Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the nation, with over 200,000 procedures performed in 2020 alone. Often marketed as the ultimate solution for stubborn body fat, it’s pretty obvious why liposuction has maintained popularity over the years. Highlights of the treatment include its minimally invasive nature, quick recovery time, and excellent body contouring results. Aside from these advantages, liposuction is also highly versatile and can be customized to suit each patient’s individual needs.

If you’re considering liposuction, cost is likely one of your top concerns ‚Äì and it should be. Plastic surgery is a significant financial investment, and many factors could affect your total cost of treatment. Learning more about them will help you weigh your options and make it easier to choose a liposuction provider.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body. The treatment is also used for slimming and reshaping a patient’s physique and to significantly improve body contours.

Liposuction can eliminate excess fat in common problem areas, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms. However, while you can reshape the body with liposuction, please note that it is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. The procedure is also not suitable for treating loose, saggy skin or cellulite – the dimpled skin that typically appears on the hips and thighs. Liposuction only removes fat.

During liposuction surgery, a skilled surgeon can sculpt a better shape for almost any area of the body, achieving dramatic results with relatively subtle changes. Many surgeons use liposuction to enhance the effects of other procedures, as no other technique allows for such detailed improvements in body contour.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

One of the most significant advantages of liposuction is its versatility. Most people are good candidates for liposuction, and both men and women may use the treatment to achieve various goals. Some patients have recently undergone significant weight loss and need help getting rid of stubborn fat that won’t go away with exercise alone. Others want to look better in a swimsuit and improve their overall physique. For men, liposuction is also a highly effective treatment for gynecomastia.

If your primary concern is excess fat deposits that don’t seem to respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. If one or more of the following apply to you, you could be an ideal candidate for liposuction:

• You have excess fat deposits on your hips, belly, thighs, neck, arms, or chest that won’t respond to diet and/or exercise.
• You feel like some regions of your body are out of proportion with the rest of your figure.
• You have good skin elasticity.
• You are at or near your desired body weight.
• You have realistic expectations.

Price Range

Now that the basics are out of the way, let’s discuss price. Many factors can affect the total cost of liposuction treatment, including the type of liposuction performed, anesthesia options, location, the surgeon you choose, and your desired treatment area. According to 2019 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is $3,548. However, the price range is vast, ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 nationwide. Luckily, there are many options today to help you pay for cosmetic surgery and make treatment more affordable.

Most patients don’t realize that this average price is only part of the total cost for liposuction treatment. It does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. It is essential that you prepare for these added fees and account for them when you’re estimating how much your treatment will cost.

Liposuction Considerations

If you’re interested in liposuction, there are many aspects of your treatment to keep in consideration when choosing a provider. In particular, the surgeon you choose will have an immense impact on the outcome of your treatment. Additionally, your surgeon’s location, their experience, and the type of liposuction they specialize in are all important to consider.   

Liposuction Post-Op Care and Protecting Your Investment

After liposuction surgery, your stitches will be painlessly removed in about 5-7 days. Then, you’ll need to wear a unique support garment to continue shaping your body for the next 1-3 weeks. The cost of these garments, along with other post-op materials and prescriptions, will ultimately add up. It’s important to account for these expenses when considering the overall cost of treatment.

Although it is fairly expensive, liposuction is well worth the cost. The procedure removes fat cells, and new fat cells cannot be produced. As a result, you can enjoy your new physique indefinitely. That said, you can still gain weight in your body’s remaining fat cells. The upside is that the new fat will accumulate evenly over your entire body, rather than causing another excessive buildup in one of your problem areas. The best way to protect your investment is by continuing to eat a healthy diet and exercising regularly after your treatment.

Factors Affecting Price 

Liposuction is a highly customizable procedure, and several factors may ultimately decide how much it costs. Use this list to get a better idea of what to expect and how to mitigate extra fees.  

Kinds of Liposuction

There are numerous types of liposuction procedures, each varying slightly in its technique and applications. Your surgeon will recommend the best method for you during your initial consultation. Their decision typically depends on the area being treated as well as the patient’s overall medical history.

