The average cost of liposuction is not easy to decide because too many factors are involved. The cost will be dependent upon the region that is to be operated upon, the surgeon that will operate, the procedure that is chosen, and the age of the patient. Each of these factors heavily influence the average cost of liposuction. However, if you are looking for just a number, $3000 to $5000 would be a good estimate. The actual cost could go up or down by $1000-1500 depending on the previously mentioned factors.

The List that Totals the Average Cost of Liposuction

In order to work out the possible average cost for liposuction, you may like to use this indicative list which can make for a pretty accurate average cost. Keep in mind though that there are always some extras that you have not considered and for the contingency a ten percent overhead would be a safe bet.

1. The fat amount to be extracted: Depending upon how much is required to be removed, the time for the surgery is worked out. This also influences what method the doctors will use, which will also go into the cost factors. So, here time and method are the points to keep in mind.
2. Your sex: You may be surprised to know that the fat in men is different from the fat in women. Men have a tougher fat which is fibrous while women have it loose. Hence it takes more time to remove the fat in men than women, making it more expensive for the former.
3. Anesthesia: Depending upon what type of anesthesia is involved in your surgery, the cost will fluctuate. In case you need general anesthesia, then the cost will be definitely higher than if local anesthesia is used.
4. Area of the body to be treated: The more areas you have to be treated the more complicated will be the procedure, the more time it will take and the more methods will be used. All these will contribute to cost raise.
5. Method of liposuction: There are many methods of liposuction; some expensive and some cost-efficient. Depending upon which method you choose for yourself or you require the cost involved will be worked out. Hence, be informed about what methods are the most effective as well as cost efficient.
6. Region where the liposuction is effected: The bigger the city the costlier the medical facilities. Hence, you should be aware that small county hospitals will definitely charge less that super metro cities.
7. Miscellaneous expenses: There are a lot of extras involved in the overall cost of a surgery. Sometimes tips alone work out to a few hundreds. There is food, travel, accommodation (of you are having the surgery outside the place you live in) and medicines.

The abdomen is the most common requested area for abdominal liposuction by both men and women who desire a flatter stomach. Both men and women have excess abdominal fat in the upper, lower, or both areas of the stomach.

It is not common that abdominal liposuction is used as a weight loss technique. However, people requesting abdominal liposuction generally have tried various significant types of exercise programs and even though they have benefited in other ways from the program, they just can not get rid of the excess fat around the stomach area.

Tumescent Liposuction

The most common technique of abdominal liposuction is the tumescent liposuction (tumescent meaning to become swollen). With this technique only a local anesthesia is required, eliminating the cost and risk that are associated with a general anesthesia, in addition trauma and blood losses are significantly reduced with this technique.

Tumescent technique involves the use of a much diluted solution of local anesthetic which is injected where the abdominal liposuction is to be performed, numbing the area and reducing the bleeding.

How it works is the tumescent solution is injected into the fat tissue before the abdominal liposuction is performed and what it actually does is pumps up the fatty compartment where the liposuctions is going to performed therefore reducing the bleeding.

Two Kinds of Abdominal Fat

There are two kinds of abdominal fat and they are subcutaneous which means right under the skin, and intra-abdominal fat. Intra-abdominal fat is located inside the intestinal loops near what is called the mesentery, this type of abdominal fat can not be eliminated by abdominal liposuction because it is inside the abdomen and not directly beneath the skin.

To test and see which kind of tummy fat you have, you can grab a roll of fat between the fingers and thumb and if you can easily move this fat up and down. the chances are that it is subcutaneous which can be treated by abdominal liposuction. Of course your doctor will ultimately determine what kind of tummy fat you have.

Recovery

Most people that have an abdominal liposuction performed are able to get up and walk around immediately after the surgery; in fact it is recommended that you take a small walk the same day and it is also recommended that the patient is somewhat active rather than lying in bed.

Usually there are no prescription pains medications involved, on occasions Tylenol with codeine is prescribed but most of the time any type of aspirin for pain will suffice.
There is usually a lot of tumescent drainage after the first twenty-four hours and will continue for the next forty-eight to seventy-two hours of abdominal liposuction.

Everyone wants a “perfect” body. For some it’s complete perfection, no fat, lean muscle and clear skin. For others, it’s just getting rid of extra fat. If you want to achieve your physical best, diet and exercise are a must and a necessity. But if you want to go the extra mile and get rid of that stubborn fat, liposuction may be a very attractive option.

If you are considering liposuction, here are some facts you should know before making your decision:

Basics

Liposuction is a procedure in which fat deposits are surgically removed from a specific area of the body. It includes, but is not limited to the abdomen, thighs, knees, breasts, buttocks, arms, back and other areas which have excess fat. Plastic surgeons recommend that people within their normal weight are the best candidates for liposuction.

The Procedure

When going in for liposuction, a patient is put under anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision in the area, and inserts a vacuum-like instrument that will push and pull the fat until it is lose enough to be suctioned out.
After the surgery, which is simply a day procedure, the patient will have an elastic garment worn around the area operated on. They will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, and will be advised not to do any major activity for at least a few months. The patient may experience minor pain and swelling in the area. Within 10 days, the stitches are removed or fall out.

The Costs

Costs of liposuction generally include surgical and non-surgical fee. Surgical fees include the actual cost of the operation, which is dependant upon what area is being operated on, and the size of the patient. Non-surgical fees include the pre-op lab tests, supplies, nursing staff, and the cost to use the operating room. It would be wise to first get a written estimate by the surgeon on how much it is actually going to cost you. Most health plans do not cover liposuction because it is considered a “cosmetic” procedure. But there are other financial options to cover the expense of the procedure.

Considering liposuction is a choice entirely up to you. Surgeons recommend having realistic expectations of your body, and not going overboard with trying to perfect it. But, if you want to have mental as well as physical satisfaction, liposuction may be a viable option.