Cost of Liposuction
The affordability of liposuction is an important factor for most people when considering a liposuction procedure. There is wide variation in total cost for the same liposuction surgery and the factors that go into determining that cost can be confusing, but it is important to understand so you are able to make an informed decision and understand the options available to you. Read on for more information concerning affordable lipo in St. Louis! Factors that influence cost fall into two categories: factors unique to the patient, and factors influenced by the surgeon. The average total cost of liposuction is between $1,500 and $5,000 per area. The fees that contribute to the total cost are summarized here and described in greater detail below.
Factors Influenced by the Surgeon for an Affordable Liposuction Treatment
- Surgeon’s fee or surgery fee – Based on skill and expertise
- Facility fee – Surgeon’s preference for location
- Anesthesia fee – Surgeon’s preference for anesthesia
- Miscellaneous fees
Factors Influenced by the Patient
- The number of areas treated
- The amount of fat removed
- Previous surgical procedures in the area of the liposuction procedure
- Geographical location
Surgeon’s Fee or Surgery Fee: The skill and experience of the surgeon is of high importance. What type of training have they received? How long have they been performing this procedure? What type of reviews have they received? Ask to see before and after photos of similar procedures performed on patients with your body type. Finally, you want to meet with the surgeon who will be performing your procedure to ensure you trust in their ability and are comfortable having them perform your procedure and that you both have similar expectations of the outcome. Surgeons that have performed hundreds of similar procedures with outstanding results will be in higher demand and charge more.
The surgical fee is the largest contributing factor to the total cost of liposuction and is largely affected by the patient’s individual circumstance and the surgeon’s experience. Some surgeons will quote one global price that will encompass all associated fees. It is important to understand if the price quoted is inclusive or if there will be additional fees, usually the surgeon’s fee contributes 30% – 100% of the total cost of the liposuction procedure. Surgeon’s fee ranges from $1,199- $3,000 per area. Typically, the lower end prices are available when 2-3 areas are treated in one surgical procedure.
Facility Fees: Where the procedure is performed will have an effect on the total cost. Surgeons have the choice to perform procedures at a hospital, outpatient surgery center or office surgical suite. The total cost will be higher if the surgeon prefers a hospital setting, or if the patients’ medical condition or the complexity of the procedure warrants having the surgery take place at the hospital or outpatient surgery center.
Procedures performed at an office surgical suite will have the lowest additional cost, or not add any additional cost. Hospitals will have the highest facility fees averaging around $3,500 and an outpatient surgery center would fall somewhere in the middle; around $1,800. Office based surgical facilities usually do not have additional fees. The range of facilities fees is 0 – 50% of the average total cost or $0- $3,500.
Anesthesia Fee: The type of anesthetic used can add significantly to the total cost of a procedure. A complicated surgery may dictate the type of anesthesia; however, for a straightforward liposuction some types of anesthesia can add unnecessary expenses. General anesthesia used in a hospital setting is the most expensive and requires the presence of an anesthesiologist. For liposuction, general anesthesia costs a good bit of extra money for the luxury of unconsciousness during the surgery.
IV sedation may also be administered and is usually done in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting in the presence of an anesthesiologist. This option will usually add extra cost to the surgery. Another alternative is local or tumescent anesthesia, which is used in an office surgical setting. This option provides the lowest cost alternative and usually does not have a fee associated with it. Anesthesia fees can add 0 – 30% or $0 – $1,500 to the average total cost of a liposuction procedure.
Other Fees: Pre-op exam, lab tests, compression garments, post-op fees, and pre and post personal care items to help prevent bruising or scaring can all add to the total cost of a liposuction procedure. These fees can add approximately 0 – 15% or $0 – $750 to the average total cost.
Other Factors That Can Affect the Cost of the Surgery:
The Number of Areas Treated: Each additional area adds to the cost; however, when multiple areas are treated during the same procedure, the cost per area is lower or at a reduced rate compared to the cost of a single area. It is much more efficient to include 2, 3, or 4 surgical areas in one procedure than to break-up those areas into two or more procedures.
The Amount of Fat Removed: Patients who have more fat will require a longer surgery  and the surgeon will need to spend more time removing fat, which will add a bit more to the surgical fee.
Previous Surgical Procedures in the Area to be Treated: Scar tissue from previous surgeries in the area to be treated make the procedure more difficult and take longer to perform. Another consideration is if the liposuction procedure is correcting results from a previous surgery. All of these factors can increase the total cost of the surgical fee.
Geographic Location:Â In geographic areas where rent and labor costs are higher, you can expect to pay a higher price for liposuction performed in a premium geographic area.
If you are trying to adhere to a budget, it pays to study the factors described above that influence cost of a liposuction procedure. Much of the variable or optional costs are determined by the preference of the surgeon. The cost of the procedure should never be the primary factor in deciding whether to have a surgery. It is much more important to trust and feel comfortable that your surgeon understands your expectations and can meet them.  If your procedure is low-risk, it can be performed safely in an office surgical setting using tumescent anesthesia you have the ability to save quite a bit of money and not compromise on the safety or the final result.
