Liposuction Affordability: Knowing the factors for the total cost of liposuction
The affordability of liposuction is an important factor for most people when they consider a liposuction procedure. So, how much does liposuction cost? There’s wide variation in total the cost of liposuction for the same surgery and the factors that go into determining that cost can be confusing. However, it’s important to understand so you’re able to make an informed decision and understand the options available to you. Read on to learn more about our affordable liposuction treatment!
In short, factors that influence cost fall into two categories. Furthermore, these include factors unique to the patient and factors influenced by the surgeon. On top of that, the average total cost of liposuction is between $1,500 and $5,000 per area. There are fees that contribute to the total liposuction cost in St Louis MO. In addition, here below, we summarize and describe them in great detail.
Cost Factors Influenced by the Surgeon
- 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
Cost 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 very important. For example, what type of training have they received? Or, how long have they been performing this procedure? Or even, 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. Moreover, you want to see if you are comfortable having them perform your procedure. Lastly, you want to ensure 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.
Most importantly, the surgical fee is the largest contributing factor to the total cost for liposuction. The patient’s individual circumstance and the surgeon’s experience is mainly what influences it. Certainly, some surgeons will quote one global price that will encompass all associated fees. It is important to understand if the price quoted as inclusive or if there will be additional fees. For instance, typically the surgeon’s fee contributes 30% – 100% of the total cost of the liposuction procedure. Surgeon’s fee ranges from $1,500 – $3,000 per area.
Facility Fees
Where the procedure is performed will have an effect when figuring out how much does liposuction cost. In addition, 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. It’ll also be higher if the patients’ medical condition or 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 or no additional cost. Hospitals will have the highest facility fees averaging around $3,500. In addition, an outpatient surgery center would fall somewhere in the middle; at around $1,800. In contrast, 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 that the doctor uses can add significantly to the total cost of liposuction. For straightforward liposuction, some types of anesthesia can add unnecessary expenses. In short, general anesthesia that doctors use in a hospital setting is the most expensive one. On top of that, it requires the anesthesiologist to be present. Finally, IV sedation may also be administered. The doctors usually use it in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting in the presence of an anesthesiologist. Although, this option will usually add extra cost to the surgery. Another alternative is local or tumescent anesthesia. With this, the doctors use it in an office surgical setting. This option provides the lowest cost alternative and usually does not have a fee associated with it. In conclusion, 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. Certainly, they 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 liposuction surgery:
The Number of Areas Treated
Each additional area adds to how much does liposuction cost. However, there are times when the doctor treats multiple areas during the same procedure. In this scenario, the cost per area is lower or at a reduced rate compared to the cost of a single area. It’s better to include a couple of 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 longer surgery. With that being said, the surgeon will need to spend more time removing fat. This 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 that the doctor needs to treat makes the procedure more difficult. Also, it takes much longer to perform. Another consideration is if the liposuction procedure is correcting results from previous surgery. All of these factors can increase the total cost of the surgical fee.
Geographic Location
In geographic areas where rent and labor costs are higher, you can expect to pay a higher price for liposuction that was performed in a premium geographic area.
If you’re trying to adhere to a budget, make sure you study the factors described above that influence liposuction cost in St Louis MO. The surgeon and his preference usually determine the variable or optional costs. You should never decide if you’re going to have the surgery only based on the cost of the procedure. It’s more important to trust and feel comfortable that your surgeon understands your expectations and can meet them. If your procedure is low-risk, the doctor can perform it safely in an office surgical setting using tumescent anesthesia. Here, you’ll have the ability to save quite a bit of money and not compromise on the safety or the final result.
