Why is lipo the same cost (or more) than a tummy tuck?

Question

I understand the disclaimers, that everyone is different, and that I need to speak to a board-certified PS. But honestly, why is 360 lipo more expensive than a real surgical tummy tuck? Are PS's just capitalizing on the "awake" portion of it? Is it just a trend? I don't see how this can be. Someone please explain, because 360 lipo in Vegas is up to $18,000 and tummy tucks are no more than $8-9k. I sorta feel like it's a scam.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You bring up a few different issues. 1. I wish being a real BC PS was all you needed to look for in a surgeon. It's a good start, but there are too many of us who aren't doing evidence-based best practices or doing it in a particularly artfully manner. Experience is key, along with the surgeon's reputation and the busyness of the office. Social media like IG helps you see more of the surgeon's results. 2. Awake versus asleep has little to do with costs, other than it being less for anesthesia. With almost no exception, surgery is more comfortable and thorough in a sleeping patient. 3. The difference between lipo and abdominoplasty in terms of physical effort can be substantial. Lipo can be extremely physically demanding, especially in larger patients and revision patients. 'A little touch up' in lipo can be far harder than the original surgery. Along the same lines, lipo can be very time consuming too. Abdominoplasty is more involved with sutures and skin tailoring, and less about physical effort. It is very rare in my practice that I don't do BOTH to the abdomen to achieve the desired goal, so it may be hard to parse out costs except when cold calling to get pricing. 4. Liposuction has been big business for outsiders to capitalize on in the aesthetic industry by producing liposuction adjuncts that are advertised as something better than traditional liposuction. Vaser is the prime example. Whether or not it can do something better (it can't, it's the surgeons skill and experience that make a difference), surgeons who purchase these products need to pay for them which means they pass the cost on to the patient. 5. If looking at the concept of 'one area' of liposuction, and considering that a tummy tuck is treating one area, I think you'll find that a tummy tuck is more expensive than liposuction in virtually all surgeons' practices.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The cost varies depending the surgeon and the location. My recommendation is to be consulted by board certified plastic surgeon, specialized in Body Contour, who knows individualize each patient to give you the better advice.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction usually cost about $7,000 for 2 hours and a tummy tuck usually cost about $10,000-$11,000 in Houston, Texas.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. While pricing for procedures will vary based on geography, surgeon’s fee and operating facility costs, most liposuction prices are dependent on number of areas treated and the amount of time it will take to treat each area. I hope this helps.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Surgical fee is, in most places, based on complexity, length of procedure and experience of the surgeon; it may also vary significantly based on location. It would be in your best interest to have a consultation (telemedicine) with 2-3 reputable, board certified plastic surgeons in or out of your area, to get a good answer. Good luck.

Why is lipo the same cost (or more) than a tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction vs. TT fee

Answer: Liposuction vs. TT fee

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipo 360

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why is lipo the same cost (or more) than a tummy tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction vs. TT fee

Answer: Liposuction vs. TT fee

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipo 360

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.