Liposuction Cost and Procedure Guide

Do you have stubborn pockets of fat that won’t go away even with changes to your diet and exercise routine? Liposuction may help. Despite the rise in popularity of weight loss medications like GLP-1s, liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, according to the most recent report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Whether you have a stomach pooch you can’t seem to drop or an extra chin you’d like to lose, liposuction treatments can help remove localized, excess fat — permanently. Use this guide to learn more about the different types of liposuction, average costs and how to help pay for the procedures.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, body contouring or simply lipo, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that helps shape specific body areas by suctioning out excess fat through a small tube. Liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure like gastric sleeve or lap band surgery. Nor is it designed to address cellulite. Instead, it focuses on removing pockets of unwanted fat.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The national average cost^** of liposuction can vary based on the type of procedure. The prices listed below do not include costs for anesthesia, the surgery facility, pre- and postoperative care and other related expenses.¹

Here are the average costs and ranges^** for common liposuction procedures.¹

Calculate the costs of liposuction near you**

Average cost of liposuction by state/district

Liposuction costs also vary by geographic region and the area of the body being treated. Always consult with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine your actual expenses. Here is a breakdown of the average cost^** of different liposuction procedures by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Additionally, here’s a look at the average costs^** of abdominal liposuction by specific region (upper and lower, lower only or upper only) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.¹

Is Liposuction Covered by Insurance?

Liposuction is usually not covered by health insurance since it is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary.

How Can You Pay for Liposuction?

There are several ways to pay for liposuction, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you’d prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (including promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

Where Can Liposuction Be Used?

Liposuction can be performed on just about any area of the body that contains excess fat. This includes:

• Abdomen (upper and/or lower)
• Ankles
• Back
• Breasts
• Buttocks
• Calves
• Cheeks
• Chest
• Chin
• Hips
• Knees
• Neck
• Thighs
• Upper arms
• Waist

Liposuction can be performed alone or with other popular plastic surgery procedures, such as:

• Breast augmentation
• Facelift
• Mommy makeover
• Tummy tuck

For certain cosmetic procedures such as a fat-transfer breast augmentation, Brazilian butt lift (BBL) or fat-transfer calf augmentation, liposuction is required to collect fat from other parts of the body to use in the augmentation procedure.

Types of Liposuction

There are many different types of liposuction, including tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, laser-assisted, power-assisted and ThermaLipo liposuction. The best liposuction method for you will depend on the areas being treated, your cosmetic goals and personal preferences. During your consultation, your doctor can review the different options with you to determine the liposuction technique best suited for your needs.

Tumescent liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the most common type of liposuction. After small incisions are made in treatment areas, a shot of saline solution and local anesthetic is injected, causing the targeted tissue to swell. This makes it easier for the cosmetic surgeon to control and remove the fatty tissue, which is sucked out with a vacuum connected to the cannula. Tumescent liposuction doesn’t involve heat, which lowers the chance of some complications, and can be used on nearly any part of the body.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, such as VASER®, uses a low-frequency ultrasound device attached to the cannula. The device emits ultrasonic vibrations that help liquefy the fat, which is then removed with a suction tube. This type of liposuction is best suited for areas of the body that have dense tissue, like the back or chest in males.

Laser-assisted liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction, such as Smartlipo®, uses heat energy from a laser to melt fat, making it easier to suction out. The heat can also help spur the production of collagen, which can tighten the surrounding skin. However, it can also increase the likelihood of burns and skin rippling compared with other liposuction techniques. Because a smaller cannula is used in laser-assisted liposuction, it’s preferable for smaller areas of the body like the arms, chin, jowls and face.

Power-assisted liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction, such as MicroAire, uses a vibrating cannula to help break up fat cells, making them easier to remove. This technique is often used to remove high volumes of fat more quickly and efficiently than other methods, particularly in areas like the thighs, hips and arms.

Radio frequency-assisted liposuction

Radio frequency-assisted liposuction uses electromagnetic waves sent between the cannula beneath the skin and an electrode on the skin’s surface. These waves heat and melt the fat, making it easier to suction out. While this liposuction treatment option offers skin tightening benefits, there is also a chance of burns, and the fat that’s removed cannot be reused in fat transfer processes like breast augmentation or BBL.

