When considering liposuction, this is one of the most common questions patients will have. As an elective procedure, you would expect it to cost more than an urgent or semi-elective procedure, but this is not always the case. You might even expect the cost to be higher simply because it is in the Big Apple and everything costs more in metropolitan areas, right? This might not be the case either. The cost of liposuction in NYC does depend on certain factors but the geographical location isn’t always one of them. To address this question, let’s first take a look at what liposuction is and what it is meant to treat. (Source: https://www.thelipogroup.com/liposuction/)
What Exactly Is Liposuction?
In effect, liposuction is simply a procedure whereby fat is removed from the body and it falls within the scope of cosmetic surgery. Therefore, a cosmetic surgeon will perform the procedure and would be the professional to discuss any personal questions you might have in terms of what is needed and how much it would cost. Also, it depends on what area of the body needs fat reduction and how large an area is in question. There are a number of variables to be considered when talking about cost so it is almost impossible to give an exact estimate unless you are seen by the surgeon who will be performing the procedure.
Cost Affected By Technologies
Next on the list of things that could affect the cost of liposuction would be the technologies used in the procedure. These would include:
- PAL – Power Assisted Liposuction
- VASER Liposuction
- Radio-frequency liposuction
Each of these technologies cost more or less than others so it would first need to be determined exactly how the surgeon would be doing the procedure. That is to say, which technology or technologies would be involved.
Qualifications of the Surgeon
No matter where you live in the world, the fees a doctor charges are almost always in keeping with his or her qualifications. Not all cosmetic surgeons are created equal and some simply have specializations above and beyond what it takes to be a plastic/cosmetic surgeon. Some have had intensive training in one or more areas within the field and thus can fetch higher prices for the procedures they do. It’s the same in literally any industry, so that is something you can expect. However, in this case, you are looking at a medical specialization and that is something you should be willing to pay for when getting the best in the field.
Ballpark Figures
Again, although it is impossible to estimate how much a procedure will cost until you speak with the surgeon who will be giving the procedure, there are ballpark figures you can use to consider affordability. For example, liposuction to the abdomen can range between $2,500 to $8,000 depending on which area of the abdomen is being treated and then how much of that region will be treated. So, location and size are two important factors as well as the above mentioned technologies. Procedures can be performed on literally any area of the body where stubborn fat pockets reside after diet and exercise. It could be the neck and chin area, under the arms, the abdomen, the buttocks or even the arms. Liposuction is a procedure meant to help contour the body and the cost will be contingent upon the exact procedure.
What to Avoid
Although a bit of comparison shopping is to be encouraged, don’t think that this means you should choose the cheapest procedure you can find. In fact, when it comes to anything related to the medical field, it is probably advisable to avoid procedures that are within the lowest prices you can find. Remember, you do get what you pay for and all those letters after that MD signify expertise above and beyond what it takes to be licensed as a surgeon. The cheapest procedures often leave few to no visible results and can also lead to overcorrection, leaving the patient disfigured. When cutting costs, some doctors have left visible scars on a patient or perhaps their ‘streamlined’ procedures led to complications which then had to be addressed.
Back to the Beginning
This brings us full circle back to the beginning. Why are you looking for a liposuction procedure? It is all about cosmetics and the reduction of fat pockets which couldn’t be eliminated by any other means. Whether going on a weight loss diet or hitting the gym three times a week, nothing helped to eliminate those unsightly pockets of fat. If you are going to pay for a procedure to help you look your best, then you should be willing to pay what it costs to actually look your best when all is said and done. How much does liposuction cost in NYC? It costs what it takes to get the results you are after, and that’s the truth.
