There are many different types of liposuction that have been developed in recent years, with varying success rates, but there are a few that have stood the test of time and have become the most widely-accepted procedures in the nation. Liposuction is one of the most sought-out cosmetic procedures in the country today. The procedures have been refined so that the procedure has a relatively easy recovery period and the surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure.
Find the right surgeon for you?
When considering liposuction, there are several factors to think about before determining if it is right for you. First of all, the surgeon you choose should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This organization is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world, and surgeons must meet specific qualifications in order to be eligible to join. Surgeons must have completed at least 6 years of surgical experience and training with at least 3 of those being specifically plastic and cosmetic surgery training and experience. This way, you know you will be getting the best care possible. Surgeons that are a part of this organization may have prices that are a bit higher than their competitors, but surgery and patient care should not be determined by who is running the best deals. Your comfort and care should be paramount in determining which surgeon is right for you.
Determining Cost
Determining liposuction cost can be difficult because there are so many individual factors that go into determining cost. When you call the surgeon for an estimate, remember that the estimate is approximate. A more accurate estimate of the liposuction price can be determined after the first consultation with the surgeon. At this consultation, you will be able to discuss in detail your expectations and concerns and the surgeon will be able to determine the extent of surgery your body can handle and the pre- and post-operative procedures that will be right for you.
Types of Liposuction
There are several different types of liposuction that can be performed, and each has its own benefits for different patients. Tumescent Liposuction is one of the most common forms of liposuction. In tumescent liposuction, a saline solution typically containing a local anesthesia is injected into the tissue that is to be removed. Also contained in this solution is a vasoconstrictor- a drug that is used to constrict the blood vessels in order to lessen blood and fluid loss. This type of liposuction is frequently used in facial liposuction and neck liposuction.
Another type of liposuction is the ultrasonic assisted liposuction, or VASER liposuction. This method uses an ultrasonic wave (either above or underneath the skin’s surface) in addition to the tumescent liquid to break down the fat cell membranes and liquefy the fat, allowing it to be more easily removed by the cannula, the instrument used to remove the fat with suction.
SmartLipo is the newest technique in liposuction today. In Smart Liposuction, fat is liquefied by a laser on the skin’s surface, and the body’s natural processes clean the liquefied fat out of the body over a period of three to four days. This type of laser liposuction is very popular because it requires no incision, no blood loss, and has a faster recovery time. This type of liposuction is most effective on small pockets of localized fat that is “diet-resistant” and will not go away even after changes in diet and exercise. Patients who have the most success with this form of liposuction already have healthy lifestyles and do not require a behavioral change.
Getting a Cost Quote – What’s Included?
There are many different aspects of the liposuction procedure that go into the final cost quote that you will receive, and each of those aspects has some variation in price range. The first (and generally largest) fee that you will be quoted is the surgeon’s fee. This fee is typically a flat-rate fee and is determined by the experience of the doctor, the doctor’s geographic location, the area of the body to be treated, and the number of areas to be treated. Many patients opt to have more than one area treated at a time. Following is a breakdown of typical liposuction costs by body area:
- Abdomen Liposuction (both upper and lower) $4,000–$9,000
- Abdomen Liposuction (lower only) $2,500–$5,000
- Arm Liposuction (upper and lower) $2,000–$6,000
- Back Liposuction $2,000–$5,000
- Buttocks Liposuction $2,000–$5,000
- Facial Liposuction/Neck Liposuction/Chin Liposuction $2,500–$5,000
- Outer Thigh Liposuction $3,000–$6,000
- Inner Thigh Liposuction $3,000–$6,000
- Hips/Waist Liposuction $2,000–$5,000
Information compiled from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Also included in the price of liposuction is the facility fee. This fee is different for each surgical office, but is typically a flat-rate fee. A safe estimate for this fee would be anywhere between $600 and $1,500.
The anesthesia fee is not included in the surgeons fee, and can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the type of anesthesia the procedure calls for (local or general), the amount the patient needs, the location of anesthesia application, and the anesthesiologist’s personal fees.
Also to be considered should be what kind of medications each patient will need. This is individual to the patient, and is dependent upon the health of each patient, the ability to heal, the risk of infection, etc. Also, the medical testing that will be done pre-and post-operatively will need to be included. These may include blood tests, tests of the skin’s elasticity, and skin tests.
Surgeons may charge consultation and follow-up fees, although these are sometimes included in the flat-rate surgical fees. Ask your doctor about how they price their services. These sessions are very important and should not be overlooked or ignored.
After each surgery, it is typical for a liposuction patient to be instructed to wear a compression garment over the area that has been treated. These vary in size depending on the treatment location and are usually purchased by the patient.
What about insurance
Most liposuction is still considered by insurance companies to be elective and purely cosmetic in nature, and therefore will not be covered by medical insurance. This also means that in most cases, any complications you may experience during or after surgery that require medical treatment will also not be covered. Therefore, the entire cost of the procedure will be your responsibility. Many surgery centers and surgeons have financing options available for their patients.