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.

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.

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.-

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.

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ctkuzniak,
the cost of surgery depends on a lot of factors (type of surgery, number of treated areas, anesthesia fee, surgeon, facility fee, city, etc.). It would be the best to visit or call plastic surgery offices and ask for a price.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I cannot address the fees in Las Vegas, but liposuction is usually charged by the number of areas treated and the weight of the patient. Obese patients have more fat per area and often the charge is increased to accommodate the extra time and work needed.  If several areas are treated with liposuction, then the fee could be higher than just a tummy tuck of one area.

Brent Moister, MD · Answer

I cannot speak to the cost difference in your location, but in my practice these procedures are used to address similar but different areas of concern are not interchangeable. I would recommend having an in person consultation with someone familiar and experienced with both procedures.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sounds VERY unusual.... Lipo 360 in Miami ranges from $5,000-$10,000 vs full TT ranges from $7,000-$20,000. Maybe you should seek more in person or virtual consultations from only private practice boarded Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, "awake" lipo foolish!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

People often talk about how much things are worth.  I often reply by saying something it’s only worth what someone’s willing to pay for it.

Until someone has paid for it a product or service isn’t worth anything.

People are charging what the market will bear.

Often those with very good marketing efforts come across as being superior and are able to capitalize on the cost.

This is especially true for corporate and clinics whose purpose is solely making money.

Analogies are plenty if you think of it.

Eating food and a fancy restaurant in the end typically gives you fatty unhealthy food no different than a fast food restaurant at 100 times the price.

The next day all that’s left is a memory and perhaps a notch on the beltline.

It’s a Pagani (expensive sports car ) worth $1.2 million? After all, it can only carry two people and can’t accomplish most of the things that can be done with a pick up truck.

Are hundred dollar jars of skin cream better than generic hand Cream?

How about fashion clothing?

In the end price is hardly a guarantee of quality work. That said the most talented providers rarely if ever give bargain basement pricing.

There are many extremely talented providers who priced themselves in the middle of the curve and some charge top dollar.  none of the ones who are truly great offer the lowest prices.

In the end understanding your own candidacy for the procedure and finding the most experienced provider is what is the most important two variables.

To do that I suggest patients have multiple in person consultations and stay local for cosmetic elective procedures.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

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