Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Doctors define a good candidate for liposuction as any person who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results of liposuction. Liposuction is not a weight loss technique, or a solution for obesity. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, a condition that gives your skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. However, liposuction is a good procedure for to reduce fat deposits in your problem areas.

Health and Mindset

In terms of health, doctors recommend that you are within 25 lbs of your ideal body weight. Patients that are physically fit and exercise regularly, but just can't tone or reduce fat in a few problems areas are some of the best candidates for liposuction. Some bulges are simply exercise-resistant, and liposuction may provide a solution. It is not recommended for patients with significant medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or poor circulation. These conditions can increase your risk for surgical complications.

Both men and women can be excellent candidates for liposuction. Approximately 75% of patients are female and they most commonly have liposuction performed on the belly, the buttocks and thighs. In men the most common location for liposuction in men are the "love handles". While it is not age is not a major consideration, it is important for older patients to realize that because of diminished skin elasticity, they may not be able to achieve the same results as younger patients with tighter skin. Patients over 40 must recognize that skin contraction is less likely and loose skin can result.

Remember that liposuction should be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise, not as a substitute for them. Liposuction, like other cosmetic surgery techniques, is a means to enhance body shape. But it cannot completely change your shape. You should have realistic expectations that liposuction may improve the appearance of the treated area, but may have no impact on other areas of your life.

Liposuction Ain't Cheap

Liposuction can be a difficult surgery to estimate cost. It can be performed on different parts of the body, using different machines and by surgeons with varying degrees of skill and experience.

The average cost to have liposuction performed in one area of the body is close to $4,000, in two to three areas up to $6,000 to $8,000 and in five areas is $8,000 to $11,000.The cost is higher for larger body areas. For example, the average cost for the abdomen is $4,000 to $8,000, but for the outer thigh is about half as much.

As with most plastic surgery liposuction cost comprises three fees: surgeon fees, anesthesia fees and facility fees. The anesthesia fees range can range $500 to $1,000, depending on the number of areas treated. The facility fees also vary depending on the number of areas where liposuction is performed, ranging from $600 to $1,200. The rest of the cost is the surgeon's fee.

But don't try to skimp on the surgeon's fee by going with just anyone. It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, who has extensive liposuction experience, as well as expertise in all areas of plastic surgery. More highly, qualified, board-certified surgeons charge higher fees, but this also ensures you will see the best results using the most appropriate techniques and reduce the risk of complications. Although liposuction prices can be high, the costs to your health can be much greater, so be sure to ask your surgeon about surgical training and board certification.

Cosmetic surgery such as liposuction is never covered by insurance. But if the surgery is more than you can afford at one time, ask your plastic surgeon about payment plans. Most surgeons today offer financing.