If you select a liposuction surgeon only on the basis of the cost, you may actually end up paying more. An unskilled or inexperienced surgeon may do such a bad job that you may require a second surgery to correct the results of the first. Ultimately, you would be paying for the cost of two surgeries which would be higher than the cost of a good quality surgery.

Liposuction costs are generally calculated taking into account factors such as the body of the patient, the time and effort that the surgeon needs to put in, the anesthesiologist’s fees, the operating room charges, the laboratory fees before the surgery and miscellaneous expenses like cost of special garments etc.

Of these factors, the most important is the time and effort required by the surgeon. This is in turn determined by the number of areas where surgery is to be done, the body size of the patient and the complexity of the surgery. This means if you get a liposuction surgery for your abdomen, it will cost you less than a surgery on the abdomen and inner thighs. The cost of surgery for a heavier patient will be more than for a patient who weighs less. A liposuction surgery is more difficult when a patient gains and loses a considerable amount of weight. This is because rapid weight loss or a previous surgery can leave behind tissue scars on which it is difficult to perform a liposuction surgery.

A reputed and experienced surgeon with a good track record of successful surgeries will charge more than a lesser known surgeon. You may find less experienced surgeons offering a discount on surgeries or providing consultation free of charge. Those surgeons who have a history of unsatisfactory results may also offer lower prices for liposuction surgeries. Liposuction costs could also be higher in places where rent and cost of labor are higher.

Many surgeons quote a lump sum cost for a liposuction surgery. This cost will include all expenses related to the surgery. Known as a global fee, this usually comprises the costs for the surgery, the non-surgical expenses and the fees charged by the anesthesiologist. A global fee is usually charged when the surgery is performed at the surgeon’s office. When you enquire about liposuction costs, make sure you find out if the quote offered to you is a global fee or just the cost for the surgery.

Sometimes, a very cheap liposuction surgery may actually turn out to be expensive in the long run if the results are much below your expectations. This is because you would need to pay for a second surgery to repair the work done by the first surgeon. Unsatisfactory results from a liposuction surgery include little or no visible impact of the surgery, too much liposuction causing your figure to look unnatural, uneven liposuction with ugly depressions on the skin, and scars caused due to the surgery.

The total cost for a liposuction procedure includes the non-surgical fee as well as the fees for one or more surgeries. The non-surgical part of the fees consists of the cost of the laboratory tests conducted prior to the surgery, operating room costs, cost of nursing, the cost of garments and supplies required after the operation. The surgical fees are separate for each area on which the liposuction is performed. Therefore, if you are getting a liposuction surgery on say your hips, buttocks and thighs, the total cost will work out to the sum of the surgical fees for each area plus the non-surgical fees for the entire procedure.

To give you a rough idea of the liposuction surgery prices, the cost of liposuction around your upper and lower abdominal areas can costs anything between $3000 to 7500. Just the lower abdomen can be done for around $2000. If you want to do a liposuction on your arms, it could cost you between $1500 and $5000. Liposuction surgery around the buttocks could work out to approximately $1500-$4500. To get a liposuction surgical procedure performed around your waist or hip region be prepared to pay between $1600 and $5000. Inner thighs and knees cost around $2000 to $5000. If you would like the surgery to be performed on your face on areas such as your cheeks, jowls or around the neck, you may need to fork out anything in the range of $2000 and $4000. The fees for operating on women’s backs are between $1500 and $4000. Women can expect to pay between $3000 and $7500 for liposuction surgery performed on their breasts.

Methods of Liposuction:

A cannula and an aspirator are used for eliminating extra fat from the targeted areas. Several techniques reuse the cannula. However, disposable cannulas are also available. Methods differ depending on the nature of the cannula and the quantity of fluid that is introduced in the body. Below mentioned are basic methods of Liposuction depending on the fluid introduction.

1. Wet Liposuction
2. Tumescent Liposuction
3. Laser assisted Liposuction
4. Dry Liposuction
5. Super-wet Liposuction

Wet Liposuction: This method uses little fluid compared to the quantity of fat extracted.    In this technique, the fluid is inserted in the fatty areas.

The fluid includes a general anesthetic, a salt solvent, and epinephrine that compress the blood vessels thus reducing the chances of bleeding. This fluid relaxes the fatty cells thereby leading to their suction.

Tumescent Liposuction: In this technique, the surgeon inserts a solvent comprising of a general anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor into the fatty areas. The fluid creates an opening between the fatty and muscle tissue. Therefore, the cannula gets additional space.

Laser assisted Liposuction: It uses thermal energy for having an affect on lipolysis. It makes use of Nd:YAG or Erchonia.

Dry Liposuction: This technique is rarely used and no fluids are inserted.

Super-wet Liposuction: This method regulates hemostatics and excess fluid in a proficient way. The fluid and the fat content are usually equal. The procedure lasts for one to three hours and may need IV sedation and a local anesthesia or complete anesthesia.

Overview: Liposuction surgery is a successful way for eliminating excessive fat. It is essential for the individual to be in good health before undergoing this procedure. It is also advisable to consult a surgeon or your family physician.