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For those interested in liposuction, the first question is often ‘what does it do?’ The second question is nearly always ‘how much does it cost?’
Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted answer to this second question, but we can tell you what factors are included in calculating the cost of liposuction surgery.
What Factors Influence My Liposuction Cost?
Liposuction costs vary depending on a series of factors which may not be obvious to those unfamiliar with the procedure. Below are the factors that can have a significant impact:
Liposuction Procedure
1. What type of liposuction (tumescent or PAL) are you considering?
There are several liposuction techniques, which come at varying costs. Tumescent liposuction is the traditional form of liposuction, but it is not always as comfortable or effective as more complex techniques.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) tends to be more effective for denser fat areas, but this additional technique can influence costs.
2. How much fat is being removed?
Liposuction can, under ideal conditions, safely remove roughly five liters (10 to 12 pounds) of fat from a given area. For many patients, the amount removed will be less, which reduces the cost of the treatment.
3. How many areas are being treated?
The more areas treated, the higher costs will run. On the other hand, it may be cheaper to get multiple areas treated at once rather than spending more money for a second procedure.
Surgeon’s Fees
Different plastic surgeons charge different amounts for liposuction, depending on a few factors.
1. How much experience do they have?
Plastic surgeons who have a longer track record of successful operations tend to charge more for their procedures. This can drive up costs, but also gives a better rate of return, as you are more likely to be satisfied with your results and less likely to have expensive or painful complications.
2. Location, location, location
Plastic surgeons often cost more in places where there are more of them.
Places like the West Coast or the Northeast are likely to have more expensive procedures than elsewhere in the country. On the other hand, more competition means you may have more options to pick from.
3. What is their certification?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between the person offering BOTOX® Cosmetic at the local mall and the elite plastic surgeon touching up celebrities for the big bucks? Here it is. There are a number of different certification levels, and the higher up you go, the better quality (and more expensive) operations tend to get.
Your options range from licensed practitioners to board-certified plastic surgeons.
Board-certified plastic surgeon: These doctors are world-class. They have years of specialized training, access to high-quality medical supplies, and routinely must pass rigorous inspections and examinations to maintain their certification. This is the best option in terms of quality of care but can come with a higher price tag.
Anesthesia Fees
Another factor that can influence cost is your choice of anesthesia. Local or general anesthesia is available and requires the presence of a certified anesthesiologist. That can cost a fair bit, so be sure to ask what anesthesia fees are included for your procedure.
The other factors regarding anesthesia costs are time and area. The more areas of your body that need to be numbed, and the longer you are under, the more expensive your anesthesia will be. This means that shorter and simpler procedures can reduce your anesthesia fees, but said decision could cost you in other ways down the line.
Facility Fees
Plastic surgery is usually done in one of two places. The first (and most obvious) is a hospital where the plastic surgeon is licensed to work. The other option, which can vary in price, is doing the procedure in a private surgery center.
Dr. Oliver Jr. and Dr. Jack in Birmingham, Alabama, have an accredited surgery center in the Liberty Park area. This facility has the highest level of accreditation for a facility of this type.
Combined Procedures
If you are planning more than one procedure, it’s usually cheaper to get them all done at once (as opposed to separate times). You can get multiple procedures done while only paying one set of fees for the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility. For greater savings, consider these procedures, which are commonly done along with liposuction.
- Breast augmentation surgery
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Body lift surgery
- Fat transfer (fat grafting)
What Can I Expect for My Liposuction Cost in Birmingham?
Dr. Oliver Jr. and Dr. Jack are board-certified plastic surgeons in Birmingham, Alabama, who set their price for liposuction between $3,500-$4,500 for a single area and $4,500-7,000 for multiple areas.
Interested in Learning More?
If you would like to learn more about liposuction or the cost of your procedure, contact the Birmingham Specialists or call us at 205-298-8660.