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Trust. Experience. Results.
3/24/2017
At Austin-Weston, it’s our mission to provide patients with straightforward answers, so, in this article we are going to uncover the variables that go into the price tag for liposuction.
The cost of liposuction varies per person because it is tailored to meet an individual’s needs and desired results. Some patients may have a small problem area that can be addressed in as little as an hour of surgery. Others may be doing almost the entire body and the procedure can take hours. Because of this variability, liposuction can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $20,000.
When determining the cost of liposuction, there are several factors to consider, including:
The more areas a patient chooses to have addressed at one time, the longer the procedure will take. An example of this is a patient having abdomen, flanks, and arms addressed at the same time. The surgeon’s fee per area of liposuction is typically around $4,000 per area, with the first area being full price, and each subsequent area being half price.
So, in this specific case, liposuction of the abdomen would cost $4,000, and the flanks and arms would cost $2,000 each. The total surgeon’s fee would run $8,000, and then anesthesia fees would be billed per hour of time in the operating room.
Surgery is usually billed by how long the patient will be in the operating room, so a one-hour case is less expensive than a five-hour case. Typically, larger areas such as an entire abdomen or back will cost more than a smaller area like the inner thighs because larger areas take longer to treat.
Costs can also be influenced by how technical the procedure is. If fine detailing is required, such as in the face or neck, the procedure can take longer and be more expensive.
In general, treating multiple areas of the body at the same time is overall cheaper than if all those individual areas were broken up into separate sessions.
Larger patients with more fat deposits may need to have a longer procedure to adequately remove the extra fat and achieve a smooth contour.
Interestingly, very thin patients with only a small area to address can also take longer because of the finer instrumentation required to achieve a smooth contour. The principle of liposuction is that the fat left behind is as important as the fat removed. The ideal result is smooth, not just de-bulked of fat.
Advanced methods, such as ultrasound or laser-assisted liposuction, typically cost more than traditional procedures. These adjunct procedures during liposuction are usually selected by the surgeon to either break up stubborn fat deposits or to achieve some subtle skin tightening at the time of liposuction.
Be sure to ask your surgeon at the time of consultation whether you might be a good candidate for an adjunctive liposuction technique.
The most important factor for you to consider as a patient is surgeon selection. Part of this is done by checking on the surgeon’s online reviews and reputation. Another part is meeting the doctor in person to make sure they understand your concerns, and that you have a good feeling about interacting with the doctor and having your needs met.
A highly experienced plastic surgeon may charge more than a less knowledgeable or respected doctor, but that isn’t necessarily true. There are some novice surgeons who seek out wealthy clientele using aggressive marketing, but after reviewing that doctor’s credentials, they may not be whom they claim regarding experience, board certification, or skill.
All surgeons have their own approach to performing liposuction procedures as each doctor has different amenities at their disposal and different levels of experience and accreditation.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) lists the national average of plastic surgery physician fees. These prices vary widely among regions, with plastic surgery hotspots like Manhattan, Beverly Hills, Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles at the higher end of the spectrum. More lightly populated regions like North and South Dakota, Idaho, Mississippi and Arkansas charge much less. Mid-level costs are incurred in Phoenix, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico and Illinois along with locations away from big cities within high-priced states.
The reason plastic surgery costs vary based on geographic locations, such as major urban centers, is usually due to higher overhead costs for surgeons in these areas. So, the first step in considering what you'll pay is looking at fees where you live and how much the cost of living is in that area. To find ballpark prices for procedures based on location by using the Healthcare Blue Book (it works the same way the famous Kelley Blue Book lists the prices of cars).
You should ask the surgeon directly if these are all the costs involved in your estimate. Since there are no set costs for any of these expenses, it can be useful to explore multiple options by meeting with several surgeons and getting estimates for not only their surgeon fees but also the additional surgical-related expenses. When estimating the cost of liposuction, make sure to account for the following surgery-related expenses:
The cost of anesthesia for liposuction can vary significantly for each patient. You want to make sure anesthesia is provided by a anesthesiologist or a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). If a surgeon uses a non-certified anesthetist nurse or a medical assistant to push the anesthetic drugs (and yes, unfortunately, this does happen), then your safety may be at risk.
Anesthesia costs are typically billed by the hour, and you should ask in advance what happens if the surgery goes longer than expected and who will pay the extra anesthesia time.
This is an important factor to consider not only because of overall cost but because it may put a price tag on the importance of your safety and satisfaction. The importance of having your procedure performed in an accredited surgical facility by qualified staff is critical in the decision-making process. Do not try to cut costs by sacrificing safety and having your procedure performed at a non-accredited practice or by a surgeon who is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery includes five fully equipped surgical suites. These operating rooms are fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), an association that certifies outpatient surgery centers. Our surgeons are board certified in plastic surgery and are fully insured, our Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are nationally certified by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists and all personnel is licensed and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
lculating the cost of surgeon's fees, anesthesia, surgical facility fees and all other expenses, total fees for liposuction can reach between $4,000 and $20,000. Many people don’t have this amount of money at their immediate disposal, but when the decision is made that it’s the right time to undergo the procedure, it becomes necessary to consider financing options. Practices almost always accept credit cards, but patients should carefully consider the associated interest rates of all available options. Also, there are several third-party financing companies that deal exclusively with those who want or need treatments that are not covered by insurance.
While cost is obviously an important consideration when it comes to liposuction, it is not the most important one. Patients should remember that their health and cosmetic satisfaction are ultimately the top priorities. Choosing an inexperienced doctor to save some money could cost far more in the long run if they require a corrective procedure or if they develop serious health complications.
At Austin-Weston, our plastic surgeons are committed to providing patients with the results they desire and the care and safety they deserve. To find out more about your plastic surgery options, please call (703) 893-6168 to schedule a free consultation .
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Our four, board-certified plastic surgeons have over 100 years of combined experience & work together in our dedicated, luxurious center providing combined knowledge on all procedures. Schedule your consultation today to learn how our surgeons can guide you on your journey to aesthetic harmony.
