fees such as the facility and anesthesia fees.

Factors that affect the price:

The number of procedures being done

The more areas that need to be worked on, the more it’s going to cost. Many patients opt to have more than one area did all in one setting.

Gender

Male patients are going to pay more than a female patient due to the fact that fat is a lot harder to remove.

The size

The larger the patient is, the more work a surgeon may have to do.  Because of this, the surgical procedure could take longer.

Part of the body

Each part of the body is going to affect the price tag.  Certain parts of the body that contain more are going to be easier for a surgeon to remove.  Parts, such as the chin and ankles, can be more of a challenge, resulting in a higher fee.

Surgeon

Credible surgeons that are in demand are going to play a rather big part in the surgeon’s fee.  The experience and qualifications of the said surgeon can also inflate the prices.

Geographical location

As always, the geographical location can play a larger role in the price.  The higher cost of living states, such as New York City, will cost greatly more than the Midwest.  It’s also important to note that foreign countries, such as India, can offer the surgery at a fraction of the cost.

Liposuction overview

An initial consultation with the plastic surgeon should begin the liposuction process.

All pre-op fees should be included in your total price, including anesthesia if it is needed.  (This depends on the health of the patient and the part of the body being worked on.)

The actual surgery will be the main charge.

Any post-op care, such as recovery time, should be included.

Most patients are able to go home shortly after the liposuction process is complete unless there are unforeseen complications.

What are the extra costs?

Many cosmetic surgery centers advertise lower prices but then add on the extra fees as you go through the process.  Don’t fall for advertising ploys and read between the lines.

If there are any post-op appointments necessary, there will usually be an extra charge for this.

Additional fees, such as anesthesia and surgeon fees, may be separate from the initial quote.  This will all depend on the facility’s billing practices.  Anesthesia can cost $100 per hour for a general anesthesia to as much as $450 per hour for anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist.

Post-op visits, if not included in the initial payment, can be up to $100 per session.

Post-op medication will be a separate fee to consider.

Compression garments will be required to help the healing process.  These garments can cost $50 to $100.

If the surgery was done in a hospital setting or outside of the doctor’s office, initial hospital fees may apply.

Laser treatments, if considered, can cost more than the traditional liposuction procedure.

Tips to know:

Always make sure that your doctor is board certified.  Be sure to ask for references as well as referrals.  Remember that this doctor is working for you.

Ask to check out before and after pictures.  This will give you a good indicator on what kind of work that he/she has done in the past.

Always ask for a step-by-step price guide so that you know exactly what’s going to be charged.

It’s important to get your estimate in writing to weed out any dishonest surgeons.

It will be next to impossible to get an estimate over the phone, so plan on visiting the surgeon in person to get an accurate number.

Pros and cons of liposuction

Some bruises and scars can be left on parts where the liposuction was done.  Depending on the patient’s elasticity, however, the areas will fade.

Accidents can occur, such as injuring another body organ; it can also cause a blood clot.

Excessive bleeding is possible after the procedure.

This procedure is a safe way to remove fat from the body.

If done properly, the cellulite appearance will be improved.

Your health will improve due to a loss of body fat.

It can boost your self-esteem.

How can I save money?

Sometimes the lowest price is not the best value; there have been reports of patients paying more to get their surgery redone and fixed than they did for the initial liposuction.  Make sure your surgeon of choice is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Since health insurance won’t cover liposuction, many patients will seek financial help from the local doctor’s offices.  Many offices will have financial plans that enable you to pay on a month to month basis.  Also, if you pay full up front, many offices can offer significant discounts.  Special loans may be available as well.


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