How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

According to a study done on the trends in surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic procedures from 2010 to 2023, liposuction has been one of the top five procedures performed each year. While many aesthetic trends have come and gone, a steady wish is for people to rid themselves of excess fat.

It’s a relatively safe surgery and can get you fantastic results. However, as many aesthetic procedures are, it’s not cheap, so you’ll want to budget accordingly.

So, how much does liposuction cost? What factors affect the prices, and what else should you know? Read on to find out.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

On average, liposuction costs $4,711 in the US. However, this number only addresses the surgeon’s fee, and doesn’t include things like anesthesia, operating room facilities, and medications.

Factors That Affect Liposuction Costs

As we’ve just said above, the number we’ve quoted you is just a simple average, but so much more goes into your actual costs. Here are the key factors that can change how much you pay.

Number of Areas Treated

The more areas you get treated, the higher the cost. For example, if you only get your chin done, then that may cost just $2,500. But if you get the abdomen, flanks, and thighs liposuction, the total cost could be well over $10,000.

Geographical Location

In general, urban centers with higher living costs (such as New York and Los Angeles) usually have higher surgical fees. This is to ensure they can break even and make a profit while they’re at it.

If you have a tight budget, then you might find more affordable options in smaller cities or medical tourism destinations like Mexico (more on this later).

Surgeon’s Experience

Board-certified plastic surgeons who are highly experienced typically charge more. This is because they’ve gone through rigorous schooling and training to get where they are. Plus, they’ve taken years to build their reputation.

Although the price might be higher, the outcomes and safety are often better. So don’t go for the cheapest option just because you have to pay the least, as it may have costlier (and more dangerous) outcomes.

Surgical Facility and Anesthesia Fees

Accredited surgical centers and hospitals tend to charge facility fees. These can be anywhere from $500 to over $2,000.

In addition, anesthesia administered by a certified anesthesiologist can add another $500 to $1,500.

Liposuction Technique Used

There are several liposuction techniques available. They are listed in general cost increasing order:

• Tumescent liposuction (most common)
• Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
• Hi-def lipo/etching

Post-Operative Costs

The quoted cost doesn’t always include everything; for example, when we quoted the average cost of liposuction earlier, that was only regarding the surgery itself.

For instance, you’ll have to wear compression garments afterward, which can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. Also, you may have to take medications, which can cost between $50 and $200.

Lastly, your follow-up appointments may or may not be included. This can make a huge difference in your quote.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost on the Stomach?

While people have various insecurities about their body fat, most are concerned about their stomach. A survey done by Women’s Health found that 43% of UK women say their biggest insecurity while naked in front of a partner is an undefined stomach. So we’ll address this particular area here.

Liposuction on the stomach can cost between $3,000 and $10,000. The price will depend on the location of the fat that’s targeted. The cheapest option is lower abdomen only, followed by full abdomen (upper and lower), and then the most expensive option is abdomen and flanks (also known as 360-degree liposuction).

Is a Tummy Tuck or Lipo Cheaper?

Many people are curious about whether a tummy tuck or lipo is cheaper since both address issues in the midsection. However, they have different purposes; both liposuction and a tummy tuck can remove fat, but a tummy tuck also removes excess skin and tightens muscles.

Because a tummy tuck involves more steps and techniques, it’s typically more expensive. Expect it to cost between $6,000 and $12,000.

If you have the money and need to address multiple things regarding your abdomen, you should opt for both procedures.

Can Insurance Cover Liposuction?

In most cases, liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure. Therefore, it’s not covered by health insurance. However, there are rare exceptions; it must be performed for medical reasons, and you’ll only get partial coverage.

Examples include:

• Lymphedema treatment (fluid buildup in limbs)
• Gynecoastia correction (male breast reduction)
• Lipomas (benign fatty tumors)
• Transferring fat from one area to another due to severe injury or burns

To get coverage, you’ll need documentation from your physician and pre-authorization from your insurance provider.

How Much Is Liposuction in Mexico?

Since liposuction isn’t even fully covered by insurance with medical necessity, you might be wondering where you can have excess fat removed without paying a fortune. Mexico is a top destination for medical tourism, and the savings can be significant. The cost of plastic surgery can be anywhere between 50% fo 80% lower than what it’d be in the US.

If you have liposuction in Mexico, it’ll cost between $1,500 to $4,700. Even if you factor in travel and accommodation, it can still be significantly cheaper than getting the surgery domestically. Plus, you can combine the trip with leisure, seeing what Mexico’s culture offers before you go through your transformation.

You won’t have to worry too much about surgical safety either. As long as you do your research and select an experienced board-certified surgeon, you should be in good hands.

Get Liposuction in Mexico

The answer to the question, “How much does liposuction cost?” is “It depends.” On average, it’ll cost around $4,700 in the US, but you can get it for much cheaper in Mexico, and you won’t have to compromise on safety or quality of results either.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation if you want liposuction done. Dr. Valdez is a skilled specialist in cosmetic and plastic surgery.