The number and size of the areas to be treated have a great impact on the cost of liposuction procedures.

The cost in different areas of the country will vary just as the price of real estate or certain food products will vary.

A quicker recovery will help reduce the attendant costs, as a lengthy hospital stay to treat side effects or complications can greatly increase the cost.

The average reported cost for liposuction in one area of the body is $4,000.00. For three areas the average is $6,000 to $8,000; and for five areas, $8,000.00 to $11,000.00.

Larger areas of the body, such as the abdomen, are more costly. While the average cost of liposuction on the abdomen is $4,000.00 to $8,000.00, the cost of liposuction on the outer thigh is approximately half that much.

If several areas are to be treated, it is usually safer and less costly to do them at the same time rather than as separate procedures.

One important consideration when considering liposuction: Very few insurance policies will cover any of the costs, as it is almost always "elective cosmetic surgery."

The most important choice is the surgeon to perform the procedure. Not only will that choice likely determine cost, but it is a permanent change, which has a high record of safety when performed by skilled surgeons and the resulting scars are generally small and inconspicuous, which contribute to make it the most popular plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States.

Regular exercise and a good diet combined with an honest effort to lose excess fat will result in a better, easier, less costly procedure.

To the average surgeon cost, the fee for anesthesia and the facility (hospital or clinic) will add another 33% to that number.

For example, the average surgeon's fee for liposuction in one area of the body is $3,500. The anesthesiologist's fee will add another $500, and the use of the facility will average $700 for a total average cost of $4700. (These average costs are compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons: ASPS)

The ASPS has published several articles during the economic recession, urging patients not to seek "cut-rate" plastic surgery, as the results will be less satisfactory and the risks greater than when choosing a surgeon for his experience and ability and not price.

The ASPS recommends that every patient ask the following questions of any plastic surgeon they are considering:

- Are you an ASPS Member Surgeon?

- Where and how will my procedure be done?

- Who will be performing the procedure?

- What are the qualifications of any other medical personnel involved?

- How many of the procedures have you (they) done?

- How effective is the procedure?

- Is the product FDA approved for the use prescribed?

- What can I expect from the procedure?

- Can I see before-and-after photos that illustrate the procedure?

- What are the risks and complications?

- What are the after-effects and the recovery time?

- How long can I expect the results to last?

- Are there alternative procedures I could consider?

- What are the pros and cons of those procedures?

These questions are equally applicable to liposuction as to any other procedure performed by a Plastic Surgeon.