The Skinny
Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board
What is the average cost of liposuction?
The average cost of a liposuction procedure according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimated cost between $3,500 to just over $3,600 in 2020. Liposuction cost will vary significantly due to numerous variables. When considering booking a procedure, these other possible expenses (more on them below!) can start to add up.
Candidates considering liposuction will find it helpful to understand the elements that contribute to the overall cost of a cosmetic liposuction procedure. The table below offers an outline of these factors.
Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Liposuction Procedure
| Cost Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Type of Liposuction | Tumescent vs. Energy-Assisted |
| Provider | Training, experience, specialty |
| Consultation Fee | May or may not be applied towards procedure cost |
| Anesthesiologist Fee | Training, experience |
| Location | Facility fees vary by region |
| Recovery Expenses | Special equipment, follow ups, etc. |
The Specifics
What are the most common types of liposuction?
It’s safe to assume we all generally understand what liposuction is. This safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure has few side effects and creates excellent results. We’ll mention here that liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, rather it is an adjunctive treatment for stubborn fat deposits.
There are numerous types of liposuction that vary slightly in their technique and indications. Let’s briefly review them:
The most appropriate liposuction technique for a candidate will depend on the individual and the area to be treated. A consultation with a provider will help to determine the best procedure for you.
What affects the cost of liposuction?
To continue our cost deep dive, let’s look more specifically at the variables we introduced above. Keep in mind, the information provided is a general cost estimate and conversations with providers you are considering offers the most accurate assessment of procedure costs. The following information will help you better understand the questions to ask and factors to consider when going into a consultation.
As we mentioned, there are numerous areas that can be treated via liposuction. The table below provides a few more details specific to liposuction procedures by specific area.
Liposuction Treatment Areas and Impact on Cost
| Body Area | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Larger area with typically higher cost |
| Hips | Medium-sized area with average cost |
| Thighs | Medium to larger area with possibly higher costs |
| Buttocks | Medium to larger area with possibly higher costs |
| Back | Medium-sized area with average cost |
| Arms | Medium-sized area with average cost |
| Submental (chin) | Smaller area typically with lower costs |
What does the cost of liposuction include?
With all of the variations in procedures reviewed, you may still be wondering what you’re actually paying for in a liposuction procedure cost. The cost of the provider performing the procedure is typically what gets quoted as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee’ of the liposuction and this includes your provider’s business related expenses like rent, staff, insurance, and supplies in addition to their personal salary.
The total cost of the liposuction starts to increase as additional variables are added. The other medical staff in the room (anesthesiologist, nurses, medical assistants), the tools and supplies used during your liposuction (needles, gauze, gowns, gloves, etc.), the cost of any needed medications (sedatives, pain medications, antibiotics), and the fee for using the facility’s procedure or operating room.
You should also keep in mind the personal expenses you will encounter during your aesthetic journey. These may include consultation fees, travel, pre-procedure care, missed time from work, and recovery supplies for comfort.
How much does liposuction cost?
We know what you’re probably thinking at this point: What kind of numbers are we actually talking about? The following table provides cost range estimates by specific liposuction procedure type, inclusive of all the variables we discussed (minus personal expenses). The ranges are large, but they can help give you a sense of which liposuction procedure types are more costly.
Average Liposuction Cost by Procedure Type
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tumescent Liposuction | $2,000 to $11,000 |
| Liposculpture | $1,400 to $9,500 |
| Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction | $1,500 to $10,000 |
| Power-Assisted Liposuction | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Laser-Assisted Liposuction | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction | $2,500 to $8,500 |
| SmartLipo | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| SlimLipo | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Water Jet-Assisted Liposuction | $4,500 to $10,000 |
How much does liposuction cost across the United States?
Another significant factor: location, location, location. We’ve already cited the ASPS 2020 Statistics Report that shows a high percentage of all liposuctions occurred along the coasts. It’s probably not surprising then plastic surgery costs tend to be higher in coastal geographic locations.
The table below breaks down liposuction costs by state. The numbers in this table are from zip codes selected from the capital of each listed state.
Average Liposuction Cost by State
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Alaska | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Arizona | $2,000-$8,500 |
| Arkansas | $1,600-$13,000 |
| California | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Colorado | $2,000-$8,500 |
| Connecticut | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Delaware | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Florida | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Georgia | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Hawaii | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Idaho | $2,000-$8,500 |
| Illinois | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Indiana | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Iowa | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Kansas* | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Kentucky | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Louisiana | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Maine | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Maryland | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Massachusetts | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Michigan | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Minnesota | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Mississippi | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Missouri | $1,600-$13,700 |
| Montana* | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Nebraska | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Nevada | $1,000-$20,000 |
| New Hampshire | $2,000-$16,000 |
| New Jersey | $2,000-$16,000 |
| New Mexico | $2,000-$8,500 |
| New York | $2,000-$16,000 |
| North Carolina | $2,000-$8,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Ohio | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Oklahoma | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Oregon | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Rhode Island | $2,000-$16,000 |
| South Carolina* | $1,000-$20,000 |
| South Dakota | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Tennessee | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Texas | $2,000-$8,500 |
| Utah | $2,000-$8,500 |
| Vermont | $1,200-$10,000 |
| Virginia | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Washington | $1,000-$20,000 |
| Washington DC | $2,000-$16,000 |
| West Virginia | $2,000-$16,000 |
| Wisconsin | $1,600-$13,000 |
| Wyoming | $2,000-$8,500 |
*these states are presented as national averages as specific information is not available
How much does liposuction cost around the world?
For those considering pursuing liposuction procedures abroad, the table below looks at average cost ranges in select countries around the world. Remember to add in travel costs, the reputation of the provider and facility, and expenses related to recovery times. The table below reflects costs converted to U.S. dollars.
Average Liposuction Cost by Country in USD
| Country | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Canada | $1,000 to $9,000 |
| Mexico | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Colombia | $900 to $4,500 |
| United Kingdom | $1,500 to $8,500 |
| Australia | $1,000 to $9,000 |
| Japan | $1,000 to $8,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | $1,000 to $9,000 |
Does insurance cover the cost of liposuction?
Will insurance cover my procedure? It’s a common question, and the answer is maybe. Yes, we understand that is not helpful. These definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) are:
The difference in the definitions is the key takeaway. Cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance (well most aren’t... sometimes a tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation may be covered). Reconstructive surgeries may be. In the case of liposuction procedures, there is never a functional or medically indicated reason to perform the procedure. Given the cosmetic nature of liposuction, insurance is not going to assist with or cover costs.
The Takeaway
Traditional liposuction for excess fat is a safe and effective procedure for excess fat (not weight loss). With minimal bruising and swelling, a liposuction treatment can have major body contouring benefits. Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of what factors to consider when determining if liposuction is the right cosmetic and financial choice for you.
