This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Kaplan M.D., M.P.H
Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery which removes fat deposits from your body. Liposuction is widely used as a way to lose excess fat in a relatively quick manner. Most liposuction/fat removal patients do so for cosmetic and/or health reasons. Liposuction is usually not covered by health insurance however, and needs to be paid for out of pocket. In this guide we discuss the average cost of liposuction and what you should expect to pay based on the body part you want targeted and other fees associated with the procedure.
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How Much Does Liposuction/Fat Removal Surgery Cost? $5,152
So how much does liposuction cost? Generally speaking, the cost of liposuction from a board-certified plastic surgeon ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 with an average cost of $3,548 , though can be upwards of $20,000 for a full body fat removal surgery according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. According to Dr. Kaplan of Pacific Heights Plastic Surgery however, the true average cost of liposuction is around $5,152 for abdomen liposuction (which is most common). Having liposuction to remove excess fat can be immensely helpful as a cosmetic procedure but is generally not recommended purely for fat loss according to Dr.Kaplan. Like many kinds of plastic surgery, your liposuction cost can vary quite a bit depending on many factors and can be expensive due to the need for a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized skills and training.
What is Included in Liposuction Cost?
Keep in mind, the surgeon’s fee isn’t the only amount that goes into your final liposuction cost. While surgeon fees are the largest portion, there are other fees included in the final bill. The next largest costs are the facility and general anesthesia fees. Anesthesia amounts depend on the length of the procedure and your body weight. The location will charge a fee for the use of their facility, however, a surgical center will often be less expensive than a hospital.
All cosmetic surgeries also come with peripheral costs. Before the procedure, you’ll need office visits for an assessment, to determine procedure specifications, and ensure you’re healthy enough for surgery. This can also include pre-op blood work. The surgery will require the use of supplies like a compression garment for which you can be charged. You’ll also have to pay for any post-op care, maintenance medications, and follow-up visits.
In Review: Costs Associated with Fat Removal Surgery
- Surgeon’s Fee
- Anesthesia Fees
- Facility Fees
- Pre-surgery tests
- Compression garments
- Post-Op care
Average Cost of Liposuction by Area of the Body
Fat cells spread throughout the body and accumulate in at least ten areas. Sometimes traditional weight loss methods prove ineffective. Liposuction can remove unwanted fat in most areas of the body. Where on your body you choose to remove excess fat can affect the cost.
Full Body Fat Removal Cost?
When performing liposuction on multiple areas, board-certified plastic surgeons will typically charge $4,000 for the first area and $2,000 for each additional area. Since there are at least ten different areas of the body where it can be done, it could cost upward of $20,000 for full-body fat removal. With so many procedures, the surgeon may provide additional discounts or charge extra fees for the additional time spent.
Arm Fat Removal Cost?
Arm fat liposuction generally costs between $2,000 to $5,500. Dr.Kaplan puts the average at $3,975
Stomach Fat Removal Cost
The stomach region consists of the upper and lower abdominal area. If you just want them to focus on your lower abdomen, the cost will range from $2,500 to $7,500, with an average of $5,152. If you want both, it will be more like $3,800 to $8,000.
Chin Fat Removal Cost?
Liposuction near the chin typically includes the surrounding areas such as the neck, jowls, and cheeks. The cost of this area usually runs from about $2,500 to $5,000. The average is $4,436 according to Dr. Kaplan.
| Surgery Type | Average Price |
| Abdominal liposuction | $5,152 |
| Arm liposcution | $3,975 |
| Chin liposuction | $4,436 |
Liposuction Surgery Cost by State
The geographic location can also change the price. Due to the different cost of living and office space rental prices in each city, typically higher in more densely populated areas, the price can vary from place to place. Here are some example locations and liposuction cost averages:
- Houston: $6,000
- Miami: $4,900
- Atlanta: $5,575
- Chicago: $5,725
- Los Angeles: $6,550
Is Liposuction Covered by Insurance?
Like other cosmetic procedures such a rhinoplasty, Liposuction typically isn’t covered by insurance because of its designation as cosmetic surgery. Some insurance companies will make an exception if the procedure is deemed medically necessary, usually due to weight loss needs and obesity-related health conditions. Each insurance provider has a different set of criteria though, so check with yours specifically. A non-surgical and cheaper option for aesthetically losing fat may be coolsculpting.
Liposuction Surgery Cost vs Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost
There are three different types of tummy tucks that remove excess fat and skin from different areas. Mini tummy tucks focus on only the lower abdomen, traditional tummy tucks deal with the entire abdomen, and extended tummy tucks also include the sides and back. Since tummy tucks and liposuction both range in extent, both can typically cost from around $4,000 to about $20,000. Keep in mind though, liposuction doesn’t deal with excess skin or loose muscles while tummy tucks don’t help with the appearance of the extremities or neck. Patients looking to drastically reduce body weight and/or address several issues at once should consider a combination of both.
Bottom Line
A liposuction procedure is a good option for people looking to remove excess fat and reduce body weight. While weight loss is important, it’s natural to worry about the liposuction cost. Check with your insurance to see if you qualify to have it covered and if not, talk to your surgeon about possible payment plan options available.