With more than a quarter-million liposuctions performed last year, it is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery in the United States. For some people, liposuction seems like an easy and almost-magical solution to weight loss. Before taking the plunge into this surgery, you should get the facts and understand the complications, risks and expected outcomes of liposuction. 

Liposuction is an effective means to eliminate stubborn fat around the body. Even people who lead healthy lifestyles, complete with a diet and exercise routine, may have difficulties ridding themselves of bulging fat pockets. Cosmetic surgeons agree than liposuction is a useful tool for most healthy people with elastic skin tone. People who are severely overweight are not considered good candidates for the surgery because they are at higher risk for complications and results will not be as effective.  

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction basically involves the insertion of a hollow steel tube into the affected fat pocket. This tube is connected to a powerful vacuum that literally sucks the fat from underneath the skin. Depending on the size and location of the surgery, the patient will either need to undergo IV sedation or receive a local anesthetic. With any surgery requiring anesthesia, you should be fully aware of any of the potential risks and side effects. 

Two basic types of liposuction are available: traditional liposuction and tumescent liposuction. The difference between the two types is that tumescent results in less blood loss. With traditional liposuction procedures, patients often have to undergo blood transfusions prior to the surgery in case of an emergency. The tumescent procedure involves injecting a large amount of IV fluid under the skin, which leaves an opening between the fat and muscle tissue. The steel tube can be more easily navigated through that opening and it makes the procedure safer and easier to perform.

You want to be certain that you choose an experienced and reputable cosmetic surgeon for your procedure. A good doctor will have graduated from an accredited medical school, have hundreds of internship hours and be a member of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS). The AAPS recommends that you choose a physician with many years of experience because these doctors have a good degree of “surgical judgment”; surgical judgment is developed by years of combined training and experience. 

When you find a doctor that suits your needs, he or she will probably offer at least two consultation sessions. In each of the sessions the doctor should find out what areas of the body you are interested in and let you know a reasonable goal for your needs. You should go into the operation with a firm grasp on what to realistically expect from the surgery.  

Though liposuction is a very common surgery, doctors recommend you understand what the surgery can really do for you. Liposuction is very effective in shaping the body in fat-prone areas such as the buttocks, hips, abdomen, chin, cheeks, neck and arms of most people. According the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) liposuction is most effective on “normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas” and those who are more overweight may not achieve the results they wished for. A reputable cosmetic surgeon will counsel a patient to ensure they have a good idea of what to realistically expect, in order for the patient to make an informed decision.  

Risks and Complications

With any type of surgical procedure, risks are involved. Although liposuction is considered one of the safest cosmetic surgeries, patients should be aware of the dangers. Some risk factors include scarring, drug reactions or overdose from the lidocaine used in the procedure, shock, infections, nerve damage, bleeding and blood clots, and asymmetry (uneven removal of fat deposits). Those with a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood-pressure, allergies and smoking should discuss their medical history thoroughly with the cosmetic surgeon to determine their risk of complications with this surgery. 

Although liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., prospective patients need to be aware that their individual results may vary. Many who are considering the surgery begin with false hopes that the surgery can transform their bodies into the firm images portrayed through the media. Although most patients are happy and/or satisfied with the end results of the procedure, it needs to be understood that with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, swelling, bruising as well as other more serious side-effects. Liposuction usually gives the best results to healthy normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin. Those who are overweight or who have skin that is not as firm may not achieve the results they hope for. Liposuction can be a risky and potentially significant financial investment; a prospective patient should cover all of his or her bases when researching the facts.

How Much Does it Cost?

According to most cosmetic surgeons, inquiring about the cost of liposuction is a rather complicated question that has no simple answer. Prices will vary from state-to-state and from physician-to-physician. As a general estimate, in 2004, liposuction costs ranged from $1,000 - $10,000. Prices can vary largely depending on how much fat is to be removed and which areas of the body the surgery is targeting. 

When considering liposuction, it is important to understand how the doctor ‘counts’ different areas of the body. Although it may seem rather confusing, it is important to understand what the particular surgeon’s guidelines are in order to get an idea of what the procedure will cost. For example, many physicians consider the upper and lower abdomen and the hips and waist to be two separate areas. Cosmetic surgeons know that it is unlikely for one side of the body to be treated and not the other. In this instance, most doctors performing liposuction would not consider the two areas as separate.

As with other cosmetic surgeries, unless it is considered reconstructive surgery due to illness or injury, insurance companies will not cover the costs. In this case, patients have the option of paying for the surgery by financing or by completing smaller areas at a time. In most cases it is possible to arrange with the doctor to have a smaller area treated to save on costs. Many refer to this as the “pay-as-you-go-method” which allows those with budget concerns to have a cost-effective options. Costs may seem overwhelming to some and some prefer not to have the operation financed, so in many instances, this is an excellent alternative. Because costs can become very high in the long run, financing is usually not recommended. Many surgeons often inform patients that using a credit card or cash advance may be less expensive than financing through the doctor’s office. Though cost is an important factor, finding a good cosmetic surgeon who is willing to work with you within your means, while performing at the highest standards should be at the top of a patient’s priorities; this will influence the satisfaction one gains from the overall experience.