The Cost of
Liposuction Procedures
Liposuction
The price of liposuction will
vary from state to state and from physician to physician.
Although cost is surely a crucial factor in determining
whether or not to have the surgery performed, several steps
should be taken prior to obtaining a price quote from a
surgeon. As a general estimate, last year, liposuction costs
ranged from $1,000 - $10,000. Prices can vary largely
depending on how much fat is to be removed and which areas
of the body the surgery is targeting. Many cosmetic surgeons
have pricing guides that may give a prospective patient a
general idea of liposuction costs.
Firstly, the American
Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) recommends that a
prospective patient thoroughly interview several surgeons
and ask key questions before deciding on a doctor. The
patient should inquire about the physician’s educational
background and work experience. The surgeon should have
graduated from an accredited medical school, have at least
two years of residency in a cosmetic surgery setting and be
a member of the AAPS. Most reputable cosmetic surgeons will
also welcome a patient’s request for references. Carefully
choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon can greatly affect
the outcome of the liposuction surgery.
After careful research, the
patient will need to attend an in-depth consultation or
counseling session with the chosen surgeon. This is when the
surgeon will be able to give pricing information. The cost
of the procedure is mostly determined by the area which will
be treated and how much fat will be removed during the
surgery. Many other factors are included in the cost of the
procedure, however, such as anesthetics, facility fees,
liposuction compression garments, bloodwork, and laboratory
testing. Some surgeons may also recommend additional
treatments such as ultrasounds or massages which should be
taken into consideration in estimating the cost of the
liposuction surgery. Another factor that influences the cost
is how the surgeon ‘counts’ different areas of the body. For
example, many surgeons consider the upper and lower abdomen
to be separate areas.
As with other cosmetic
surgeries, unless it is considered reconstructive surgery
due to illness or injury, insurance companies will not
generally cover the costs. In most cases it is possible to
arrange with the doctor to have a smaller area treated to
save on costs. Many refer to this as the “pay-as-you-go
method,” which allows those with budget concerns to have a
cost-effective option. Financing is another option, but
because costs can become very high in the long run, it is
usually not recommended. Many surgeons inform patients that
using a credit card or cash advance may be less expensive
than financing through the doctor’s office. Though cost is
an important factor, finding a good cosmetic surgeon who is
willing to work with you within your means while performing
at the highest standards should be at the top of a patient’s
priorities; this will influence the satisfaction one gains
from the overall experience.