What Does Liposuction Cost?

Liposuction is one of the most difficult procedures for estimating cost. Liposuction may be performed on many different areas of the body, by different types of machines, with different types of anesthesia, by surgeons of different experience and skill levels. You will get a more meaningful cost estimate after you are examined by a surgeon and have developed a surgical plan for your liposuction.

As with most plastic surgery, liposuction cost comprises three fees: surgeon fees, anesthesia fees and facility fees. The anesthesia fees range from approximately $500 to $1,000, depending on the number of areas treated. The facility fees also vary depending on the number of areas where liposuction is performed, ranging from $600 to $1,200. The rest of the cost is the surgeon's fee.

The average cost to have liposuction performed in one area of the body is up to $4,000, in three areas is $6,000 to $8,000 and in five areas is $8,000 to $11,000.

The cost is higher for larger body areas. For example, the average cost for the abdomen is $4,000 to $8,000, but for the outer thigh is about half as much.

You can learn more about fees from our table of average surgeon fees.

Skill and Training

It's important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, who has extensive, specific liposuction experience, as well as expertise in all areas of plastic surgery. Board certification requires specific and rigorous surgical education and training. More highly qualified, board-certified surgeons command higher fees, but they can also help ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition, employ the most appropriate techniques, increase your odds of success and reduce the risk of complications.

The type of certification is also important. There are more than 150 self-designated boards, but only a handful that are designated by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Be sure to ask your surgeon about surgical training and board certification when you investigate the cost for liposuction.

Extent of the Procedure

The area of the body to have liposuction performed affects the cost. The most common areas are the abdomen and thighs. Also, many patients decide to have several areas done at the same time. The type of equipment used makes a difference. Recent advances include devices such as laser and ultrasound energy to aid in fat removal. Using new technology will increase cost.

Liposuction for men is more extensive, and therefore more expensive than for women because the texture of the fat is typically more fibrous and harder to remove than in women.

Payments

If the cost of liposuction surgery is more than you can afford at one time, ask your plastic surgeon about payment plans. For financing options and tips, continue reading about Patient Financing.

[page updated April 2008]