Traditional liposuction has stirred a lot of confusion among many of us. A lot of us won’t consider it because the price just seems too much. But without doing any of our own research, there is no way to know for certain if liposuction is the right option.
If you don’t know what liposuction is, it is basically a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes fat from any area of the body. In fact, it is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States.
The cost of traditional liposuction ranges from $2000 to well over $10,000. Depending on how much you’re getting done and the treatment area, the cost differs. The cost also varies based on where you live. All of these factors determine the estimated cost of your procedure.
Let’s get into specific factors so you can estimate what your liposuction treatment cost would look like.
What factors affect the cost of liposuction?
In the United States, the average cost of liposuction is at around $3,500. But like we mentioned before, there are a ton of different factors that affect the cost of liposuction. Some of the main ones are the treatment area, how much fat is being removed, where you live, and the fees at the facility. Therefore, that amount could be less or more than the average depending on your specific situation.
Treatment Area
It goes without saying that the treatment area plays the biggest role in how much your procedure will cost. If the treatment area is larger, it is probably going to cost more. Also, if you are getting more than one area treated, the cost is definitely going to be higher. This also has to do with how long you are in the operating room. Another thing that would drive up the price is doing the face. Since the surgeon would have to have more precision in areas such as the face, it is going to take longer to complete the procedure.
How Much Fat Is Being Removed
If you have more fat to remove, the procedure is going to last longer. Therefore, it is most likely going to be more expensive, as you are taking up more of the surgery team’s time. On the other hand, even thinner areas such as the face can also take a longer time. The goal is to leave the fat left behind smooth and natural. However long that takes is how much you are going to be billed.
Where You Live
Where you live plays a pretty big factor in how much your surgery will cost. In areas where plastic surgeons are sought after more, they are going to be much more expensive. Areas like Los Angeles and Manhattan are going to have higher fees, while areas like Idaho and Arkansas are going to be much lower.
Facility Fees
In a traditional liposuction procedure, the patient is put under anesthesia. Therefore, your procedure is going to have extra fees added on. Usually, this is billed by how many hours you are in the operating room. Obviously, if you are getting more areas treated, you’ll be in the operating room for longer. This means you are likely going to have a higher fee for anesthesia.
Also, if you need any prescription medications, there are going to be added fees for that. Depending on what you receive while at the treatment center and what medications you take home, the costs could go up by a lot.
When it comes to which facility you are going to, the cost is also going to vary. Different facilities offer their services for cheaper than others. But don’t get a less-than-perfect surgeon just to cut down on the cost. You want to make sure you find a surgeon that has plenty of experience and that it is someone that you trust.
What is the average cost by the treatment area?
|
Body Area |
Minimum Cost |
Maximum Cost |
|
Abdomen |
$2,500 |
$8,000 |
|
Arms |
$2,000 |
$5,500 |
|
Back |
$2,000 |
$5,000 |
|
Breast |
$3,000 |
$8,000 |
|
Face |
$2,500 |
$5,000 |
|
Legs |
$2,500 |
$6,500 |
|
Hips |
$2,500 |
$6,000 |
Final Thoughts
With these factors put into play, you should be able to make a closer estimate as to how much liposuction would cost for you personally. However, the best way to get a more specific estimate is to schedule a consultation with your local plastic surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you finance liposuction?
Yes, there are some financing options for liposuction if you cannot afford it all at once. If you have little or bad credit, the interest rate is probably going to be higher, but you still have a good shot at getting approved.
Can you use insurance to pay for liposuction?
Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by most health insurance plans. If you are set on getting liposuction or any other cosmetic procedure done, look into some financing options first. That is going to be your best bet.
How accurate is the estimate going to be?
Truly, you cannot get an accurate estimate without going to a plastic surgeon for a consultation. You need to go somewhere physically, not over the phone, in order to get the best cost estimate. Also, it is important to remember that the cost is just an estimate. In reality, it is probably going to up after you add in all of the extra fees, so be prepared for that. As long as you are prepared for the price to vary from the estimate they initially give you, you will be good to go.