What You Should Know When Obtaining Liposuction Prices
What to Consider When Getting Liposuction
When you are considering liposuction, or any cosmetic surgical procedure for that matter, cost becomes a major factor when making your final decision on which doctor to choose. Different geographic locations across the country have a differing impact on the final price. Not surprisingly cities like New York and Los Angeles are on the higher end of the cost spectrum, while mid-west locations are more affordable.
Larger cities often attract more premier surgeons which can often lead to an increase in overall cost. Training and pedigree of a physician can play an important role in the outcome and price of your procedure. Ultimately, however, the prices of liposuction can go far beyond the dollar amount paid if the procedure is not performed properly.
Hidden Liposuction Prices
Obtaining ballpark prices for liposuction can be as simple as picking up the phone book or performing a basic internet search. Calling around to some local cosmetic surgeon in your area can give you a good idea of the base cost. However, there are often additional fees associated with the surgery that may not be mentioned during a telephone inquiry.
The cosmetic surgeon will charge one fee for his or her services, but there will also be additional expenses for things like pre-surgical laboratory tests, post-operative garments and supplies. Many patients may also be surprised to learn that there is a charge for the operating room itself and its accompanying nursing staff. In addition to these charges, It is also common for the anesthesiologist to charge separately from the rest of the surgical staff, so understanding what to expect from your anesthesiologist can make a big difference in the ultimate cost of your procedure.
How Prices can Differ by Body Part Treated
No two procedures are created equal and this is no more true than with liposuction. Liposuction prices also vary greatly depending on what part of the body you wish to have sculpted. Work on the abdomen and arms generally rate the highest fees due to the fibrous nature of the treatment area. Correspondingly hips and buttocks are at the lower end of the liposuction price scale.
Of course, no competent doctor is going to quote you a guaranteed price over the phone. There are many factors that will determine the final cost of any surgical procedure and these can only be fully determined by an office consultation. Among the many variables determining the prices of liposuction procedures are the overall size of the patient and his or her general health condition. The amount of fat tissue the patient desires to have removed will, of course, also be a major determining factor in liposuction prices. Removing significant amounts of fat takes time and, in the operating room more than most other places, the old adage that time is money rings true.
Liposuction Prices
|
Location of Procedure |
Low End Cost |
High End Cost |
|
Abdomen |
$3,000 |
$7,500 |
|
Upper Arms/Triceps |
$1,500 |
$5,000 |
|
Back |
$1,500 |
$4,000 |
|
Buttock |
$1,500 |
$4,000 |
|
Chin/Neck |
$2,000 |
$4,500 |
|
Flanks |
$2,000 |
$5,000 |
|
Thighs |
$2,000 |
$5,000 |
|
Hips |
$1,500 |
$5,000 |
Other Factors Affecting Liposuction Prices
If the patient has had a lipo procedure previously performed on the same area, the new surgery will generally take more time and cost more. This is because the previous session will have created scar tissue within the remaining fat that will slow the procedure and add to its difficulty. It is also important to remember that every person is unique and no two surgeries are ever the same. Complications may arise during a surgery that could not have been anticipated in advance that can increase the final cost, sometimes to an extreme degree.
Some doctors sidestep the variables altogether and offer what is often referred to as a global fee, which is essentially a guaranteed final lump sum price for the procedure. There are advantages and disadvantages to this system. Among the advantages is the fact that the patient knows exactly what the surgery will cost out of pocket and can budget accordingly.
Disadvantages include the likelihood that any prudent doctor will probably factor in at least one or two complications into the price that may or may not arise during the actual surgery. If your procedure goes off without a hitch, you will actually pay more than if you were billed for each item separately. Of course, if you develop more complications than anticipated, a global fee structure will save considerable money.
Whatever liposuction prices happen to be in your area, there is one important thing to keep in mind when choosing your doctor. The old saying that “you pay for what you get” rings true with plastic surgery as well. If a situation seems too good to be true it probably is. While all cosmetic surgeons are licensed through the state and meet certain minimum standards, some are more experienced than others and the most experienced charge accordingly. Do not let a bargain basement price tempt you into choosing a medical professional who you are not completely comfortable with.
The operation can cost you much. But if it is the only way to go get a beach body, I mean, why not?