 | One Area on Both Thighs: $2,000-$6,500 |
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 | Multiple Areas, Both Thighs: $7,000+ |
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| Thigh liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove localized deposits of excess fat in the thighs when diet and exercise have not worked. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Thigh liposuction typically costs $2,000 to $6,500 for one area -- either inner, outer or back -- on both thighs, or $7,000 or more for multiple areas on both thighs -- such as inner and outer or inner, outer and back. It is common for a patient to get liposuction on just one part of the thighs, such as the inner thighs, but some patients get liposuction on multiple areas. Metropolitan Plastic Surgery in the Washington, D.C. area, charges $2,750 for thigh liposuction on one part of the thighs. The Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in California charges $2,000 to $4,000 for thigh liposuction -- whether on the inner, outer, front or back thighs. Dr. Satish C. Vayas in Dearborn, Michigan charges $2,500 to $3,500 for thigh liposuction, but his prices are a la carte, and the facility fee and anesthesia for a two-hour procedure could add $2,000 or more for a possible total of $5,500. And the San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center charges about $2,600 to $6,500 for thigh liposuction. For patients who get liposuction on multiple parts of the thighs, there is usually a multiple-procedure discount. For example, Hollywood Liposculpture charges $3,700 for inner and outer thighs or $7,300 for full thighs (inner, outer and tops) and knees.
- Thigh liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it typically is not covered by health insurance.
What should be included: | - At the initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss patient goals, examine the area to be treated and determine whether to recommend thigh liposuction or another procedure, such as a thigh lift. The surgeon will then discuss surgical technique and risks.
- In thigh liposuction, the patient is placed under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on doctor preference and the extent of the procedure. The surgeon then makes incisions near the targeted areas and uses a narrow tube, called a canula, to break up and remove fat by suction. The procedure usually takes one to three hours. Thigh liposuction usually is an outpatient procedure.
Additional costs: | - The surgeon might prescribe antibiotics and pain medication after surgery.
- A compression garment to aid in recovery could cost $75 to $150.
- Recovery typically requires up to one week off work.
Discounts: | - Many cosmetic surgery centers publish discount offers on their websites. For example, Metropolitan Plastic Surgery in Washington, D.C. has run a special on thigh liposuction for $2,000, which is $750 off the normal cost. Many surgeons also offer discounts on multiple procedures.
Shopping for thigh liposuction: | - Good candidates for thigh liposuction are healthy non-smokers close to their ideal weight who have localized areas of excess fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. Good skin elasticity also helps achieve desired results.
- Tip: Make sure the doctor is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has privileges at an accredited hospital, even if the surgery is not taking place there. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offer referral services. Also, ask to see before-and-after photographs of previous patients.
- Risks of thigh liposuction include shock, fluid overload, bleeding, blood clots, fat embolism, nerve or tissue damage, burns, uneven fat removal, scarring, drug reactions and even death.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated February 2010 |
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