The Lipo Authority · Independent patient guide since 1995

Liposuction, explained with evidence

What it costs, how safe it is and what recovery is like, in plain language and backed by published studies.

Brought to you by Dr. Klein, inventor of tumescent liposuction.

Latest evidence-based guides

All articles

Before & After Photos

Quick answers

How much does liposuction cost?

In the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' 2023 Procedural Statistics Release, the 2023 average surgeon/physician fee for liposuction was $4,711. Its 2024 release gives a projected range of $4,300-7,500 for liposuction rather than a single price. The society says the average surgeon's fee does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.

Read the full guide
Does health insurance pay for liposuction?

Most health insurance plans do not cover liposuction or its complications, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans.

Read the full guide
What are the most serious risks of liposuction?

Deep venous thrombosis, which is associated with pulmonary embolism and death, has been described as the most frequent serious complication of liposuction. Fat embolism syndrome is another life-threatening complication, although its incidence is low.

Read the full guide
Is swelling normal after liposuction?

Swelling, bruising and pain often occur at the treated area after liposuction, especially in the first weeks after surgery. Ask your surgeon what amount of swelling to expect after your own procedure.

Read the full guide
How long does numbness take to go away after liposuction?

In a study of 21 liposuction patients, areas treated with traditional suction improved to normal sensation by six weeks on average, and ultrasound-treated areas by ten weeks. At ten weeks, 89 percent of the patients overall had recovered normal sensation.

Read the full guide
Does fat come back after liposuction?

In one randomized trial of nonobese women, body fat was restored and redistributed from the thigh to the abdomen after small-volume liposuction. A photographic study of 301 liposuction and abdominoplasty procedures found no evidence of fat reaccumulation in patients with at least one year of follow-up.

Read the full guide

Looking for a surgeon?

Browse liposuction surgeons by state and city. Always check a surgeon's board certification and experience yourself.

Browse the surgeon directory