The cost of laser liposuction can vary depending on where the practice is, how experienced the surgeon is, and where the treatment takes place.
On average, the cost for laser liposuction ranges from $6,587 to $15,000, as reported by real patients who have undergone the procedure.
While it may be more expensive than other cosmetic procedures, it’s a safe and effective way to achieve your desired body shape.
Consult a plastic surgeon about the cost of your desired laser liposuction treatment.
It is also advisable to check if your health insurance will cover the cost of the procedure.
By reading on, you will learn about the factors that influence the total cost of laser liposuction and what the price includes.
Before we go any further, let us first define laser liposuction.
What is Laser Liposuction?
Laser liposuction, also known as “laser lipolysis” or “laser-assisted liposuction,” is a minimally invasive cosmetic technique.
The procedure uses laser radiation to melt and remove unwanted fat from specific body parts.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Laser Liposuction
How Laser Liposuction Differs From Traditional Liposuction
In traditional liposuction, a surgeon uses a cannula to suction out the fat.
Laser liposuction, on the other hand, uses a small laser fiber put in through a small cut to target and kill fat cells.
Both techniques can contour your body and give it a more sculpted and toned appearance.
If you have stubborn fat on your stomach, hips, thighs, arms, chin, and other places, you can use laser lipolysis to shape your body and make it look slimmer and more toned.
One study on laser liposuction to determine its efficacy found that the technique is safe and effective with minimal side effects compared to traditional liposuction.
More research is needed to understand whether it has any advantages over other liposuction techniques and whether specific laser wavelengths are more effective.
How Much Does Laser Liposuction Cost?
Laser liposuction costs between $6,587 and $15,000 on average, according to actual patients who have had the procedure.
The cost can also include additional charges such as anesthesia and facility fees.
Many plastic surgery practices offer financing options through third-party financing companies.
These options may include low or no-interest loans, extended payment plans, or even medical credit cards.
Carefully review the terms and conditions of any financing options before agreeing to them.
What Determines the Cost of Laser Lipo?
As we said in the first paragraph, the price of laser liposuction depends on some things, such as:
- Location: The cost of laser liposuction can change based on the clinic or hospital where the procedure occurs. Urban areas typically have higher fees than rural areas.
- Surgeon’s experience: The surgeon’s experience and qualifications also play a role in the cost of the procedure. Surgeons with more experience and higher qualifications may charge more for their services.
- The number of treatment areas: The cost of laser liposuction will also depend on the number of treatment areas. The more places you want to have treated, the higher the price will be.
- Type of laser equipment used: The cost of laser liposuction can also vary depending on the type of laser equipment used. Newer, more advanced technology may cost more than older equipment.
- Anesthesia and facility fees: The cost of the procedure may also include the cost of anesthesia and facility fees.
The best way to determine the cost of your treatment is to speak with the doctor, clinic, or hospital where you intend to receive it.
Talking to the doctor, clinic, or hospital where you plan to get treatment is the best way to determine how much it will cost.
Does Health Insurance Cover the Costs?
As a general rule, health insurance does not cover the cost of elective or cosmetic procedures, such as laser liposuction.
It is classified as a “cosmetic procedure” because surgeons perform it to improve the patient’s appearance rather than address a functional or medical problem.
But you should know that there are a few exceptions and that health insurance plans may cover some medical conditions.
For example, if a person is very overweight and a healthcare provider performs laser liposuction as part of a weight loss surgery that is medically necessary, insurance may pay for it.
So, check with your insurance provider regarding your specific plan’s coverage.
Choosing a Surgeon
If you are considering getting laser liposuction, find out about the surgeon’s education, experience, and the type of laser equipment they use.
Surgeons with more experience and better credentials may be better at doing the procedure and be able to charge more for their services because of this.
When researching a surgeon’s qualifications and expertise, consider the following:
- Board certification: Look for a plastic surgeon who has certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
- Experience: Research the number of laser liposuction procedures the surgeon has performed and ask to see before and after photos of their patients.
- Reviews from patients: Look for reviews from people who have had laser liposuction with the surgeon.
You can also inquire about the type of laser equipment and wavelengths used by your surgeon.
Remember that newer, more advanced technology may cost more than older equipment.
Remember, the quality of the surgeon and the type of equipment used can affect the safety and outcome of the procedure.
What To Expect During Laser Liposuction Procedure
During your procedure, a tiny laser fiber is inserted into a small cut to target fat cells and break them up.
Your surgeon will perform your procedure under local anesthesia.
Laser liposuction may take around 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on how many areas you want to treat.
Following surgery, you will swell, bruise, and experience pain in the surgery area.
The time it takes to heal varies from patient to patient and depends on how large your treatment area is.
Most people return to their everyday lives within a week or two.
Following your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions is essential to ensuring a smooth recovery.
Like any other surgery, laser liposuction has risks and problems that could happen during or after surgery.
Some of the most common risks and problems that can come up during the procedure are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Uneven contouring
- Dissatisfaction with the results
Discuss these risks with your surgeon and have realistic expectations about the outcome.
Related: Liposuction Cost – Here is the cost of liposuction surgery for different body parts.
- Dermatol Surg. (2012 Feb). Laser-assisted lipolysis: a review. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22093156/
- Michele Ross-Realself. (October 24, 2022). How Much Does Laser Lipo Cost? realself.com/surgical/laser-liposuction/cost
