So, how much does it cost to get liposuction on your stomach? If you’re considering liposuction surgery, then cost is an important factor to consider. However, what’s even more important than the liposuction cost is the quality of the procedure. The ultimate goal of every reputable surgeon is to have a happy patient who is pleased with their results. Call us at Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Marietta, GA today to discuss your options with a qualified medical professional.
Low-Cost Liposuction May Be Too Good to Be True
When it comes to liposuction, choosing a surgeon based only on the cost of the procedure can lead to even more expenses down the road. If you’re unsatisfied with the initial cosmetic results, you may feel the need to pay another surgeon to repair the previous one’s work.
It’s best to get liposuction from an experienced, quality surgeon who knows what they’re doing and how to elicit the results you want. Low-cost liposuction is often performed by surgeons who may lack experience in the procedure and are therefore unable to provide you with the results you want and the quality you deserve.
Things to Know About Liposuction Costs
On average, the surgeon’s fee for liposuction on the stomach will be about $2,000. But, liposuction cost is influenced by a variety of factors and can change from patient to patient. Those factors include the size of the patient; the amount of time and effort required from the surgeon; the cost of the anesthesiologist’s service; operating room fees; preoperative laboratory fees; and other related expenses, such as compression garments.
Time and Effort of the Surgeon Are Important
The most important factor in determining liposuction cost is the expected time and effort that is required of the surgeon to accomplish the surgery. The factors that affect this include the number of areas being treated, the size of the patient, and the anticipated degree of difficulty.
For example, the cost of liposuction surgery on the stomach will be less than if the procedure is performed on the stomach and the thighs at the same time. This is because it takes more effort to do liposuction on more than one part of the body. Also, the cost of liposuction on a patient who weighs 200lbs may be less than the cost to perform the procedure on a patient who only weighs 140lbs.
Liposuction requires more effort and expertise if the patient has previously gained and lost a significant amount of weight.
There Are Additional Cost-Affecting Variables
As to the question “how much does liposuction cost?”, There are other variables that may affect the cost of your prcedure are the experience of the surgeon and how busy they are. A surgeon who has performed many, many liposuction procedures and can consistently achieve outstanding results likely will be in higher demand than other, less-experienced surgeons. As such, the cost of going with the more experienced option will probably be more.
Telephone Estimates Aren’t Precise
Be wary of telephone estimates as they are often very general ballpark figures. To truly receive an accurate liposuction cost, you will need to physically meet with your surgeon so they can examine you. These preliminary examinations need to be conducted so your surgeon can get a complete understanding of your shape and condition. Without this, they can’t quote you an accurate price.
Cost Isn’t Everything
While you’re deciding on a plastic surgeon, remember that cost shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor; the surgeon’s experience with the procedure, in addition to your comfort level with them, are equally important, if not more so. Dr. Okoro takes time with patients to gain a thorough understanding of your goals so as to get you the best possible outcome. Your safety and long-term satisfaction with the procedure are both very important to Dr. Okoro.
Why Choose Dr. Okoro?
Dr. Okoro is a highly-experienced board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon who performs ten to twelve liposuctions a week. Any physician can call themselves a cosmetic surgeon without any formal training. Board-certified plastic and cosmetic surgeons, however, undergo rigorous training in a variety of procedures in order to produce the best possible results. When you come to our office for your initial consultation, you will meet directly with Dr. Okoro – not a salesperson – to discuss your wants and needs. Dr. Okoro will also personally see you for all follow-up appointments.
When you come to our office, you’ll be treated like family because we value and appreciate all of our patients. Our safety profile is excellent and our assurance policy is unbeatable. We usually perform liposuction as an outpatient procedure, using local anesthesia. However, depending on the extent of the treatment, it can be performed under general anesthesia as well.
What Happens During the Consultation?
It is during your initial consultation that you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals with your surgeon. Dr. Okoro can then evaluate you as a candidate for liposuction and make it clear what the procedure can and cannot do for you. Once your goals and medical condition are understood, your surgeon will be able to give you an accurate cost for your procedure.
During your consultation, you may be asked to point to the part(s) of your body you want to see improved. Your surgeon may take pictures of you, including 3D photos, particularly if the target treatment areas are located on the rear side of your body. Doing so helps your surgeon understand your expectations and determine if liposuction is the procedure to achieve them.
