If you want to use liposuction to get rid of those ugly pockets of fat that cling to your body no matter what you do, don't let the cost scare you away. If liposuction is what you want, it can be worth paying for. Most removal procedures are affordable and easy to get. You don't have to break the bank to make improvements.



So, how much does it cost? Like any plastic surgery operation, there is no standard price. The only way to get a reliable idea is to talk to your plastic surgeon. However, there are several factors that can influence the cost, and knowing these before you go in for you consultation can help prepare you for what to expect.

How Much Is Going to Be Removed and from Where?

This is one of the big factors determining cost. Of course, the more fat you want removed, the more you can expect to pay.

Liposuction doesn't get rid of general obesity, but removes pockets of fat distributed throughout the body. The number of pockets that need to be removed will influence price. For example, some removals treat one or two areas of the body, while some target many different areas. Procedures that cover larger areas will be more expensive.

The part of the body also makes a difference. Some parts of the body are tougher for plastic surgeons to get to, and these will be more expensive. This includes areas that don't have much fat content, like the face, chin, ankles or neck. On the other hand, the most common areas will be cheaper. These are areas like the buttocks, belly, breasts and legs, where there fatty tissue readily collects, making it easier for your plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

Type of Operation

There are many different types of this procedure. For example, tumescent liposuction involves injecting liquid into the area of fat in order to make it easier to move it. Another, newer method called ultrasound involves using sound waves to liquefy the unwanted tissue and get it out more easily. Newer and more advanced techniques generally cost more than the traditional techniques.

You will also be paying more for an operation that requires multiple visits. Most liposuctions can be done easily in one day, but there are cases where the treatment occurs over a few weeks. With multiple doctor visits, you can expect to pay each time, but for the second, third and subsequent treatments, your doctor's bill will be much less than the initial one.

You can also figure on paying anesthesia costs. Most liposuctions are done with little anesthesia, so it's not a terribly large part of the expense. But, if it is a larger operation, you may end up paying more for this service, as well as for medications and other associated fees.

Don't Forget To Shop Around

Prices vary from plastic surgeon to plastic surgeon, as well as from state to state. You may sometimes see a huge difference between one plastic surgeon's fees and another's, even in the same city. In this case, you should check to make sure that the cheaper surgeon is board certified. It's nice to save some extra money, but it's not worth trusting your body to an uncertified plastic surgeon.

It's impossible to give a quote without a consultation, but the average one-day liposuction costs around $2,000 for women and $3,000 for men. Men can expect to pay more because men's bodies have tougher fibrous fats that are harder to remove.

$2,000 is the average, but it can vary anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 for a one-day operation, and can be well over $10,000 for surgery that involves repeat visits to the doctor. This is why it is important to get a consultation for a plastic surgeon first.

Liposuction can be a manageable expense. If you feel you need the removal procedure, shop around for the best price. For most, it's well worth the money to see that fat disappear!