Cost in CT for flank lipo? Will it make my waist smaller? (photo)

Question

I'm an RN and have some knowledge of liposuction as I had it done about 7 years ago to my abdomen in the past. Early 40's, 165 lbs, 5'6ft. 1. Will Lipo of flanks make my waist smaller to make the butt appear bigger? 2. Will it be possible to get great results in CT or even NY my second choice for under $4000? By looking at my photos do you think it's worth it? What would you advise me as a plastic surgeon?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Often it is not the best approach to find the cheapest plastic surgeon. Does the surgeon specialize in this procedure? What are their credentials? How long have they been in practice? What percentage of their practice is cosmetic surgery? How many of these surgeries have they performed? Do they use the latest techniques? What do their results look like? Do they have photos to show of their work? Do they provide follow-up themselves, or will you only see the nurses (or even just an assistant)? Are they available by phone for an emergency or does one of their staff answer after-hour calls? What is the impression you get from their office and staff? Are they professional and informative? Do they know what they are talking about? You need to ask yourself all of these questions.

The prices can vary from state to state, and city to city.  We charge for liposuction per area.  The abdomen (upper and lower side to side) is one area.  The waist (from the ribs to just above the buttocks from side to side around the back) is one area.  The thighs (both inner and outer) is one area.  Our costs, including the board certified plastic surgeon's fees, board certified anesthesiologist's fees, operating room, labs, garment, vitamins, and follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months 6 months, and every year after forever, are listed below.  If you need more follow-up appointments, those are free as well.  The cost per area does go down as you add more areas:

One area: cost per area around $6000.  Two areas: cost per area around $3600.  Three areas: cost per area around $2750.

When comparing quotes from different doctors, check to make sure that the costs you are quoted are for the same thing!  For instance, often the cost per area is quoted as lower, yet the abdomen is comprised of upper and lower, and sometimes even lateral areas (2 to 4 areas for the abdomen, instead we consider the entire abdomen one area) or the thighs are inner and outer (2 areas when we consider the thighs one area).  Make sure you are comparing apples to apples.  Also check to see what type of anesthesia and facility you are going to be treated in.  If the total price is lower but you are not going to receive proper anesthesia from a board certified anesthesiologist, then are you getting a better deal (or inferior treatment)?  If the facility is not a certified outpatient surgery center but is an in-office procedure room, is the difference in safety worth the cost reduction?  If the doctor is not a board certified plastic surgeon, is that worth the discount in the fees?  I would say the answer to all three of these questions is no!

This is your body, make sure you are making decisions based on the quality of care, the experience and training of the doctor, and proven results.  Cost alone should not be the deciding factor.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

Cost varies by geographic location, surgeon expertise, OR time, anesthesia, length of procedure etc.  I would recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery and who is also a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgery.  You can call their offices in advance and ask for quotes prior to scheduling consultations.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the pictures and provided information as well.
Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for liposuction, and I think you'll get very good results. 
Liposuction allows your plastic surgeon to transform your entire shape. You improve your abdomen, waist, back, flanks and of course enhance your buttocks.
In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, be a non-smoker and your BMI needs to be 33 or less.
The average cost varies a lot depending on the city, the clinic and the plastic surgeon. l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Cost in CT for flank lipo? Will it make my waist smaller? (photo)

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Cost in CT for flank lipo? Will it make my waist smaller? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Liposculpture

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