One of the most common queries we receive about all procedures is related to price. This makes sense, especially for those who are new to the world of cosmetic/functional surgery and have no benchmark or ballpark figures to work with. Liposuction in particular can be confusing for patients, especially when considering the various options and factors related to the procedure.

In the following sections, we’ll dissect the numbers to explain how surgeon expertise, facility fees, and more play into the total expense, plus touch on financing options that may ease the burden.

Key Points

• Liposuction in Sydney costs around $5,000/hour, varying due to the surgeon’s expertise, hospital fees, and procedural complexity.
• Additional post-surgery expenses for medications and garments should be included in the budget, and other potential costs include blood work and other pre-operative tests.
• Factors influencing the cost of liposuction include the surgeon’s experience, the surgical technique, and geographic location.
• Medicare, private health support and rebates of any kind are not available given most liposuction procedures are purely cosmetic.

What is the Cost of Liposuction in Sydney?

The cost of liposuction in Sydney can vary significantly. In Sydney, an all-inclusive liposuction package that covers all out-of-pocket and hospital fees can cost anywhere from $10,000 for a simple 1-1.5 hour procedure under general anaesthetic. Costs can be significantly higher for longer and multiple area procedures with an additional 10% GST due to the fact that there are no MBS numbers to be used. 

It is important to note that the pricing structure will vary from clinic to clinic. Some clinics will base their pricing on the cost per area treated rather than by the hour, and others may have discounts for multiple areas treated.

We unpack the multitude of factors affecting the price of liposuction below.

Breakdown of the Costs Involved

Understanding the various cost components of liposuction can help explain the wide price range. The cost of liposuction can be broken down into several categories, including surgeon fees, hospital and anaesthetist expenses, and post-surgery essentials such as medications and garments.

How much does liposuction cost per hour?

Liposuction costs about $5,000 per hour not including anaesthetist or hospital fees.

How many hours does liposuction take?

Liposuction can take between 1-7 hours depending on how extensive the procedure is. Some of the different body regions where liposuction is performed, and the time they take, are: 

• Abdominal – 2 hours
• Inner and outer thighs – 2-3 hours
• Arms – 1-2 hours

Times above are approximates only and the true length of time will depend on the extent of the procedure required.

Surgeon Fees

This is the cost for the skill and expertise of the surgeon you choose. Their fees are between $4,000 – $7,000 per hour or more. The factors that can influence the surgeon’s fee include:

• The surgeon’s training, experience, and reputation
• The surgical approach employed
• Whether the surgery is performed in a hospital or a clinic
• The complexity of the procedure
• Whether they are a FRACS qualified or a cosmetic surgeon with no accredited qualifications

These factors can all contribute to the overall cost of the surgery.

Surgeons of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) charge higher fees due to their recognised qualifications, requiring rigorous prolonged training and high standards to achieve the qualifications.

Hospital and Anaesthetist Expenses

Hospital and anaesthetist expenses cover theatre fees and anaesthesia costs. These costs can vary based on the facility and the type of anaesthesia used. Hospital fees for liposuction are between $2,000 – $3,000 per hour and anaesthetic fees are between $650 – $800 per hour.

Post-Surgery Medications and Garments

After surgery, recovery often involves medications for pain management and infection prevention, as well as specialised garments to aid healing. These post-operative essentials come with their own costs that should be factored into your budget.

Other Fees

Aside from the main categories, other costs may arise from additional tests to confirm your suitability for liposuction. These may include:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasounds or other scans
• Pathology fees for examination of tissue removed
• Other doctors’ fees

What Other Factors Can Change the Cost of Liposuction?

Factors that contribute to the overall cost of liposuction include:

• The surgeon’s experience and reputation
• The type of procedure used
• The geographic location of the surgeon’s office

The Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation

A surgeon’s experience and reputation significantly influence the cost. Highly experienced surgeons or those with a specialised focus on liposuction may charge more for their services due to their expertise and the demand for their skills.

