If you have a few fat bulges you’re unhappy with, liposuction can remove those troublesome spots and reshape your body. Liposuction eliminates stubborn fat and leaves you slimmer, trimmer, and more confident. But how much is liposuction?
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized pockets of subcutaneous fat from areas that resist diet and exercise. The procedure improves body contours and can be done on almost any part of the body.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Traditional liposuction is performed with a small, hollow tube known as a cannula. The cannula is inserted into the treatment area through tiny incisions and moved back and forth to break up the excess fat cells. It also suctions the disrupted fat cells from the body.
Some of the areas commonly targeted for liposuction include the abdomen, flanks, outer thighs, below the chin, and upper arms.
Liposuction is often done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV. General anesthesia is normally used for large-volume liposuction.
How Much Is Liposuction?
According to the latest statistics from the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is $3,548. However, this is not the final price patients will pay for liposuction because it does not include expenses such as surgical facility fees and anesthesia fees.
The cost of liposuction varies among patients because it is customized to fit their individual needs and aesthetic goals.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of Liposuction?
- Experience And Credentials Of The Surgeon
Liposuction is a specialized procedure that should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. A highly skilled and experienced surgeon may charge more than a less qualified surgeon. For best results, patients should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform liposuction.
- Treatment Area
The size of the treatment area and the amount of fat being removed will also affect the cost of liposuction. Liposuction on a large area like the tummy typically costs more because it takes longer to treat. Also, areas that are challenging to treat may end up costing more.
- Liposuction Technique
The cost of liposuction will also be influenced by the lipo technology used. There are advanced techniques such as laser lipo, power-assisted liposuction, and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction now available. Although these methods may cost more, they simplify fat removal and shorten recovery.
- Surgical Facility Fees
Liposuction usually costs less when performed at the surgeon’s surgical facility, as the hospital charges the surgeon a fee for using their facility.
Where you live can also influence the cost of liposuction as surgery will be more expensive in areas with a higher cost of living. When determining the cost of liposuction, pre and post-surgery fees also have to be factored in.
While the above information is helpful, the best way to determine what your liposuction procedure will cost is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction should be near or at their ideal weight because liposuction is a spot reduction treatment. Candidates for liposuction should also have good skin elasticity because liposuction does not tighten the skin.
Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can produce satisfying results for the right candidate.
Financing Liposuction
Liposuction is not usually covered by health insurance plans, as it’s considered elective cosmetic surgery. However, third-party financing is available through reputable companies like CareCredit. CareCredit is a medical credit card company that offers patients convenient monthly payback options. Some practices also offer patients discounted payment plans.
If you are interested in liposuction, you are sure to find a payment plan that works for your budget.