If you’d prefer a specific type of liposuction, ask your doctor if you’re a candidate and how it will affect your total cost of treatment. Certain liposuction techniques cost more than others because of the technology used and the benefits of the procedure. The most common liposuction techniques are:

• Tumescent Liposuction
• Liposculpture
• Power-Assisted Liposuction
• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
• Laser-Assisted Liposuction

Anesthesia Options

Liposuction may be performed under either general or local anesthesia. General anesthesia is the safest but also the most expensive option. This is because local anesthesia does not need to be administered by an anesthesiologist, whose fees can be costly. The biggest downside to local anesthetics is comfort. Patients are conscious and usually experience some pain under local anesthesia, making it a poor choice for anyone with anxiety about surgery.

Geography

Typically, you will find more experienced, highly skilled surgeons in large cities and on the coasts, where demand is high. The 2019 ASPS Report breaks down procedure occurrence by region and found that the east and west coasts accounted for 71% of all liposuctions performed in 2019. This higher occurrence was also shown to be linked to more experienced providers and higher procedure costs.

Their data essentially means that places like Beverly Hills and Miami have higher than average liposuction costs than other parts of the country. Beverly Hills stands out as the most expensive place to schedule liposuction treatment, with total expenses sometimes exceeding $20,000. This high price is likely due to higher facility costs and doctor fees in Los Angeles. In contrast, the average cost of liposuction in Miami is about $3,000 – $8,000.  

If you’re considering having liposuction abroad, the cost will almost definitely be much cheaper. Colombia and Mexico are popular, inexpensive hotspots, with an average liposuction cost of around $1,000 to $5,000, not including any travel expenses. However, keep in mind the risks involved with getting cosmetic surgery in other countries. Although the low price may be tempting, it is often because the facility has less experienced doctors, outdated techniques, or inadequate facilities. If you are comfortable accepting the risks of traveling abroad for treatment, be sure to research and confirm the reputation of both your provider and their facility.

Reputation of the Surgeon

Your surgeon’s reputation is one of their most valuable qualities. More experienced and highly specialized surgeons will generally charge more for their time, leading to higher consultation fees (which may or may not be applied as a credit towards the cost of your procedure) and a higher procedure cost. Likewise, the experience and training of your anesthesiologist will also factor in the overall cost of treatment.

Treatment Area

Your desired treatment area will play a significant role in determining your cost of treatment. Larger areas are more labor-intensive, requiring far more time and effort, so typically they cost more. You can also expect a higher cost when a more significant amount of fat needs to be removed, regardless of the location. At The South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we limit the amount of fat removed from liposuction surgery to 4,000 CCs.

Considerations when Choosing a Liposuction Provider

Cost is important, but it’s not the only thing you should consider when choosing a liposuction provider. There are several reasons why a doctor may or may not be the best person to perform your surgery.

What Kind of Liposuction Do They Offer?

There are many different liposuction techniques, and your surgeon will typically recommend the best one for you. However, if you prefer a particular type of liposuction, keep that in mind when choosing a provider. Not all surgeons offer all kinds of liposuction. Most choose to specialize in just one or two techniques.

We use a tumescent technique for liposuction. This option is more precise, involves less blood loss, facilitates the removal of more fat, and shortens patient recovery time.  

Qualifications and Experience

Your surgeon’s experience and qualifications will ultimately decide how happy you are with the results of your treatment. Choosing a highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience is the best way to ensure your treatment is successful and safe.

All three of our doctors have decades of active practice experience and a long history of success performing liposuction surgeries. Dr. Pitluck, D.O, has a reputation as one of the highest skilled anesthesiologists in South Florida. Dr. Pinella, M.D., F.I.C.S., is a member of numerous renowned state and national professional societies and continually works to further his knowledge and education in the space. Dr. Alexander, M.D., F.R.C.S., has been performing cosmetic surgery in South Florida since 1982. He describes cosmetic surgery as his passion and frequently attends national symposiums throughout the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Brazil.

