Here’s What Determines How Much Your Liposuction Procedure Will Cost
Cost is certainly a consideration for most prospective liposuction patients. Quoting a liposuction procedure can be complex as the total cost depends upon factors including the patient’s body mass index (BMI) and the number of areas they wish to treat. An in-person consultation is required to be able to assess a patient’s needs and desired outcome.
The total cost for a liposuction procedure includes the sum of various fees that may include the provider’s fee, operating room fees, supply costs (including laser fiber costs if Smartlipo or other type of laser liposuction is utilized), pre-op and post-op visits, lab fees (if needed) and compression garments. While most liposuction procedures are performed under local anesthesia, if a patient requires general anesthesia for any reason that would be an additional cost to consider as well.
Major factors that determine liposuction costs
The primary consideration that determines the cost of any liposuction procedure is the time and effort needed to complete the treatment. Key factors that determine procedure time and effort include:
Body Mass Index (BMI): Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on the height and weight of the patient. A higher BMI indicates that there is a higher volume of fat that will need to be removed in order to provide the desired outcome. Thus, a patient with a higher BMI will require a more time-consuming procedure compared to a low BMI patient. You can determine your BMI by using this free calculator.
Number of Areas Treated: Treating multiple body areas increases both time and complexity of the procedure. A patient who treats their buttocks, inner thighs, and outer thighs will have a higher procedure cost than someone who only addresses their inner thighs.
Treatment Area: Liposuction of certain areas of the body like the arms or neck is more complex compared to areas such as the abdomen. This difference in the degree of complexity typically affects pricing.
Fat Transfer: Patients who wish to undergo a fat transfer procedure (where fat harvested through liposuction is transferred to another area of the body in order to enhance its appearance) will have an added cost for the additional steps of the treatment.
Secondary Liposuction: Secondary liposuction (where a person has a subsequent liposuction procedure on the same treatment area) adds complexity to the procedure due to scar tissue from the previous treatment, and thus is costlier than a primary treatment.
Other Liposuction Cost Variables
Geographic influences and the experience level of the surgeon are two other significant variables that can determine a liposuction cost.
Geo Influences: Geographic markets that have higher labor costs and rents often have higher prices. On the other hand, areas with many liposuction providers can experience competitive pricing due to increased competition.
Surgeon Experience: It should be no surprise that in-demand liposuction providers who have performed hundreds or thousands of procedures with great results will charge more for their services than inexperienced providers.
Beware of low liposuction prices!
A quick word concerning “cheap liposuction”. While cost is a concern, patients should also focus on quality when selecting their liposuction provider. Providers who quote prices that are far below market level are often inexperienced, which can increase the chances for poor results or complications. Oftentimes the surgeons who offer Groupon deals or other deep discounts are surgeons who have had unhappy patients and lower pricing in order to attract new patients.
The ultimate goal for all patients should be to achieve their final desired result. Great liposuction technique is both an art and a science. Patients should select an experienced, board certified liposuction provider with years of performing the technique under a variety of different circumstances.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
I am 77 years old, BMI 39. Also, I take Eliquis and my doc will not improve stopping it temporarily for even a day. That said, I have an apron of fat under which I continually get painful rashes. I would like to have the apron removed or minimized. Given my circumstances, can this be done and if yes, what method would you recommend? Thanks.
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting your great question! Unfortunately it’s impossible to provide a treatment plan without assessing you in person. You’ll need to visit a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area for an in-person consultation (if you are in Austin, please give us a call at 512.328.3376).
There may be few treatment options that may be applicable to your case, like abdominoplasty and/or liposuction. However, it all depends on your specific issues. Seeing you in person is the only way for a surgeon to recommend a treatment plan.
Thanks,
WD Staff
I am interested in Smart Lipo for upper and lower abdomen, arms, breasts and neck. I live near south austin, but willing to travel to any location for best price and /or best results. Can I meet with someone in person for a consultation?
No problem Kelley, I’ll have someone from our consulting team send you an email to get something scheduled!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Hi!
I’m interested in smart lipo for lower abdomen and possibly love handles. My BMI is about 21.5. would I be a good candidate? Also, is there any way to estimate cost?
Hi Faith,
Thanks for reading our post and for your interest! At a BMI of 21.5 you may be an ideal candidate for a SmartLipo procedure. I’ll have someone on our team send you an email to provide more information and an estimate on cost.
Thanks,
WD Staff
Good afternoon, I wanted to see how much it will cost for arms and lower abdomen. I weight 115, BMI is 21.5 and height is 5 ft. I am in my 25’s
No problem Patsy, I’ll have one of our consultants reach out to you via email!
Thanks,
WD Staff
My BMI is 24, I am interested to know an estimate for smart lipo of abd.
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for your interest! I’ll have a team member contact you directly (via email) with more information.
Thanks,
WD Staff
My BMI is 31 and I am wondering about smart lipo with the possibility of far transfer
Hi Shelly,
Thanks for reading our post. At a BMI of 31 it sounds like you may be a good candidate for Smartlipo with a fat transfer. However, you will need to see a board certified surgeon to ensure your candidacy for the procedure. Specifically an in-person assessment will allow the surgeon to make sure the procedure will provider the results you are looking for.
Please give us a call at 512-328-3376 if you are interested in setting up a free consultation!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Hi,
I’m 5.5ft with a BMI of 27.1. Would like to do the smartlipo procedure on my abdomen and maybe my arms. I may possibly need a very slight fat transfer to my hips. Can I get a consult please?
No problem Oma, I’ll have one of our cosmetic consultants reach out to you via email!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Hello I am a 56 I weigh about 200lbs 5’3 had major brain surgery over 5 years ago. But now I have large abdomen upper and lower and don’t like how my clothes fit. Can I have this lipo surgery and if so how much approximately.
Hi Brendia,
Thanks for reading our post and submitting this great comment. In terms of your candidacy, any prospective lipo provider will have to go over your health history and potentially contact your primary care physician to discuss if you should undergo the procedure. Please give us a call if you would like to setup a consultation. We can assess your needs and follow up with your previous surgeon to determine if liposuction is right for you.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Highly interested but I have a question: what BMI is too high?
Great question! Typically a BMI of more than 40 would increase the risks associated with surgery. We have a great blog post on that here: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/the-link-between-bmi-and-surgical-risks/
However, there are many other variables that will determine candidacy beyond simple BMI. Your best bet is to see a provider for an in-person consultation. An assessment and discussion on previous medical history is required.
We hope that helps!
Thanks,
WD Staff
Hi there,
I am in healthcare industry myself, not a provider anymore but working as a medical lead in a PHARMA company, my work has atleast once a month travel (flight or drive) so how many days of travel restrictions are we looking at. At this point I am just stuck at a plateau phase where no amount of exercising and diet is resulting in any visible changes
My BMI is 26 I am 5’2 at 139lb. I have healthy medical history, no prior disease, illness, no family history of clotting or any severe conditions, do not take any medication. No smoking, no drugs, occasional alcohol consumption.
I want to get my abdomen, love handles and upper arms treated what would be the cost?
Hi Nidhi,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I’ve forwarded your info to our cosmetic team and they will reach out with a personal quote via email.
Thanks,
WD Staff