ThermaLipo

ThermaLipo is a combination treatment that uses both tumescent liposuction and a radiofrequency treatment called Thermage® that gently heats and tightens the skin. The result is fat reduction with minimal downtime, reduced scarring and smoother skin.

The best type of liposuction will depend on which areas you want to treat, how much fat needs to be removed, recovery time preferences and your skin tightening goals.

Skin Tightening With Liposuction

In some cases, skin tightening may be useful in addition to liposuction. Devices such as QuantumRF by InMode or Renuvion can achieve additional improvement in skin laxity or texture.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have stubborn pockets of fat that haven’t responded to diet or exercise. Candidates should also be nonsmokers in overall good health and within 30% of their ideal body weight. Tight, elastic skin is also beneficial to limit sagging once excess fat is removed.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction can be performed at a hospital, a surgical center or an outpatient medical facility. Here’s what to expect before, during and after a liposuction procedure.

Preparation

Before getting liposuction, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a licensed plastic surgeon to review your goals, the types of liposuction and costs. You may be asked to provide a health history, get lab work done and pause or adjust current medications before the procedure.

Procedure

The liposuction procedure begins with anesthesia. You may be offered general anesthesia or intravenous sedation based on the body location being targeted and the type of liposuction. Next, small incisions are made in the treatment area. A diluted, local anesthesia is often injected to reduce bleeding and pain in the area. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is then inserted into the area to suction out the excess fat. Depending on the type of liposuction you’re receiving, aids such as physical vibrations, ultrasound or radiofrequency may be used to help remove fat.

Once the excess fat has been removed, the incisions will be closed and bandaged. Depending on the liposuction location, you may be fitted with compression garments to help minimize postprocedural swelling.

Recovery

Immediately following a liposuction procedure, you may experience bruising or discomfort, which can limit your ability to carry out daily activities. In some cases, drainage tubes may be used to remove excess fluid from the treatment areas.

A typical recovery may unfold in the following way:

• Week 1: Expect swelling and soreness. Compression garments and prescription pain medication can help mitigate these symptoms.
• Week 2: Swelling should decrease, and mobility will continue to return. Many individuals can transition to over-the-counter pain medications. Walking and gentle movements are often encouraged if they don’t agitate incision areas.
• Weeks 3 and 4: Follow your doctor’s recommendations about using compression garments, which may be tapered off during this time. Itching and tenderness at the treatment areas is common.
• Months 2-6: Swelling will continue to decrease, the incision site will heal and the results of the procedure will begin to manifest. Skin firmness and smoothness will continue to improve for liposuction treatments that address skin laxity.

Note that results from liposuction can take six to 12 months to appear. Incisions are usually small, but if they are noticeable, they will continue to fade over time.

Possible Side Effects

Liposuction is a surgical procedure completed under anesthesia. Potential complications or side effects may include:

• Anesthesia reactions
• Bruising and swelling
• Changes to skin sensation or texture
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Irregular or poor wound healing
• Thermal burns
• Unintended damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles or surrounding organs

Talk to your surgeon about the possible complications and side effects of liposuction before the procedure.

Is Liposuction Right for You? Next Steps to Consider

If you’re looking to address stubborn areas of fat that haven’t improved with diet and exercise, liposuction may be worth exploring. The best way to determine if it’s right for you is to consult with a licensed surgeon who can evaluate your goals, discuss treatment options and outline expected results. Understanding the costs, recovery process and financing options can help you feel more confident as you take the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction

Still have questions about liposuction? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the procedure.

Financing Liposuction With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for liposuction and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Brian Reagan, M.D., F.A.C.S., a renowned specialist within his field, has spent many years in training and practice. His experience includes writing published articles and completing a National Institute of Health research grant on the science of wound healing and trauma. Dr. Reagan specializes in plastic surgery of the face, breast and body, and is one of the few plastic surgeons in the country skilled in the novel drainless tummy tuck technique.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.