How much does liposuction cost?

Discover key factors that influence the cost of liposuction and make informed decisions today

By Kristina Iavarone | Aug. 23, 2023 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD

Liposuction is a procedure that extracts fat from under the skin to help reshape thighs, abdomen, back, face, and buttocks to create a thinner appearance. Treating one area costs around $3,637, but this price does not include initial consultation, anesthesia, pain medications, or the facility fee.

This article discusses the factors that may affect the cost of liposuction in more detail and what to expect with a liposuction procedure.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that reshapes specific areas of the body by using vacuum suction to remove fat from the belly, waist, thighs, buttocks, or other areas.

Liposuction can be performed with other cosmetic procedures, including tummy tuck, breast reduction, or facelift. It does not treat obesity, and physicians do not recommend it to replace exercise programs and healthy diets. However, it can be a good option for people with good skin elasticity who want to reshape a specific area. It may especially be helpful if they have not seen improvement with diet and exercise.

The procedure only addresses subcutaneous fat, the type of fat found beneath the skin and above the muscle layer.

The procedure can take up to two hours. The results are permanent, but it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and follow a healthy diet as your healthcare provider recommends. Those who gain weight after the procedure may notice that fat is distributed in other areas of the body.

Doctors use lidocaine to numb the treated areas where the fat is removed. Pain may occur once the lidocaine wears off; over-the-counter pain medication is suggested. Some patients may need prescription drugs if they have intense pain.

All procedures have risks and benefits. Complications after liposuction include bruising, contour deformities, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is an uncommon complication when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. This can feel like leg pain and can cause an embolus. An embolus is when the blood clot travels through the vein to another part of the body. Rarely an emboli can cause death from lodging in the lungs.

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

Before the procedure, the surgeon reviews the patient’s social and medical history. For example, liposuction is not recommended for those who smoke or drink alcohol. The healthcare provider may suggest quitting smoking about four weeks before the appointment to help reduce the risk of complications. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol may increase the risk of infection or poor wound healing.

Good candidates should also have firm skin and stable weight for 6 to 12 months before the surgery.

Patients are advised to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and supplements up to 72 hours before the procedure to decrease the risk of bleeding.

Dr. Paul Adenuga, a board-certified plastic, and reconstructive surgeon, states that “the ideal candidate for liposuction surgery is someone who is at or close to around 10 pounds (lb) or less above their goal weight, maintains a healthy lifestyle with a clean diet and physical activity, and simply wants to get rid of stubborn areas of fat. It is not a weight loss solution, and patients can expect to lose maybe around five pounds from the procedure.”

How much does liposuction cost?

A liposuction procedure costs around $3,637 per area, but this price does not include anesthesia, operating rooms, and other expenses. It also depends on the surgeon’s experience, location, and the type of procedure performed.

When surgeons perform liposuction for cosmetic reasons, it is not usually covered by insurance. However, if they recommend the procedure to improve body function, the patient may benefit from Medicare coverage.

Medicare Part A may cover hospital expenses if the surgery takes place in a hospital. Part B may apply if the patient undergoes the procedure as an outpatient, at the doctor’s office or a clinic.

Factors that affect liposuction cost

Liposuction procedures can cost up to $7,740, depending on the number of areas that doctors remove fat deposits from. The cost also depends on additional factors, like:

Geographic location: The cost of liposuction surgery is usually higher if the clinic or hospital is located in a big city or an area where the cost of living is high.
Facility fees: Hospital surgical fees may be higher than in an independent surgical facility if the patient has a specific surgeon in mind who performs the procedure in a hospital setting.
Treatment area: The price range varies, as it is based on the size of the treatment area. Surgeons also take into consideration the amount of fat they remove.

Other costs to consider before getting liposuction

It is important to consider other costs before undergoing liposuction surgery:

X-rays: Physicians may order lab tests, such as X-rays, if the patient has high blood pressure, diabetes, or has had a stroke. There is no fixed rate for imaging tests, as these depend on the area the patient is getting an X-ray for and the health insurance plan.
Anesthesia: The physician fee and drug may cost more than $200, depending on the operating facility and type of surgery performed.
Pain relievers: Tylenol may be part of the liposuction treatment plan, to relieve postoperative pain. The cost cash price starts around $7 for brand-name Tylenol.

What to expect when getting liposuction

Liposuction comes with risks. These include:

Injury to deep tissues
An irregular skin surface, as can cause skin numbness and a saggy appearance
Infections
Blood clots
Fluid buildup in the lungs if the lidocaine dose is high or in a patient with underlying heart or lung conditions

The procedure can take 30 minutes for small areas, such as the neck. But it can take an hour if it is performed on the buttocks.

The surgeon discusses with the patient what they should expect during recovery. For example, they may have to wear a compression garment or an elastic bandage for the first three days, which may limit movement.

During the first two weeks, pain and soreness should be reduced, and patients may be able to return to work.

After one month, there should be no pain, but the swelling can take months to resolve completely. People may start to notice results, and they may also start doing light exercises.

As of the sixth week, the swelling and bruising should have disappeared, and the patient may increase their activity levels.

During this time, the healthcare provider may suggest:

Eating more fruits and vegetables
Drinking water to stay hydrated
Resting
Taking short walks

How to save money on liposuction

Medicare does not provide coverage if surgeons perform liposuction as a cosmetic procedure. Insurance may apply if the surgery is performed to improve body function. Finding a plastic surgeon who files insurance claims on the patient’s behalf may be difficult.

People may consider different locations if they want to save money on their procedure, as the cost can be more affordable if the clinic is located in a smaller city. They may also consider other options:

Discounts: A lot of doctors offer incentives during specific times of the year, so it may be a good idea to plan months before the surgery and compare pricing plans. Clinics may also offer a free consultation for new patients.
Payment options: The cost of the procedure can be expensive. Choose clinics that accept monthly payments to help decrease the upfront cost.
Booking multiple procedures: Those interested in liposuction and other plastic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation, can check if the surgeon offers a bundled price for multiple procedures. This can help cut down the total cost.

Doctors may recommend nonsurgical techniques that involve the removal of fat as an alternative to liposuction. These include:

CoolSculpting involves using a cryolipolysis device that kills fat cells from the hips, abdomen, or thighs. It is suitable for people close to reaching their ideal weight.
truSculpt: It uses radiofrequency technology to destroy fat cells, and is usually performed in one or two sessions.
SmartLipo: It involves the use of triple wavelength laser technology to dissolve body fat and tighten saggy skin.

These alternative procedures do not require incisions or anesthesia and generally have a faster recovery time.