What Does Liposuction Cost?
Liposuction cost is often a deterrent to patients who are considering this procedure. They may be the perfect candidate: in good physical health, a non-smoker, at or near their ideal body weight, with just a small bit of stubborn fat they’d like to remove.
But when cost is considered, patients may forgo liposuction as a pipe dream and never think about it again.
The truth is, however, that liposuction is a wonderful procedure with a high success rate and low risk of complications. Moreover, it can make you look and feel so much better, and as long as you maintain healthy lifestyle habits, your results can last for years. In other words, it’s definitely worth it.
So, why let cost hold you back?
Below, we’ll take a look at the factors that typically affect liposuction cost, and we’ll talk about financing options and budgeting tips to help you achieve your liposuction goal. Often, making a procedure like liposuction happen within your budget is all about prioritizing what you really want.
And if you really want liposuction, you can certainly figure out a way for it to be an attainable goal for you!
How Much does Liposuction Cost? Top Factors to Consider
#1 – Type of Liposuction
One of the reasons it’s so difficult to quote the “average liposuction cost” is that numerous liposuction techniques exist, and every one costs a different amount.
For one thing, lipo can be performed almost anywhere on the body — from the outer thighs or abdomen to the arms or chin. And it makes a big difference in terms of pricing. Chin liposuction cost will be different than stomach liposuction cost, for example.
Likewise, the various lipo techniques are charged differently. Overall, lipo is always a minimally invasive procedure that follows similar procedural steps. But laser assisted liposuction or laser liposuction cost is different than the cost of tumescent liposuction and so forth.
#2 – Surgeon’s Fee
Surgical fees charged directly by your surgeon will usually make up the bulk of your liposuction price. After all, it’s plastic surgeons who do the bulk of the work and have the necessary experience and expertise to actually perform your surgery and followup with the required assessments.
Many surgeon’s charge based on their skill level and proficiency with a specific cosmetic procedure. If they are especially gifted at liposuction, for instance, they will be more in demand and may, therefore, charge more for this procedure.
#3 – Anesthesia
Anesthesia is priced based on what type is used (general vs local anesthesia) and how long your surgery is. When surgeries are long, for example, the anesthesia team needs to work more, and the risk of complications goes up.
#4 – Surgical Facility Fees
Whether your fat reduction surgery takes place in a hospital or at an outpatient procedure facility, your final bill will be affected by the prices they charge. Surgical facilities need to account for the use of their location, utilities, staff, operating rooms, intake and recovery rooms, and equipment and technology. All of these expenses are, in part, passed onto you in your bill.
#5 – Additional Expenses
Lastly, you may also need to factor in charges for additional items needed during the pre-surgery period and liposuction recovery. Required medical screening tests, pain medication, and recovery garments usually need to be paid for out-of-pocket.
After the incisions have healed, if patients wish to treat their liposuction scars with special post-surgical topical ointments or silicone scar sheets, these will need to be purchased by the patient as well.
Financing Options and Budgeting Tips as You Approach Liposuction Surgery
Use these tips to reduce financial stress as you plan for cosmetic surgery:
Plan far in advance.
Liposuction procedures will always be around, so even if you’re passionate about getting this procedure now, often, waiting a few months or even a year can be beneficial long-term. Give yourself as much time as you need to gain financial footing before you book your surgery.
Break your goal into smaller steps.
Once you have a price estimate on the total cost of liposuction, it’s time to break your ultimate financial goal into steps. Perhaps you decide to save X amount of dollars every week or every month for a year. Whatever your goal, breaking it down into more manageable pieces will help you achieve it.
Weigh your priorities and adjust your budget accordingly.
If liposuction could be a truly meaningful surgery for you, chances are, it’s more important than smaller things like clothes, takeout meals, or daily coffee runs. For some, this might not be true.
But if it’s true for you, prioritize. Dropping the amount of times you get takeout, grab a coffee, or impulse buy at your favorite clothing shop can drastically increase your budget for cosmetic procedures.
Talk to Your Surgeon About Financing
Lastly, discuss financing options with your surgeon. Many plastic surgery practices offer financing plans through companies like PatientFi or CareCredit. These companies cover your surgery and allow you to make manageable monthly payments to take care of your debt. Of course, most practices also accept major credit cards.
Liposuction Procedure FAQs
What’s the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
In regards to tummy tuck vs liposuction surgery, plastic surgeons usually describe the differences this way: Tummy tuck surgery gets rid of excess skin on the abdomen, and liposuction gets rid of excess fat cells on the abdomen.
Of course, liposuction can be performed almost anywhere on the body. Furthermore, tummy tuck surgery also provides the added benefit of tightened abdominal muscles. Many mommy makeover procedures include both a tummy tuck and liposuction, in addition to other procedures like breast augmentation or breast lift surgery.
What are the side effects of liposuction recovery?
During recovery, common liposuction side effects include swelling, bruising, changes in sensation, and soreness. These will dissipate with time.
How long do liposuction results last?
As long as patients make healthy lifestyle choices (regular exercise, a healthy diet, etc.), lipo results should last for many years. The real goal is to stay within a healthy weight range. If patients gain weight in significant amounts, their body composition may change, and this can diminish past results from liposuction treatment.
Set Up a Consultation With Dr. Sieber
Your liposuction journey starts by scheduling a consultation appointment with double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber.
This visit will include an introduction to liposuction, a brief physical exam, and a review of your medical history. You will get the chance to discuss your goals with Dr. Sieber and look at some liposuction before and after images to get an idea of what this surgery can achieve. Of course, liposuction prices will also be discussed.
You deserve to feel great about the way you look. If you have stubborn excess fat, just one liposuction procedure can help you achieve a leaner, more attractive profile. Call today to schedule your liposuction consultation with Dr. Sieber.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-to-look-for-when-considering-liposuction-costs
