That's right. Over 405,000 liposuctions were performed throughout the country in that year alone. There are two major reasons behind this. One, more people are recognizing the health risks attached to obesity. And another, people are increasingly intent on having excess fat removed from their bodies to achieve their desired shape. Liposuction helps with both of these goals.
Amidst the growing inclination towards the procedure, the cost of liposuction is a common point of curiosity. Questions about liposuction prices like "How much does liposuction cost?", "How much is liposuction going to help?", and "How much is lipo worth spending?" remain on top of the head of the inquisitive.
And in this blog, we'll answer all these liposuction cost-related queries.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is $3,637. Typically, the cost of liposuction ranges from $3,500 to over $3,600. However, this is only the base price. Depending on other contributing factors, the liposuction price range can vary from $1,000 to $20,000, these include:
- Consultation fees
- Medical tests
- Surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgeon's fees
- Antibiotics or other medications
- Compression garments and wound-care dressings
It's best to consult with your plastic surgeon to determine the final liposuction price before making any commitments.
Determining Factors of Liposuction Cost
Procedure Type
One of the primitive factors that determines the cost of liposuction is the type of procedure. Depending on the complexity and benefits of the technique used, the cost may vary. For instance, Water-Assisted Liposuction can be somewhat more expensive than Tumescent Liposuction.
Average Cost of Liposuction by Procedure Type
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tumescent Liposuction | $2,000 to $11,000 |
| Liposuction | $1,400 to $9,500 |
| Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction | $1,500 to $10,000 |
| Power-Assisted Liposuction | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Laser-Assisted Liposuction | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction | $2,500 to $8,500 |
| SmartLipo | 1,500 to $6,000 |
| Water Jet-Assisted Liposuction | $4,500 to $10,000 |
Location
Another equally deciding factor is location. Where you get the procedure done significantly impacts the liposuction cost. For instance, you may have to incur a higher cost of liposuction in major cities and metropolitan areas. This is a result of increased demand for cosmetic procedures and the higher cost of living.
Cost of Liposuction in Major Cities
| City | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $2,000 - $16,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,000 - $20,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $1,000 - $20,000 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $1,000 - $20,000 |
| Miami, FL | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Houston, TX | $2,000 - $8,500 |
| Chicago, IL | $1,600 - $13,000 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2,000 - $8,500 |
| Wondering how much is lipo in your city? The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery offers a cost calculator that’ll answer your question - “How much does liposuction cost in my area”. |
Targeted Body Area
Liposuction can be performed on various body areas. And the specific area being treated also influences the cost of liposuction. This is because different areas of the body require varying levels of expertise, time, and resources. For instance, the cost of liposuction targeting the chin is way less than one targeting the back.
Cost of Liposuction As Per Body Area
| Body Area | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Chin/Neck (Cervical Area) | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Stomach (Lower Abdomen) | $2,500 - $7,500 |
| Stomach (Upper and Lower) | $3,800 - $8,000 |
| Arm | $2,000 - $5,500 |
| Full Body | $9,000 - $20,000 |
| Face/Jowls | $1,850 - $2,850 |
| Thigh | $950 - $2,850 |
| Back (Lower Back) | $5,000 - $6,500 |
Additional Determining Factors of Liposuction Cost
Choice of Provider
The answer to "How much is liposuction" also depends on the provider you choose. A more experienced and specialized surgeon will naturally charge you more for their time. This leads to a higher consultation fee, procedure cost, and surgeon's fee, adding to the total cost considerably.
Anesthesia
Liposuction can be performed under general or local anesthesia, and which one your surgeon recommends will factor into the liposuction cost.
Typically, general anesthesia is more expensive and will add to the total liposuction price. This is because it needs to be performed by an experienced anesthesiologist which is not the case with local anesthetics.
Recovery Period
Another contributing factor that often gets neglected is the recovery period. While deliberating upon how much is liposuction and if it's feasible, take the recovery-related cost of liposuction into account. The cost varies considerably based on the individual and procedure type. Some may need prescriptions, recovery compression garments, and follow-ups while others may not. Be sure to check to discuss what recovery will be like for you with your surgeon.
Is the cost of liposuction worth it?
Well, that depends. You must consider your circumstances, goals, expectations, and financial resources while deciding if paying the liposuction price is worth it. Weigh how much liposuction costs you against its benefits.
Although, you should know that liposuction is a highly effective fat-reduction surgery that works when diet and exercise don't. It addresses stubborn pockets of fat from areas of the body that you just can't lose weight from using traditional methods. These include the abdomen, thighs, and hips, which significantly impact your overall appearance.
Advantages to consider when determining if the liposuction cost is worth it:
- Perceptible improvement
- Targeted sculpting of stubborn areas
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Mostly an outpatient procedure
In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, you should also consider whether you're an ideal candidate for the procedure. It'll further help you gain (or lose) confidence in the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction is ideal for the following:
- Adults
- Non-smokers
- Individuals within 30% of their ideal weight
- Medically fit individuals free from serious health issues or life-threatening illnesses
- Prospects with firm, elastic skin
Lastly, consult a reputable surgeon to better understand the intricacies and benefits of the procedure.
| Myth: Liposuction offers no health benefits; it's purely cosmetic. Truth: Contrary to popular misbelief, Liposuction offers several health benefits, such as enhanced libido, improved mobility, and reduced blood fat levels. |
Will Insurance Cover Your Liposuction Cost?
Typically, given its cosmetic nature, the liposuction cost is not covered by insurance. This is because the reasons for getting a liposuction are not considered functional or medically necessary. However, there are instances where insurance may partially cover liposuction or related procedures. These include medical necessity, and some cases of reconstructive or combination procedures.
Consult with your doctor and insurance provider to determine whether your specific situation qualifies for insurance coverage. Although, keep in mind that insurance covers only part of the procedure, and may still have to pay for most of it.
Paying the Liposuction Price: Managing Expenses Without Insurance
Affordability remains one of the top concerns when it comes to liposuction. And a deciding factor.
| Notably, 64% of the women in the US were worried about paying for cosmetic procedures, making it the number one concern. |
The lack of insurance coverage and the average cost of liposuction are reasons enough for this concern. However, considering its growing demand, many surgeons have adopted the trend of offering flexible payment plans. These plans allow patients to pay the cost of liposuction in manageable monthly installments.
They do so by implementing flexible payment options like Denefits. So, next time you ask your surgeon how much is liposuction going to cost you, be sure to ask them if they offer flexible payment plans too. Moreover, Denefits has a NO CREDIT CHECK policy and a 95% approval rate, so you won't have to worry about the liposuction cost. You can simply pay for the treatment in monthly installments.
Conclusion
Individuals are embracing liposuction now more than ever. This is because it’s an effective way of preventing obesity and attaining their desired body shape. However, the cost of liposuction remains a concern. The average cost of liposuction varies based on various factors, including procedure type, location, and recovery needs.
And insurance doesn't cover cosmetic liposuction, except in cases it's deemed medically necessary. Considering the increasing demand and liposuction cost-related constraints, many surgeons now offer flexible payment plans through Denefits. So, be sure to look for surgeons near you who offer payment plans to easily manage the liposuction price.
