How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

Last Updated on December 20, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Liposuction has become an incredibly popular way for people to achieve their body goals. As the second most common cosmetic procedure in the United States, many wonder – how much does liposuction cost?

Unfortunately, there is no single liposuction price tag. The cost varies based on several personal factors. However, research shows that most procedures are somewhere around $3,500.

This article breaks down the key aspects that impact your liposuction quote. You’ll learn about national averages, cost differences by body area, state variances, and what makes up your total bill. While no one can provide an exact number without an in-person consult, this guide offers a realistic insight into the procedure’s affordability.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

According to a statistics report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), liposuction costs range from $1,000 on the very low end to $10,000 on the higher end of the spectrum. However, their research found most patients pay somewhere between $3,500 and $3,600 in total.

This average doesn’t represent the final amount you’ll pay. Additional expenses can drive your total bill upward. Whether your quote comes as one lump sum or a detailed breakdown, be ready for extra costs beyond the liposuction procedure itself.

How Body Areas Impact Pricing

The size and complexity of the treated area plays a significant role in liposuction pricing. Larger areas and difficult sites usually equate to higher costs. Smaller, easier zones often reduce the total price.

Here’s a helpful chart with estimated price ranges based on popular treatment locations:

As shown, you can expect to pay roughly $2,000 – $8,000 depending on the targeted zone(s). Things like your proportions, excess fat volume, and skin elasticity further customize your quote.

Geographical Differences in Liposuction Costs

Where you live also impacts how much you’ll pay out of pocket for liposuction. Due to differences in cost of living, surgeon availability, competition, and other factors, prices fluctuate by state.

For example, data from the ASPS suggests you may spend anywhere from $1,000 – $10,000 to sculpt your body with liposuction in California. The extreme variation results largely from supply and demand. Numerous talented surgeons in California allow for very low and very high price points.

Liposuction Prices Around the US

Here are some websites talking about the cost of liposuction:

Liposuction.com provides a price guide for different body areas, with ranges such as Inner (Thighs & Knees) $3,300 – $6,500, Hips/Waist $2,500 – $6,000, and Outer Thighs $2,500 – $6,000. The website also mentions that the total cost for liposuction in specific areas might be the sum of the surgical fees for those areas, plus non-surgical fees.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the average cost of liposuction is $4,449 according to the latest statistics. It also mentions that the average surgeon’s fee is only part of the total price and does not include other related expenses.

77 Plastic Surgery discusses the wide variation in the cost of liposuction in San Francisco, with a ballpark price ranging between $10,000 and $80,000+. It emphasizes that the experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon are factors that impact the cost.

New Skin Laser states that the average cost of liposuction is around $5,500 nationwide, but it could vary depending on the location and geographical area.

How The Cost of Liposuction Gets Calculated

Many elements factor into your final liposuction bill. From surgical fees to facility charges, small details combine to create your total cost.

Here are some of the important considerations that adjust pricing:

Surgeon Expertise & Reputation – Higher-demand surgeons can charge more to perform liposuction, due to their exceptional skills and experience. Their consult fees also tend to exceed average prices.

Patient Body Size & Treatment Extent – The amount of fat requiring removal significantly impacts costs. More extensive liposuction and larger patients equate to a lengthier time in surgery.

Complexity – Easy body areas allow for straightforward liposuction. However, technique challenges from scarring, poor skin tone, or other intricacies raise prices.

Anesthesia & Operating Room Requirements – General anesthesia, overnight stays, and special equipment contribute fees.

Medications & Post-Op Garments – Compression gear, pain relievers, and antibiotics add expenses.

What’s Included in Your Total Bill?

Liposuction involves fees both inside and outside the operating room. Beyond the actual procedure, patients pay for:

You might also like our articles on the cost of chin liposuction, arm liposuction, or thigh lift procedures.

Consultations & Pre-Op Care – Lab tests, scans, and expert surgical opinions ramp up starting costs.

Compression Garments – Post-surgical procedure support wear averages $100+, but improves results.

Follow-Up Appointments – Monitoring healing progress visits add smaller incremental fees.

How Can I Save on My Liposuction Costs?

With flexible pricing between providers, patients can still control budgets through smart choices. Use these tips to reduce your total cost:

Choose Local Surgeons – Skipping “celebrity” doctors helps avoid premium fame fees.

Consider Awake Lipo – Skipping general anesthesia avoids thousands in facility fees.

Ask About Payment Plans – Breaking balances into installments makes costs digestible.

Select Limited Treatment Areas – Single and small zone lipo reduces surgery/anesthesia time.

The Cheapest Liposuction Can Be The Most Expensive

In the end, it could cost you a lot more if you go for one of the cheaper liposuction options, seeing that if you don’t like the results, another surgeon will have to redo the job, charging you a bigger price to fix things than their usual rates for the same procedure. Some of the most undesired results of liposuction are:

• An incomplete procedure that shows very weak evidence that it was even done
• An unnatural, disfigured look created by excessive liposuction is, of course, something no liposuction patient wants to experience
• Uneven results with small lumps and unsightly depressions in the skin
• Ugly scars that give out the fact that you had liposuction.

Will Insurance Cover Liposuction?

In most cases, insurance companies classify liposuction solely as a cosmetic surgery. This means they don’t cover any portion of the costs.

In rare situations where liposuction treats a medical condition, such as removing a lipoma or helping heart disease, you may get approved for coverage.

Getting Accurate Liposuction Price Info

While this guide shares typical costs, your personal liposuction journey may differ. Comprehensive consultations remain the best way to learn accurate pricing for your needs and goals.

Consider a full lifestyle change after this body contour surgical procedure to ensure that you won’t have to spend money again on similar surgeries in the future. This includes a proper diet and exercise.