Before and After Photos

It may seem obvious, but you should look at your surgeon’s before and after pictures before scheduling liposuction treatment. Make sure the images and results are impressive and natural-looking. It may also help to find examples of patients who had similar issues to yours in their before picture and then look at what the doctor was able to achieve in the after photo. Maintaining realistic expectations will help ensure you’re happy with your results after treatment.

Location

Traveling to a cheaper area for liposuction may seem like the best choice for your wallet, but you should also account for hidden travel costs that you might not expect. Hotel stay, transportation, food, and recovery costs will all contribute to the total cost of your trip.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the cheapest option and may be administered by a general surgeon. However, local anesthesia is not a great choice to keep you comfortable and relaxed. You’ll be awake for surgery, meaning you will likely feel some pain. General anesthesia allows you not to feel any pain nor remember any details of the surgery.

In some cases, general anesthesia is administered by a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). Most often, though, general anesthetics are administered by an M.D. Anesthesiologist. This is the most expensive type of anesthesia but also the safest option for the patient. Our doctors perform all surgical procedures at The South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery alongside our in-house, professional M.D. Anesthesiologist.

Liposuction Payment Options

Cosmetic surgery is a significant financial commitment, but there are many options to help you afford surgery. Depending on your needs and desired results, your surgeon will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your budget.

Payment Plan

Payment plans are one of the most flexible payment options. They’re popular because they don’t usually require a credit check and allow you to spread out the cost of treatment over time, leading up to your surgery date. We will hold your surgery date with our payment plan as long as you’ve paid in full at least two weeks before treatment.

Credit Cards

We accept most major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Card.

Financing

Financing is another option that allows you to pay for treatment over time. In contrast to payment plans, financing typically requires a credit check. However, once you’re approved, you can spread out the cost of treatment over several months. We offer three financing options to suit a wide variety of budgets: Advance Care Card, Alphaeon Credit Card, and United Medical Credit.  

Cost of Post-Op Care

After liposuction, the recovery process varies considerably by individual and procedure type. Still, you can expect recovery costs to include prescriptions, recovery garments, follow-up appointments, and any downtime from work. All of these costs should be accounted for before surgery to ensure you plan your finances accordingly and enjoy a stress-free recovery.

Garments and Supplies

Your doctor may provide some recovery supplies, or they may be included in the cost of treatment, but that isn’t always the case. While many supplies, like boards and binders, may be relatively affordable (think less than $50), some compression garments can be far more expensive. Fajas, for example, can cost $100-150 for a custom fit.

Lymphatic Drainage Massages (Optional) 

Regular massages target the muscles to release tension, whereas lymphatic drainage massages target the skin to improve the lymphatic system’s efficiency. The lymphatic system rids the body of toxins, waste, and unwanted materials. It also transports lymph ‚Äì a fluid containing white blood cells ‚Äì throughout the body.

After cosmetic surgery, the lymphatic channels are disrupted and may take a few months to make new connections. Many plastic surgeons agree that adding a series of lymphatic massages to your post-op care could benefit your recovery tremendously. The technique also helps to reduce swelling and improve aesthetic results. Lymphatic massages cost $100 per session on average.

Post-Surgical Care (Optional)

Many patients arrange for a friend or family member to look after them the first night after surgery. However, others prefer to stay in a recovery center for their post-surgical care or hire professional home care to help them immediately following surgery. Whichever option you choose, decide well before your surgery date to make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected costs.

Return of Investment

Liposuction is a highly effective treatment that often delivers dramatic results. Its high success rate is just one reason why most patients consider the treatment well worth the financial investment. Nevertheless, the value of liposuction treatment varies from patient to patient. Working with your surgeon and their staff to agree on realistic expectations is essential and will help reduce the chance of you being disappointed with your results.

Cost at South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery

We offer liposuction surgery starting at $1,999, not including anesthesia or surgeon fees. For a more transformative effect, we also provide Liposuction 360 for $3,999, with both anesthesia or surgeon fees included. If you’re interested in liposuction, contact us today to schedule a virtual consultation and get a price within 24 hours.