One of the most common questions patients have about elective surgery is “How much does it cost?” And a valid question, it is. When one considers all factors, including cost, in the decision to undergo plastic surgery, its one that’s every bit as weighty as buying a car or even a house. As is the case with any other purchase of equitable size, there a numerous factors that contribute to the cost and many variables, affected by things like procedure choice, body area, type of surgical facility, country and region, plastic surgeon credentials and many more.

As previously stated, liposuction cost is determined by a number of factors. Expected time and difficulty of the procedure is a sizable contributor. Size of the patient and number of areas to treat are also considered in this portion of the cost. Depending on pre-surgical weight, liposuction on two body areas could theoretically cost less on one patient who weighs less than a heavier patient having the same procedure on only one area of the body. Scalable factors such as these are the predominant reason why its so difficult for surgeons to divulge “hard and fast” numbers on cost. Because there is such diversity in patient types, there also is with cost.

Surgeon’s experience, location and facility type are at least slightly more static factors in the cost equation for liposuction. Plastic surgeons with extensive expertise, proven results and those who are in high demand will typically charge more. Likewise for surgeons who are board certified over those who are not. Surgery performed in private facilities are typically less expensive than when performed in a hospital, unless the surgeon is located in a high rent/cost building or practices in higher cost-of-living areas, or the patient opts to stay in a private post-operative recovery facility. Another factor to consider, especially for medical tourism patients is the location to where one is traveling. Even though liposuction would already be more on the costly side in areas like Los Angeles and New York, liposuction costs in Hawaii are even more, due to the cost associated with supplies shipping, travel and accommodations that are almost always absorbed by the patient.

As you review our handy general pricing guide, below, we leave you with the caveats that its important for patients to know where every dollar spent is going. Ask your provider if the proposed estimated cost includes items like the anesthesiologist’s fee, and operating room fee. Also know that quoted prices on a telephone or email inquiry are typically inaccurate with regards to your specific case and are simply offered as a rough estimate, at best. Upon an in-person consultation, be sure to obtain a written and itemized estimate of the cost, so you know where your money is going.

Liposuction Pricing table, courtesy of Liposuction.com

With recent developments in health care, patient care for weight loss surgery (known as “Bariatric Surgery“) is being called into question. Recent news regarding patient safety, medical privacy and health care reform begs the question among prospective patients: “Is this all worth it?“

But many patients in North America are turning to an alternative for their health care: medical tourism.

Cost, safety, privacy and “fear of excessive taxation and regulation” are all contributing factors to prospective patients who are considering certain kinds of medical treatment, including weight loss and elective surgeries. Medical tourism is providing an alternative to patients with such concerns. But how far off the beaten path should one have to go for quality treatment in a safe, private and affordable setting?

Plastic surgeons like Hawaii liposuction specialist, Dr. Michael Pasquale, M.D., are in a unique and advantageous position. With a practice located in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Pasquale can offer plastic surgery procedures to patients willing to travel, but with all the safety credentials of a North American board certified plastic surgery practice. Median liposuction costs run about $5,000 per treatment area, but Dr. Pasquale touts a competitive average liposuction cost of about $3,500-4,500 per treatment area.

It is important to remember however, that along with its advantages, traveling abroad for medical treatment presents a new batch of potential risks as well. Foreign facilities may not be held to the same standards of safety and expertise. Furthermore, with foreign facilities, pre-screening for patient eligibility as well as post-surgical follow-ups are dubious, at best. Unless a patient is able to meet with their non-resident surgeon multiple times both before and after surgery, the level of care is inconsistent with that obtained by a local doctor.

There’s also the issue of full medical credibility, as the Canadian newspaper, The Drumheller Mail notes: “…one can’t help but be wary of an outfit who tries to sell their medical procedure with promises of free nights of hotel accommodation, travel planning, and sometimes with sightseeing opportunities thrown in!” As is the case with having your plastic surgery procedure performed locally, patient research of the practice and physician, procedure and surgical facility is a cornerstone of a successful surgical experience.

As the landscape of the medical industry and the care said industry provides continues to change, prospective patients must be reminded that protection of their health and safety are and rightfully still should be the chief concerns of all parties involved, including any medical professional who is even worth seeing for a consultation.

Even though her recent 10 procedures in 1 day plastic surgery spree nearly killed her, Heidi Montag, the 23-year-old star of MTV’s The Hills told “Access Hollywood” that she is open to having more.

“I almost died after my procedure,” Montag said. “I had too much Demerol like Michael Jackson did and my breathing was five breaths per minute which is like almost dead. [I was] in an aftercare center, there were nurses that were supposed to be tending to me at all times.”

“So thank God, Charles, one of my security guys used to be an EMT, and he was timing my breath on his watch and he called the nurses,” she added. “They had to put oxygen on my face and called my plastic surgeon to come in for an emergency. So, it was a very traumatic experience for me.”

Montag began having plastic surgery in 2007, starting with breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and collagen lip injections. In late 2009, she had her second breast enlargement, liposuction on her waist, hips, neck and thighs, brow lift, Botox in forehead, rhinoplasty revision, fat injections into her cheeks and lips, chin reduction, buttock augmentation and had her ears pinned back. Montag also claims she is willing to take the risk in order to have even more surgery.

“I’m just starting,” she said. “Let’s just say there’s a lot of maintenance. Nobody ages perfectly, so I plan to keep using surgery to make me as perfect as I can be. Because, for me, the surgery is always so rewarding.”

Though Montag has stated that she is not addicted to cosmetic surgery, most psychologists and plastic surgeons would disagree after hearing her quoted saying “I’m beyond obsessed.”

“Even though you had ten surgeries in one day, that doesn’t seem very far down the continuum [of addiction],” said Tom Horvath, a psychologist who operates an addiction treatment center in La Jolla, Calif.

Patients interested in the risks and effectiveness of having multiple procedures can contact plastic surgeons such as Houston liposuction surgeon, Dr. Michael Eisseman.

Dr. Eisemann is one of several surgeons who offer specialized consultations for multiple-procedure patients. He reminds that its important for patients to remember that numerous factors, such as age, body type and health history are crucial in determining if a potential patient is eligible for even one or multiple plastic surgery procedures.

Since the surgeries, Montag is now starting to experience diminishing pain as well as regaining her ability to walk and move around effortlessly. Typically, liposuction surgery requires patients to stay off their feet for up to a month, on average. Montag has had mobility issues for about twice that average recovery time.

“I do love it and I appreciate it and I appreciate the science behind it,” she explained. “We [are] blessed to even have this surgery that we have. We’re so advanced. If Cleopatra were alive now, I’m sure she’d have triple D’s … there’s always been a struggle between pain and beauty. I feel like since the beginning of time.”

“I’m beyond ready to do it again,” she said.