How Much Does Liposuction in Canberra Cost

When looking into Vaser liposuction in Canberra, ACT, you’ll see prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. There are a few factors that determine the cost of liposuction in Canberra, which we’ll cover in this article. We’ll also discuss if Medicare and health insurance can help cover liposuction costs.

Average Liposuction Costs in Canberra (2024)

In Canberra, you’ll find liposuction from as little as $3,000 to over $10,000. The bigger the area, the more you’ll pay (e.g. you’ll pay more for abdomen liposuction vs arm liposuction).

• Chin liposuction: $3,000 – $6,000
• Arm liposuction: $4,000 – $6,000
• Abdomen liposuction: $6,000 – $10,000
• Thigh liposuction: $5,000 – $8,000

Just remember: cheaper doesn’t typically equate to better. When it comes to liposuction, the skills and experience of your surgeon are more important than the cost. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

What Are Some of the Costs of Liposuction?

Initial Consultation Fee

When you first meet with a surgeon, there’s often a fee for the consultation, usually around $150 to $250. In Australia, you need to have a minimum of two liposuction consultations to make sure you’re a suitable candidate for surgery¹https://www.health.vic.gov.au/guideline-for-providers-of-liposuction.

Surgeon’s Fee

This is typically the biggest part of the cost. Experienced and reputable surgeons tend to charge more. You might see prices ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 per area.

Anaesthesia Fee

Depending on whether you need local, twilight, or general anaesthesia, this can add another $500 to $1,500 to your bill.

Facility Fees

These cover the operating room and medical equipment. Expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for this.

Post-Operative Care

After the surgery, you’ll need follow-up visits, medications, and compression garments. These can cost an additional $200 to $500.

Additional Areas

If you’re having multiple areas treated, each additional area typically costs less. For example, the first area might cost $5,500, and each extra area could be around $2,000.

Complexity and Time

More complex cases or those requiring more time to complete, can increase the cost. The amount of fat being removed and the specific areas being treated can also affect the cost.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost at Levant Cosmetic Surgery?

Liposuction costs at Levant Cosmetic Surgery in Canberra vary based on a few factors, such as the size and number of areas treated, the amount of fat removed, the complexity of your case, and the time needed for surgery and recovery.

Prices typically start at a base price of $5,500 for the first area, with additional areas starting at $2,000 each.

For example:

• Hip liposuction (both sides) counts as one area and costs $5,500.
• Treating the lower abdomen, upper abdomen, and hips counts as three areas, with pricing starting from $9,500.

These prices are a general guide. During your initial consultations, you’ll receive a comprehensive cost breakdown tailored to your individual needs.

What Other Factors Affect Liposuction Costs in Canberra

• Clinic Location: The cost of living and running a clinic in different parts of Canberra can affect prices. Clinics in more affluent or central areas might have higher operating costs, which can be reflected in their pricing.
• Type of Liposuction: Different techniques, such as Vaser, laser-assisted, or traditional liposuction, can vary in cost. Advanced techniques like Vaser might be more expensive due to the technology and expertise required.

Risks of Low-Cost Liposuction

1. Inexperienced Surgeons: If the price seems unusually low, it could mean the procedure is being performed by someone without adequate training or experience. This can increase the risk of complications and lead to results that might not meet your expectations.
2. Poor Facility Standards: Clinics offering very low prices might cut corners on hygiene and technology. This can raise the risk of infections and other health issues.
3. Lack of Aftercare: Proper aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery. Low-cost clinics may not provide the necessary follow-up care, which can affect your healing process and the outcome of your procedure.

Does Private Health Insurance or Medicare Cover Liposuction Costs?

In Australia, Medicare and private health insurance generally only cover medically necessary, non-elective procedures. Since liposuction is typically considered an elective cosmetic surgery, it’s usually not covered under these plans.

Medicare:

• Medicare is primarily designed to cover essential medical treatments and procedures  (liposuction is typically not essential). However, there might be exceptions if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by a doctor, such as in cases of lipedema or other health conditions that require fat removal for medical reasons.

