The Cost Of Liposuction Procedures
By Dave Lavinsky, Thu Dec 8th

The price of liposuction will vary from state to state and fromphysician to physician. Although cost is surely a crucial factorin determining whether or not to have the surgery performed,several steps should be taken prior to obtaining a price quotefrom a surgeon. As a general estimate, last year, liposuctioncosts ranged from $1,000 - $10,000. Prices can vary largelydepending on how much fat is to be removed and which areas ofthe body the surgery is targeting. Many cosmetic surgeons havepricing guides that may give a prospective patient a generalidea of liposuction costs.

Firstly, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS)recommends that a prospective patient thoroughly interviewseveral surgeons and ask key questions before deciding on adoctor. The patient should inquire about the physician'seducational background and work experience. The surgeon shouldhave graduated from an accredited medical school, have at leasttwo years of residency in a setting and be amember of the AAPS. Most reputable cosmetic surgeons will alsowelcome a patient's request for references. Carefully choosingan experienced cosmetic surgeon can greatly affect the outcomeof the liposuction surgery.

After careful research, the patient will need to attend anin-depth consultation or counseling session with the chosensurgeon. This is when the surgeon will be able to give pricinginformation. The cost of the procedure is mostly determined bythe area which will be treated and how much fat will be removedduring the surgery. Many other factors are included in the costof the procedure, however, such as anesthetics, facility fees,liposuction compression

garments, bloodwork, and laboratorytesting. Some surgeons may also recommend additional treatmentssuch as ultrasounds or massages which should be taken intoconsideration in estimating the cost of the liposuction surgery.Another factor that influences the cost is how the surgeon'counts' different areas of the body. For example, many surgeonsconsider the upper and lower abdomen to be separate areas.

As with other cosmetic surgeries, unless it is consideredreconstructive surgery due to illness or injury, insurancecompanies will not generally cover the costs. In most cases itis possible to arrange with the doctor to have a smaller areatreated to save on costs. Many refer to this as the"pay-as-you-go method," which allows those with budget concernsto have a cost-effective option. Financing is another option,but because costs can become very high in the long run, it isusually not recommended. Many surgeons inform patients thatusing a credit card or cash advance may be less expensive thanfinancing through the doctor's office. Though cost is animportant factor, finding a good cosmetic surgeon who is willingto work with you within your means while performing at thehighest standards should be at the top of a patient'spriorities; this will influence the satisfaction one gains fromthe overall experience.

About the author:Liposuction Infoprovides comprehensive information on the costs of standard,tumescent, and abdominal liposuction, "before and after"information, liposuction alternatives, and more. LiposuctionInfo is the sister site of Tummy Tuck Web.