Liposuction
In spite of regular exercise and a healthy diet, some unwanted fat simply will not go away.
Liposuction is a surgical means of removing stubborn fat deposits to give you the lean contours you desire.
What can liposuction do for me?
Improved Definition and Confidence
Look Your Best
Unresponsive fat deposits can affect even the healthiest men and women. Liposuction can help you enjoy accomplishments such as weight loss and childbirth to the fullest.
Immediate Results
Although liposuction will require some downtime in order to fully recover, you will be able to notice an immediate refinement in your figure.
Feel Good about Yourself
If stubborn fat makes you feel self-conscious, liposuction can help you love how you look both in and out of your favorite clothing.
An Incredibly Popular Treatment
Candidacy Requirements
Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment. Instead, it is intended to eliminate small amounts of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. You may be a candidate if you:
- Have fat deposits in the midsection, arms, thighs, or neck
- Have sufficient skin elasticity
- Are less than 20 pounds overweight
Special Considerations for Liposuction after Massive Weight Loss
Losing a significant amount of weight can cause skin to lose elasticity and hang off of your frame. Whether you lost weight through bariatric surgery or other means, you are likely left with sagging skin and pockets of fat tissue.
While liposuction can remove remaining fat, it cannot address sagging skin. In general, surgeons only recommend liposuction after massive weight loss in combination with other body contouring procedures, such as arm lifts, breast lifts, or thigh lifts.
In some cases, liposuction can also be used as part of a fat transfer to adjust the proportions of your figure after major weight loss.
The Liposuction Procedure
You will receive local anesthesia and sedation to maintain your comfort throughout the procedure.
The surgeon creates several small incisions in the treatment area.
A long, thin suction device called a cannula is inserted through the incision and moved gently back and forth to loosen fat tissue, which is suctioned out from below the skin.
Sutures are used to close the incisions.
The Cost of Liposuction
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon's fee for liposuction in 2017 was $3,374, not including expenses such as facility fees and anesthesia. These fees can add $1,200 or more to the total cost of treatment.
Cost Factors
Scope of Treatment
The main factor that affects the cost of liposuction is the extent of treatment. The number of areas treated and the amount of fat being removed play a major role in the price of liposuction.
Advanced Technology
Traditional liposuction uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove fatty tissue. Some surgeons have other advanced treatment options, such as VASERlipo® or Smartlipo, that can provide significant benefits, but can also raise the cost of liposuction.
Your Surgeon's Experience
One of the most important factors in achieving your cosmetic goals is choosing an experienced and skilled surgeon. However, treatment from a surgeon with more hours of experience typically costs more.
Cost Per Treatment Area
Another important factor to keep in mind is that treating different areas of the body will involve different surgeon's fees. The areas you wish to address play a significant role in the overall cost of your treatment.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Liposuction is generally more affordable than a tummy tuck, which usually consists of liposuction in addition to the removal of loose skin and the repair of separated abdominal muscles. Choosing between these two procedures is primarily a matter of candidacy.
There are also noninvasive treatments, such as cryolipolysis (known commercially as CoolSculpting®), that are less expensive. CoolSculpting involves freezing fat cells, which are then naturally expelled by the body. However, it removes only a fraction of the fat that can be removed in one liposuction treatment.
There are also injectable treatments such as Kybella® that are used specifically to eliminate fat deposits under the chin.
While cost may influence which procedure you choose, there are many other aspects to consider:
| Procedure | Average Surgeon's Fee in 2017* | Multiple Treatments | Recovery | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction | $3,374 | No | 2 days to 2 weeks | Removes up to 11 pounds of fat |
| Tummy Tuck | $5,992 | No | 2 to 4 weeks | Removes fat and excess skin |
| Cryolipolysis | $1,481 | Yes | None | Eliminates up to 25% of fat cells |
| Kybella | $1,149 | Yes | 2 to 3 days | Depends on the number of treatments |
Liposuction May Benefit Your Health as Well as Your Appearance
Areas of stubborn fat can cause daily discomfort. By eliminating pockets of fat, you can relieve these issues.
Get a Personalized Cost Estimate
The best way to find out how much liposuction will really cost is to schedule an appointment with a surgeon. Make sure to ask plenty of questions during your appointment in order to learn exactly what is included in the cost.
Discuss Your Goals with a Doctor
When diet and exercise fail to eliminate unwanted fat tissue, liposuction can help you love the way you look. Speak to your doctor today if you are considering taking a surgical stance against stubborn fat.
