How much does liposuction cost?

The cost of liposuction varies with the number of areas treated and the time required to perform the procedure. Every patient has different requirements, which is why standardised pricing is difficult to give.

The three main factors are:

The number of treatment areas.
The time required in theatre.
The patient's individual requirements.

A one-on-one consultation is needed for an accurate figure, after which you receive a customised quote. The guides below are a starting point only, not a fixed quote.

Surgeon's fee guide by number of areas

One area of the body - $4,000 to $8,000
Two areas of the body - $9,000 to $15,000
Three areas of the body - $15,000 to $20,000+

The surgical fee for one area starts from $4,000. This is a starting price, and the final cost may vary with additional costs such as anaesthesia and aftercare.

Surgeon's fee guide by body area

The fee depends not only on how many areas are treated but which ones.

Chin and neck - around $5,000
Abdomen (one area) - around $9,000
Inner and outer thighs - around $10,000

These are surgeon's fee estimates only. The final cost varies depending on where the procedure is performed.

Me Clinic's published pricing separately quotes body, stomach and arm liposuction at $6,000 to $8,000 per hour of theatre time. That is an hourly basis rather than a per-area basis, so the two figures measure different things. Your quote will make clear which applies to your procedure.

What makes up the total cost

Surgeon's fees

Provided in your initial quotation. The fee depends on:

The specific area being treated.
The number of areas and the amount of fat.
Total time in theatre.
The level of expertise required to perform the procedure.
The level of aftercare you require.
The location of the hospital or theatre.
The experience of the surgeon.

Theatre and hospital fees

Advised separately to the surgeon's fees, and varying by the theatre or day hospital used. Most liposuction cases are same-day procedures charged at an hourly rate. Generally, more areas means a longer procedure and a higher cost, though not always.

When comparing facilities, consider whether they are fully accredited, whether staff are suitably trained, and whether standards are published publicly.

Anaesthetist fees

Liposuction can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic. Anaesthetist fees range from $800 to $1,200 per hour, with a single area generally requiring one to two hours.

Me Clinic uses anaesthetists who are members of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) and fully qualified to provide general anaesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss which type of anaesthesia will be used at your consultation.

Post-operative care

Included in the procedure fee. How much care you need depends on how many areas were treated, which areas, and your general wellbeing.

Post-operative garments

You are fitted with compression garments after the procedure to reduce swelling and assist recovery. How long you wear them depends on the amount of fat removed and the area treated.

How the technique affects cost

Tumescent liposuction

A diluted local anaesthetic and adrenaline solution is infused into the treatment area to reduce discomfort. A small incision is made and fat cells are extracted under vacuum through a cannula. This is the technique most commonly used at Me Clinic.

Ultrasound (VASER)

VASER liposuction uses ultrasound waves to break up and liquefy fat cells so they are easier to extract, allowing precise targeting of stubborn fat deposits.

Laser lipolysis

Uses laser energy to heat and melt fat before extraction, while contracting collagen fibres with the aim of addressing loose skin.

Power-assisted

Uses a powered cannula to move through the fat being aspirated.

Payment and finance

Payment for major surgery is due four weeks before the procedure. Cash, EFTPOS, direct deposit and major credit cards are accepted, with surcharges applying to cards. Medical clinics cannot provide finance directly, but independent medical finance companies are available.

As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350 and a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150. Your consultation fee is due at the time of booking.

Medicare and health insurance

Liposuction performed for cosmetic body contouring is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Where liposuction forms part of a medically necessary procedure - such as gynaecomastia surgery (MBS items 31525 and 31526), or excess skin removal after massive weight loss - a rebate may apply where the strict MBS criteria are met and you hold a valid GP referral.

Item numbers change periodically, so confirm the current numbers and criteria with your surgeon and on MBS Online. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider, so a significant out-of-pocket payment remains even where cover applies.

Referral and cooling-off period

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. A valid referral is also needed if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate on medically essential surgery.

For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.

What liposuction is and is not

Liposuction sculpts the body by removing unwanted fat from localised areas. Fat cells are suctioned out through a cannula, which limits disruption to surrounding tissue.

It is not weight loss surgery. It is a technique for shaping the body by removing fat deposits that have not responded to consistent exercise and a healthy diet. It can be performed alongside other procedures such as abdominoplasty.

Me Clinic's plastic surgeons hold specialist registration in plastic surgery, and procedures are performed at fully accredited day hospitals, theatres and surgical hospitals with qualified anaesthetists.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications, including infection, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, contour irregularity, changes in sensation, anaesthesia complications and blood clots. Liposuction specifically can be traumatic for internal organs, and visceral perforation, while uncommon, is a recognised risk.

Risks are discussed with you in detail at consultation, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

See liposuction, local or general anaesthesia, VASER liposuction, or the full Me Clinic pricing page.