Ideal candidates possess excellent skin tone/tissue elasticity with isolated areas of excess fat. Your surgeon will evaluate your skin and discuss with you your ideal and current weight. If weight loss is necessary, they will probably suggest a weight loss program before surgery.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat from your body using suction. During the procedure, small, thin, blunt-tipped tubes, known as cannulas, are inserted through small incisions in the skin. Your surgeon will move these tubes under your skin to target fat deposits and then suck them out. There are several techniques that can be used to facilitate fat removal.
Tumescent Liposuction
This procedure uses a “wetting solution” with a local anesthetic (such as lidocaine) and another medication in IV fluids that are injected prior to surgery. These medications cause blood vessels to shrink down and constrict, thereby allowing liposuction to be performed with the patient under local anesthesia as well as minimizing blood loss, postsurgical discomfort, and bleeding.
Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)
This is the most traditional form of liposuction and draws out body fat with a vacuum.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
PAL is a traditional SAL with the addition of a special tool used to increase the motion of the cannula, speeding up fat removal.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
With this technique, a small handpiece transmits energy that helps loosen and melt fat, allowing for a greater volume of fat to be removed during the procedure. UAL is best for procedures targeting larger areas, dense fat, and on some male patients.
Vaser
Vaser is a variation of UAL. It uses an ultrasonic cannula with several grooves that evenly disperse the energy from the hand-held device, improving fat disruption and removal.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
LAL, sometimes referred to as Smartlipo and Slimlipo, is a relatively new bit of surgical technology. The idea is that the laser works like the ultrasound used in UAL to disrupt the fat cells and make their removal more efficient and less traumatic.
The Three Phases of LAL
Laser-assisted liposuction surgery is broken down into three phases, including separation, aspiration, and fat equalization.
Separation
During this phase, the surgeon loosens, emulsifies, and separates out the unwanted fat cells without generating heat so that essential blood vessels, skin, and other tissues are unharmed.
Aspiration
Suction is used to gently remove fat cells without damaging supporting structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and skin.
Fat Equalization
This phase smooths out the remaining thin layer of fat, leaving behind a uniform layer of local fat grafts that prevents contour deformities from appearing.
Choosing Among Your Options
As you can see, there are many methods for performing liposuction surgery, each with its own technique and, most importantly, associated costs. You and your surgeon will determine the best approach for you, taking into consideration your individual body shape and the results you’re looking to achieve.
The liposuction cost associated with your procedure can vary depending on the technique used. It’s important to discuss these costs with your surgeon at your initial consultation.
What Will Incisions and Scars Look Like?
If you’re worried about post-procedure scarring–don’t be! Liposuction incisions are small and so are the scars associated with it. The amount or degree of scarring will depend largely on your genetic tendencies. If you’re genetically predisposed to dark scarring, your liposuction scars may be dark as well. However, it’s important to remember that they will be both small and hidden in areas typically covered by clothes. Due to their tiny size, most liposuction scars fade and are barely perceptible after a period.
How Long Do the Results of Liposuction Last?
The results of liposuction surgery, regardless of the technique that is used, are typically considered being permanent since fat cells are removed from your body. However, it is extremely important to note that your body shape and contours may be affected by weight gain, pregnancy, familial genes, and lifestyle factors. You will be given a thorough understanding of what to do after your procedure to ensure the best results possible. We’ll instruct you on the use of your compression garments which can help control swelling.
It is critical that you follow a healthy lifestyle post-surgery to maintain your liposuction results. If you have plans to get pregnant in the future, your surgeon may advise you to wait for surgery until after your pregnancy.
Consider Liposuction for Yourself
Liposuction is a procedure in which fat is removed from the body to create a more pleasing contour. The best candidates for liposuction are those who are looking to lose stubborn weight and who have pockets of exercise and diet-resistant fat on their bodies. There are a variety of options and variables that go along with liposuction, and Dr. Okoro will go over each with you to provide you with a thorough understanding of your options.
Liposuction cost is determined by a variety of factors, such as the technique used, the experience and quality of your surgeon, and the amount of work being done. If you think liposuction is the procedure that will lead to achieving your cosmetic goals, call Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Marietta, GA today to set up your initial consultation. A medical professional on our staff will be able to answer any and all of your questions.