For example, a specialist breast & body surgeon may have a higher fee than a general plastic surgeon. If the surgeon underwent specialist surgery training or learnt specialised techniques, this may also affect their rates. Dr Michael Yunaev is a Specialist Surgeon with experience and passion for Body Surgery and is the Principal Doctor at Breast & Body Clinic. Learn more about Dr Michael Yunaev’s experience here, or book a consultation now.

The Type of Procedure Used

The surgical technique selected for your liposuction can also impact the cost. The complexity of the technique can affect the cost of the surgery, with more complex techniques requiring more theatre time and planning.

The Geographic Location of the Office

The cost of living in your area can also affect the price of liposuction. The average specialist fees in New South Wales for liposuction can be up to 50% more expensive than fees for the same procedure in South Australia. Hence, the geographic location of the surgeon’s office can have a significant impact on the final price.

Will Medicare Cover My Liposuction?

When it comes to liposuction, this procedure is largely considered to be cosmetic. This means that there is no rebate or subsidy from Medicare of any kind.

MBS Item Codes for Liposuction

The following MBS Code relates to liposuction procedures, though it is rarely applicable:

45585 – Liposuction
Liposuction (suction assisted lipolysis) to one regional area if:
(a) the liposuction is required for the treatment of Barraquer-Simons syndrome, lymphoedema or macrodystrophia lipomatosa; or
(b) the liposuction is required for the reduction of a buffalo hump that is secondary to an endocrine disorder or pharmacological treatment of a medical condition; and
(c) photographic evidence demonstrating the clinical need for liposuction is documented in the patient notes.
Multiple Operation Rule
(Anaes.)
Fee: $719.70 Benefit: 75% = $539.80

Does Private Health Insurance Cover Liposuction in Australia?

Private health fund rebates for liposuction depend on the level of insurance cover and the presence of an MBS item number. Due to the fact that liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure, private health insurance cover is rare.

Preparing for Your Liposuction

The journey towards liposuction begins with a few steps, starting with acquiring a referral to a specialist breast surgeon for an initial consultation. Understanding the associated risks of the procedure, which should be extensively discussed with the surgeon before the surgery, is paramount.

General Anaesthetic vs Local Anaesthetic

There are different options in terms of the anaesthetic used for the procedure. You can opt for either general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. General anaesthetic means that the patient will be unconscious during the procedure, while local anaesthetic means the patient will be awake during the procedure. 

There are various factors to consider here as local anaesthetic is cheaper, but it is more uncomfortable so is suited to people with high pain threshold. General anaesthetic is more expensive, but is significantly more comfortable. There is also the risk of non-completion with local anaesthetic due to unmanageable pain. 

Your should speak to your surgeon before making a decision on which anaesthetic you would prefer.

Initial Consultation and Doctor’s Referral

The initial consultation is an essential step in your surgical journey. This consultation includes:

• Assessing your suitability for the procedure
• Setting realistic expectations for the surgery outcomes
• Providing personalised cost estimates based on a physical examination and detailed medical history

Meet with Dr Yunaev

If you’re ready to discuss your options and take the first step towards a transformative experience, book a consultation with Dr Michael Yunaev today to obtain the precise surgical quote for your procedure that is carefully tailored to your needs.

Dr Yunaev is an experienced surgeon specialising in aesthetic breast and body surgery, general surgery, and the treatment of breast cancer and benign breast conditions.

This deep knowledge of body surgery and cosmetic treatments allows him to approach liposuction with a comprehensive perspective. This means that while performing liposuction, he is not only considering the aesthetic shape but also the functional and health implications for the patient.

If you are considering this procedure, speak to our friendly team today to receive all of the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. The consultation will not only provide exact costs but also ensure that liposuction will create the results you are hoping for. We will assess your situation and goals, and recommend the best path forward to helping you feel more comfortable with your body.