Private Health Insurance:

• Most private health insurance plans also do not cover elective cosmetic procedures like liposuction. However, policies can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check with your insurer. In some instances, if the liposuction is part of a reconstructive surgery or medically necessary procedure, partial coverage might be available. For example, if liposuction is performed as part of a breast reduction surgery for health reasons, some costs might be covered.

Read more about Medicare coverage for liposuction and health insurance coverage for liposuction.

How to Find a Reputable Liposuction Clinic in Canberra

1. Do Your Research

• Read Reviews: Start by reading online reviews on Google, Yelp, and health-specific websites like RealSelf. Patient reviews can give you a good idea of the clinic’s reputation and the experiences others have had.
• Before and After Photos: Look for clinics that show before and after photos of their patients. This can help you gauge the quality of their work and see if their results align with your goals.

2. Check Credentials

• If you want a FRACS Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon, make sure the surgeon is board-certified and has specialised training in cosmetic surgery. Look for memberships in professional organisations like the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).
• If you’re happy with a Liposuction Doctor, choose one that has performed at least 100 supervised liposuction procedures²https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx, including at least 5 on the specific body part they will treat.

Read more: How to choose a liposuction surgeon

3. Schedule Consultations

• Book consultations with a few clinics. Meeting the surgeon in person lets you ask questions and discuss your goals. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident with them.
• Prepare a list of questions to ask during your consultation, like:
  • What technique do you use for liposuction?
  • How many procedures have you performed?
  • What are the risks and potential complications?
  • Can I see before and after photos of previous patients?

4. Visit the Liposuction Clinic

• Visit the clinic to ensure it’s clean, well-maintained, and equipped with the latest technology.
• The clinic’s staff should be friendly, professional, and willing to answer all your questions.

Read more: What safety standards are followed in liposuction procedures in Australia?

5. Find a Clinic with Transparent Pricing 

• Make sure the clinic provides a clear and comprehensive breakdown of costs. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they might not include all necessary fees.
• Ask if the clinic offers financing plans or payment options to help manage the cost of the procedure.

6. Consider Post-Operative Care

• Choose a clinic that offers good post-operative care. Follow-up visits are important to monitor your recovery and address any concerns that may arise after the procedure.
• Make sure the clinic provides its patients with detailed aftercare instructions and is available for any questions you may have during your recovery.

Visit Our Canberra Liposuction Clinic for a Personalised Quote

Exploring your options for liposuction in Canberra? At Levant Cosmetic Surgery, we offer personalised consultations to provide you with a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs. During your visit, our experienced surgeons will assess your concerns, discuss your expectations, and create a customised plan just for you.

Schedule a consultation today.

Liposuction Costs Canberra FAQs

Can I treat multiple areas at once, and how does it affect the cost?

Yes, you can treat multiple areas in one session, which is often more cost-effective. The initial area might cost around $5,500, with each additional area costing approximately $2,000. This way, you save money compared to treating each area separately.

How long does a liposuction procedure take?

The length of the procedure varies depending on the areas treated. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to four hours. Larger or multiple areas will naturally take longer.

Will I need more than one session of liposuction?

Often, one session is enough to achieve results. However, if a significant amount of fat needs to be removed or if you have multiple target areas, you might need more sessions. Your surgeon will guide you on what’s best during your consultation.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with liposuction?

Like any surgery, liposuction comes with risks such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. More serious risks, though rare, include infection and blood clots. Your surgeon will discuss all possible risks with you beforehand.

What alternatives to liposuction are available in Canberra?

If you’re looking for non-surgical options, CoolSculpting, ultrasound fat reduction, laser lipolysis, and radiofrequency fat reduction are some alternatives. These treatments have less downtime and fewer risks, though they might require multiple sessions for the best results. Talk to a professional to see what’s best for you.

I found someone who will perform liposuction for $1,000 – is that a scam?

While a $1,000 liposuction offer might seem attractive, the risks often outweigh the savings. Prioritise safety, quality, and the surgeon’s credentials over cost. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always do thorough research and consult with multiple reputable surgeons before making a decision.

References:

• 1. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/guideline-for-providers-of-liposuction
• 2. https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx