Liposuction costs can range anywhere from $5,000 to well over $20,000—but why such a vast difference? The answer lies in the procedure. Not all liposuction is equal, and the type of technology your surgeon uses plays a significant role in determining your final bill. Traditional tumescent liposuction can range from $ 2,000 to $5,000 per area, while newer technologies, such as VASER (ultrasound) or SmartLipo (laser), can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more for the same area. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has estimated the average cost of a liposuction procedure to be $4,711; however, this does not account for anesthesia fees, facility fees, or the specific method used. Here, we will compare the price differences among some of the most popular liposuction treatments—tumescent, laser liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and more—so that you can better understand the reasons behind the price differences and make an informed decision about which approach is the most cost-effective for your body contouring goals.
Your final liposuction bill isn’t one flat rate—several key factors shape it:
We’ll break down each of these in detail below, including real price ranges and what you’re actually getting for your money.
The most significant determining factor for your liposuction expense is the method your surgeon selects. Although time-tested traditional tumescent liposuction has been the standard for many years, newer technologies, such as laser-assisted, VASER, and high-definition sculpting, bring their own advantages, including quicker turnaround times and more pronounced muscle definition. The caveat? The caveat is that advancements in techniques generally translate into pricier expenses. Here, we’ve compared the most prevalent methods of liposuction against one another, so you know exactly what you’re paying for:
| Technique | Cost Range | Recovery Time | Best For | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional/Tumescent Budget-Friendly | $2,000 – $5,000 | 1-2 weeks | Larger fat volumes, multiple areas, proven results | Manual suction with tumescent solution |
Mini Liposuction Most Affordable | $1,500 – $4,000 | 3-7 days | Small, localized areas (chin, knees, arms) | Local anesthesia, minimal invasiveness |
Laser-Assisted (SmartLipo) Popular Choice | $3,000 – $7,500 | 1-2 weeks | Skin tightening, smaller areas, faster healing | Laser fiber melts fat + tightens skin |
Power-Assisted (PAL) Efficient | $3,500 – $8,000 | 1-2 weeks | Dense fat, multiple areas, even results | Motorized vibrating cannula |
Ultrasound-Assisted (UAL) Advanced | $4,000 – $9,000 | 1-3 weeks | Fibrous areas (back, male chest), revision cases | Ultrasonic waves liquefy fat cells |
VASER Liposuction Premium | $4,500 – $10,000 | 1-2 weeks | Precision contouring, less bruising, smooth results | Advanced ultrasound, tissue-selective |
High-Definition (HD Lipo) Elite Option | $8,000 – $20,000+ | 2-4 weeks | Athletic definition, visible abs, muscle sculpting | VASER + artistic muscle etching |
Here’s how the popular options stack up side-by-side when it comes to results, recovery, and real-world outcomes.
Get real, you’ll see surgeons quoting $3,000 and some quoting $12,000 for procedures of the same kind. Why? Experience, credentials, and know-how. A board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has undergone extensive specialty training is likely to charge more because they can achieve a natural look, minimize complications, and provide a lasting result. Making your decision based solely on cost may result in poor outcomes, necessitating repairs or even severe complications that require a significant financial investment to rectify.
At Moein Surgical Arts, you are treated by Dr. Babak Moein, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in state-of-the-art body contouring. He is known across Los Angeles and Beverly Hills for being precise, safe, and having performed thousands of successful makeovers.
Now that you understand the techniques, let’s discuss what you’ll actually pay, based on where you want to receive treatment. Some areas are quick and straightforward, while others require more time, skill, and precision, which naturally affects the price. Here’s what you can expect to invest in for the most commonly treated areas.
| Body Area | Cost Range | Procedure Time | Typical Volume | Often Combined With |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdomen (Upper/Lower) Most Popular | $3,500 – $8,000 | 2-3 hours | 2-4 liters | Flanks, waist |
| Flanks (Love Handles) Popular | $2,500 – $6,000 | 1-2 hours | 1-2 liters | Abdomen, back |
| Thighs (Inner & Outer) | $3,000 – $7,500 | 2-3 hours | 2-3 liters | Hips, knees |
| Upper Arms | $2,500 – $5,500 | 1-2 hours | 0.5-1 liter | Back, bra line |
| Back & Bra Line | $3,000 – $6,500 | 1.5-2.5 hours | 1-2 liters | Flanks, arms |
| Buttocks | $3,000 – $7,000 | 2-3 hours | 1-3 liters | BBL, thighs |
| Hips (Saddle Bags) | $2,500 – $6,000 | 1.5-2 hours | 1-2 liters | Thighs, flanks |
| Male Chest (Gynecomastia) | $4,000 – $8,000 | 2-3 hours | Varies | Gland removal |
| Chin & Neck (Submental) Popular | $2,000 – $4,500 | 1 hour | 0.2-0.5 liters | Neck lift, facelift |
| Knees (Inner) | $1,800 – $4,000 | 1 hour | 0.3-0.5 liters | Thighs, calves |
| Ankles & Calves | $2,500 – $5,500 | 1.5-2 hours | 0.5-1 liter | Knees, thighs |
| 360-Degree Lipo (Full Torso) Package Deal | $8,000 – $18,000 | 3-5 hours | 4-8 liters | Complete transformation |
Where you get your liposuction significantly impacts the cost. Procedures in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Manhattan cost more than in smaller cities, not because of the quality, but due to overhead. Rent, staff salaries, and facility costs are higher in major metropolitan areas, and these expenses are ultimately passed on to patients.
However, higher prices in cities like LA often mean access to top-tier surgeons and advanced facilities. At Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, you’re investing in both a premium location and Dr. Moein’s decades of expertise. Choosing surgery based solely on finding the cheapest city can backfire; complications far from home mean limited follow-up care and unfamiliar standards.
When you choose to have your liposuction awake or with general anesthesia, there are some significant factors that need to be addressed. Your comfort, the amount of locations that you’ll need treated, and your surgical objectives all contribute to finding the optimal choice.
Patients with major anxieties, histories of PTSD, or medical issues that would make them not relaxed or cooperative for surgery should consider having their procedure performed under anesthesia.
These factors can influence your potential to sit still as well as comfortably during awake liposuction.
It is one of the benefits of awake liposuction that it is more economical. Not costing as much as a surgery center, anesthesiologist, or specialty nurses, awake procedures have lower overhead. For patients on a lower budget or those having only a small area treated, this can be an appealing option.
If you want high-def or 360° body sculpting, we highly suggest going through general anesthesia.
It involves the application of VASER technology for the removal of fat near the skin or fascia with great accuracy. It involves more pressure and manipulation, hence it is not comfortable when carried out by local anesthesia. Therefore, for high-def liposuction, the patient experiences a more comfortable, effective, and controlled procedure with general anesthesia.
Skin tightening surgeries such as Renuvion (J-Plasma) also do better with general anesthesia. The Renuvion shrinks the skin by means of regulated heat energy, and such heat would most definitely induce discomfort among patients who are awake. Under anesthesia, it is more thoroughly and skillfully carried out by the surgeon.
When performing fat grafting into deeper structures (for example, the buttocks, chest, or face), it’s safest and most effective to do so under anesthesia. This permits the exact placement of fat and for patient ease, with no constraint that is associated with being awake.
Awake liposuction is a good option for patients who:
Are on a limited budget
Wish to treat one to three small areas
Have minimal anxiety
Are in good overall health
For patients seeking more extensive body contouring, high-definition results, or skin tightening with Renuvion, general anesthesia remains the preferred and safest approach.
Almost never. Insurance treats liposuction as cosmetic, meaning you pay out of pocket. The rare exception: medically necessary cases like lipoma removal or severe gynecomastia causing physical pain. You’ll need extensive documentation, so don’t count on it.
Your Payment Options
Good news, you don’t need the full amount upfront. Most practices offer financing that spreads payments over months or years. Compare your options below and choose what works for your budget.
Smart Money Tips:
At Moein Surgical Arts, we work with you to find a payment plan that suits your needs. Cost shouldn’t stop you from feeling confident in your body.
| Financing Option | Typical Rates/Terms | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry | 0% interest options, flexible monthly payments | Fast approval, no hard credit check, pay over time | Shorter terms for some applicants |
| CareCredit | 0% for 6-24 months, then 26%+ APR | Quick approval, widely accepted | High interest after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare | 7.95-35.99% APR, up to $35,000 | Fixed rates, predictable payments | Rates vary by creditworthiness |
| In-House Payment Plans | Low/no interest, 3-12 months | No credit check often required | Shorter terms, limited availability |
| Personal Bank Loan | 6-20% APR depending on credit | May offer better rates if credit is excellent | Harder approval process |
| 0% Intro APR Credit Card | 0% for 12-21 months, then 18-25% | No interest if paid off in time | Must pay off before promo ends |
That price quote your surgeon gives you? It’s not the whole story. Here are the extras that can catch you off guard:
Facility Fees: $800-$2,500 for surgical center use (hospitals cost even more)
Anesthesia: Already covered this, but it’s billed separately—don’t forget it
Pre-Op Testing: $200-$500 for bloodwork and health screening
Compression Garments: $100-$400 total (you’ll need 2-3 quality garments)
Medications: $50-$200 for pain meds, antibiotics, and anti-nausea prescriptions
Follow-Up Visits: Usually included, but extra appointments may cost more
Potential Revisions: Touch-ups can cost 50-100% of the original procedure if needed
Time Off Work: Factor in lost wages during your 3-14 day recovery
The Bottom Line: Add 20-30% to your surgeon’s quote to cover these extras. At Moein Surgical Arts, we provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing upfront so you’re never blindsided by surprise bills. Ask for your total out-the-door cost during consultation.
This calculator lets you estimate an approximate cost of your liposuction before you set a consultation appointment. The calculator considers major factors such as locations you want treated, kind of anesthesia (awake or general), and procedure complexity. This calculator is only an approximate guide, and your real quote is going to be exclusively for you after a proper check-up with Dr. Babak Moein from our clinic in Los Angeles.
BMI: 0
Price of surgery: $0
Beyond standard liposuction, Dr. Moein offers specialized procedures for dramatic transformations:
Ab Etching: VASER or HD lipo carves visible six-pack definition by sculpting fat around your abdominal muscles. Best for lean patients with good muscle tone. Cost: $6,000-$12,000.
360-Degree Lipo: Complete torso makeover in one session—abdomen, flanks, back, and waist. Package pricing saves 20-30% versus treating areas separately. Cost: $8,000-$18,000.
Tummy Tuck + Lipo: Removes excess skin, tightens muscles, and eliminates stubborn fat. Perfect after pregnancy or weight loss when skin elasticity is compromised.
Brazilian Butt Lift + Lipo: Harvest fat from problem areas and transfer it to create rounder, lifted curves. Slim your waist while enhancing your buttocks—two goals, one recovery.
Combining procedures saves thousands on anesthesia and facility fees while cutting recovery time in half. Ask about package deals during your consultation.
At Moein Surgical Arts, you’re not just another procedure. Dr. Moein is a board-certified cosmetic and general surgeon with over 20 years of specialized experience in body contouring and advanced liposuction techniques. His reputation throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is built on:
What Our Patients Say
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