Liposuction: Cost and Types

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Many women wonder if liposuction is for them. Concerns about cost, type to have performed and the qualifications of the doctor make decision making difficult. According to the plasticsurgeryguide.com, “The national average surgeon fee for liposuction in 2010 averaged $2,884 according to ASAPS and $2,769 according to ASPS.”

ASAPS stands for the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. ASPS is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Liposuction.com has a chart based on body location treated, and prices range from being as low as $1,500 to $4,500 for the buttocks and $3,000 to $7,500 for the breasts and $1,500 to $5,000 for the arms.

There are even more variables involved in the cost of having liposuction. Surgeons charge different fees based on their experience and skill. There are additional costs associated with the use of the surgical suites, supplies, tests and medications used.

Different types of liposuction have a range of pricing. For instance, ultrasonic liposuction costs more than tumescent liposuction because the equipment and cost of training the doctor’s staff is more expensive.

How much liposuction is needed, meaning how much fat needs to be removed, and from where, will also be a guiding factor in cost. Parts of the body that have more fat are actually easier to perform liposuction on as opposed to the face or neck which require more time and skill.

There are a number of different types of liposuction and this is where finding a knowledgeable and skilled surgeon is truly important.

Tumescent liposuction: The most commonly-used technique, it uses local anesthesia. The area is infiltrated with a dilute lidocaine solution and a capillary constricting drug (epinephrine). A cannula is used to separate fat cells which are then suctioned out of the body. This combination of medications provides long-lasting pain relief in the hours after the procedure.

Vaser liposuction: Uses ultrasound high frequency vibration to break fat cells apart instead of a cannula to move the fat cells apart. The fat is then suctioned out using a smaller cannula. It is considered to be gentler than tumescent liposuction.

Non-invasive liposuction: Uses low light therapy to stimulate the fat cells to release their contents into the body, which are then used as energy. Since the fat cells are not actually removed, there is no recovery time needed.

Non-surgical liposuction: There are two main techniques – chemical injection and thermage (laser). Chemical injection, as the name describes, involves injecting chemicals that break down the fatty areas to reduce them. The chemicals leave the body in the person’s urine. Thermage is the use of various lasers to heat and melt the fatty areas. This technique also can tighten skin.

Finding a skilled Plastic surgeon:

Besides getting personal references and recommendations from knowing friends and coworkers, it is important to check the qualifications of the doctor you have chosen to work. Visiting the facility where the procedure will be done is recommended. Below are two organizations that provide certification for this area of practice.

ASAPS: The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons at http://www.surgery.org

ASPS: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons at
http://www.plasticsurgery.org

Remember, liposuction has the same risks as any surgery. Make sure your doctor explains what those risks are and exactly how he thinks your recovery will go based on the liposuction technique that has been chosen.

Sources:

How Much Does Liposuction Cost? Liposuction price range. PlasticSurgeryGuide.com. Web. 4. Sept. 2011.
http://www.plasticsurgeryguide.com/how-much-does-liposuction-cost.html

Cost of Liposuction. Liposuction.com. Web. 4. Sept. 2011.
http://www.liposuction.com/cost-of-liposuction.html

Liposuction Techniques. Liposuction.com. Web. 4. Sept. 2011.
http://www.liposuction.com/liposuction-technique.html

Non Surgical Liposuction Overview. NonSurgicalLiposuctionGuide.com. Web. 4. Sept. 2011. http://www.nonsurgicalliposuctionguide.com/

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

Edited by Jody Smith

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Michele Blacksberg RN HERWriter View Profile Send Message

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.