{"id":60033,"date":"2023-08-23T15:03:36","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T19:03:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60033"},"modified":"2026-03-22T20:53:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T00:53:58","slug":"liposuction-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/liposuction-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"How much does liposuction cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liposuction is a procedure that extracts fat from under the skin to help reshape thighs, abdomen, back, face, and buttocks to create a thinner appearance. Treating one area costs around $4,711, but this price does not include initial consultation, anesthesia, pain medications, or the facility fee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article discusses the factors that may affect the cost of liposuction in more detail and what to expect with a liposuction procedure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is liposuction?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that <\/span>reshapes specific areas of the body<\/span> by using vacuum suction to remove fat from the belly, waist, thighs, buttocks, or other areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Liposuction can be performed with other cosmetic procedures, including tummy tuck, breast reduction, or facelift. It does not treat <\/span>obesity<\/span><\/a>, and physicians do not recommend it to replace exercise programs and healthy diets. However, it can be a good option for people with good skin elasticity who want to reshape a specific area. It may especially be helpful if they <\/span>have not seen improvement<\/span><\/a> with diet and exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

The procedure only addresses subcutaneous fat, the type of fat found beneath the skin and above the muscle layer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The procedure can take up to two hours. The results are permanent, but it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and follow a healthy diet as recommended by your healthcare provider. Those who gain weight after the procedure may notice that fat is distributed in other areas of the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doctors use lidocaine to numb the treated areas where the fat is removed. Pain may occur once the lidocaine wears off, and over-the-counter pain medication is suggested. Some patients may need prescription drugs if they have intense pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All procedures have risks and benefits. Complications after liposuction include bruising, contour deformities, and <\/span>deep vein thrombosis (DVT)<\/span><\/a>. DVT is an uncommon complication when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. This can feel like leg pain and can cause an embolus. An embolus is when the blood clot travels through the vein to another part of the body. Rarely an emboli can cause death from lodging in the lungs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Who is a candidate for liposuction?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before the procedure, the surgeon reviews the <\/span>patient’s social and medical history<\/span><\/a>. For example, liposuction is not recommended for those who smoke or drink alcohol. The healthcare provider may suggest quitting smoking about four weeks before the appointment to help reduce the risk of complications. Tobacco use and excessive alcohol may increase the risk of infection or poor wound healing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Good candidates should also have firm skin and stable weight for 6 to 12 months before the surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients are advised to stop taking <\/span>anti-inflammatory medications<\/span><\/a> and supplements up to 72 hours before the procedure to decrease the risk of bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Paul Adenuga<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified plastic, and reconstructive surgeon, states that \u201cthe ideal candidate for liposuction surgery is someone who is at or close to around 10 pounds (lb) or less above their goal weight, maintains a healthy lifestyle with a clean diet and physical activity, and simply wants to get rid of stubborn areas of fat. It is not a weight loss solution, and patients can expect to lose maybe around five pounds from the procedure.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does liposuction cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A liposuction procedure costs around <\/span>$4,711<\/span><\/a> per area, but this price does not include anesthesia, operating rooms, and other expenses. It also depends on the surgeon’s experience, location, and the type of procedure performed.<\/span><\/p>\n

When surgeons perform liposuction for cosmetic reasons, it is not usually covered by insurance. However, if they recommend the procedure to improve body function, the patient may benefit from <\/span>Medicare coverage<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare Part A may cover hospital expenses if the surgery takes place in a hospital. Part B may apply if the patient undergoes the procedure as an outpatient, at the doctor’s office or a clinic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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