What is considered 1 area when it comes to liposuction?

There is a lot variability on how plastic surgeons performing liposuction divide up the body and subsequently charge for their services.  I consider the abdomen one zone, the flanks one zone, the back one zone, etc.  Your plastic surgeon should be very clear on this.  Good luck and be safe.John T. Nguyen, MD, FACS, FICSDouble Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

I would ask your surgeon as some surgeons break the body up into many more areas than do I.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

It varies with the surgeon.  Since there is some marketing and cost comparing involved, some practices will advertise a low price for an area which may be half an area at another practice. So if you want to compare, go to several surgeons and ask to treat the areas that bother you. Don't worry about how many areas, just keep your goal in mind.Often only treating the lower abdomen will make the upper abdomen stick out more.  Sometimes I place 2 "holes" along the middle (pubis and belly button), and sometimes 3 "holes" (2 along the groins and 1 in the belly button).  For the upper abdomen I usually add 1 under each breast. If you do abdomen, often it looks better if the waist is treated as well so more "holes" are needed along the bikini line. 

Each practice handles this differently. In most cases one symmetrical area such as the left and right sides of the lower abdomen would be considered one area. 

Some large liposuction clinics charge by the area. The upper abdomen is sometimes considered a separate area from the lower abdomen. Most plastic surgeons will consider the areas that need to be done and then judge how long it will take and come up with a price based on a time frame. This seems to be most fair way for the patient. In my practice I never promise the patient how many holes there will be. The most important aspect of liposuction is to get the area flat and smooth. Sometimes the fat needs to removed from different angles with the cannulas (tubes that remove the fat) being used in "criss cross" fashion. This often may take an extra small hole or two but might give the best result. Find the plastic surgeon who you most trust and has most experience rather than the one who will charge the least!

Frankly, each plastic surgeon defines what an area of liposuction is.  Whether your abdomen is one or two areas matters less than what the results your plastic surgeon can deliver.  Look at many before and after pictures with a board-certified plastic surgeon, and decide based on that surgeon's results, reviews and experience. How many holes or how many areas is not as important.  Best of luck.

Hello and thank you for your question.  You will need to be examined by a plastic surgeon to see what areas will need to be liposuctioned to give you the contour that you are looking for.  Prices will vary by surgeons depending on what areas need to be addressed.  The lower abdomen would be considered one area and may need one or two very small incisions for the liposuction instrument to go in.  Again please get evaluated and all your options can be discussed.