Liposuction: costs and financing options

What factors influence the cost of liposuction?

The cost of liposuction is made up of various components. There is no standard price; instead, it is calculated individually based on your diagnosis, your goals, and the chosen method.

Every body is different, and every treatment goal is unique. That is why your treatment plan should be tailored specifically to you and your personal expectations.

Treatment area and extent

Common treatment areas include:

• Abdomen
• Waist
• Flanks
• Thighs
• Knees
• Upper arms
• Back
• Face (e.g., double chin)

The larger the treatment area and the more fat that needs to be removed, the longer the procedure takes—and the higher the cost. Liposuction of the abdomen is one of the most requested procedures and is often performed alone or in combination with other areas.

Technique used

We primarily use the SAFELipo technique in combination with vibration-assisted liposuction. This highly advanced method minimizes the risk of irregularities and ensures natural, harmonious contours.

Depending on your individual condition, other techniques may be used, which can influence the total cost:

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (VASER®): Particularly suitable for fibrous tissue. Ultrasound waves liquefy fat cells before removal, protecting surrounding tissue and potentially providing mild skin tightening.
• Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (BodyTite®): Combines fat removal with targeted heat treatment. The controlled heating stimulates collagen production and results in visible skin tightening—especially beneficial in areas with reduced skin elasticity.

Type of anesthesia and duration of surgery

Smaller areas can often be treated on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or twilight sedation. This is more cost-effective than general anesthesia and less physically demanding.

The procedure typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the extent. All of these factors are included in the overall cost calculation.

Combination with other procedures

Liposuction can be effectively combined with other treatments, such as a tummy tuck or a mommy makeover. In such cases, certain costs (e.g., anesthesia and operating room) can be shared, making combined procedures more cost-efficient than multiple separate surgeries.

Qualification and experience of the surgeon

Our specialists — PD Dr. Stéphane Stahl and Dr. Adelana Santos Stahl — are board-certified experts in plastic and aesthetic surgery with many years of experience.

An experienced surgeon ensures safe handling even in complex or unexpected situations. This level of expertise is reflected in a performance-based price and guarantees a higher level of safety and results.

What is included in the cost of liposuction?

Transparency is extremely important to us. During your personal consultation, we review all factors together so you have full clarity and can plan your treatment with confidence.

A reputable liposuction quote typically includes:

• Personal consultation with a specialist
• Preoperative planning and marking of treatment areas
• Surgeon’s and anesthesiologist’s fees (including assistant if required)
• Operating room costs, materials, and tumescent solution
• Postoperative follow-up appointments (after 3 days, 1, 2, and 6 weeks)
• Direct access to your surgeon after the procedure

Always check whether follow-up care, compression garments, and anesthesia are included in the quoted price. Lower-cost offers often exclude these services, which can quickly eliminate any apparent savings.

At Centerplast, you receive a complete and transparent cost estimate—no hidden fees, no unpleasant surprises. So you can focus on what truly matters: your procedure and your recovery.

Financing and complication insurance

Since liposuction is usually considered a private elective procedure, patients typically bear the costs themselves. However, there are several ways to ease the financial burden.

Installment plans and financing

We offer the option to pay for your procedure in installments. This allows you to plan your treatment without having to cover the full amount upfront. Feel free to ask us about the currently available financing options during your consultation.

Financing is generally available to adults residing in Germany with a regular monthly income. This does not necessarily require permanent employment — self-employed individuals, freelancers, trainees, and students may also apply. In some cases, proof of a positive credit rating may be required.

Complication insurance – financial protection after surgery

Before any aesthetic procedure, we strongly recommend taking out complication insurance. This special insurance covers the costs of medically necessary treatments resulting from complications after cosmetic procedures—such as hospital stays, revision surgeries, or follow-up treatments.

Important: Statutory and many private health insurers often exclude complications from aesthetic procedures. Without insurance, this can result in significant out-of-pocket costs. Compared to the potential financial risk, the insurance premium is relatively low.

Coverage by health insurance

In Germany, liposuction is generally considered an aesthetic procedure and is therefore not covered by statutory health insurance. However, there are two exceptions:

Lipedema stage III – limited coverage

Since January 2020, liposuction for stage III lipedema has been included in statutory health insurance coverage. Lipedema is a painful condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation, typically affecting the legs and arms.

This regulation was initially limited until the end of 2024. Please consult us for the most up-to-date information.

Medical deformity – case-by-case decision

In rare cases, cost reimbursement may be possible if a medically significant deformity is present—meaning the condition leads to serious functional limitations or psychological distress. Such applications require detailed medical documentation and are reviewed individually by insurers.

Purely aesthetic liposuction – self-payment

If liposuction is performed for purely aesthetic reasons—such as body contouring of the abdomen, hips, or thighs—the patient must cover the full cost. Health insurance does not provide reimbursement in these cases.

More About Health Insurance Coverage

Individual cost estimate for your liposuction

The exact cost of liposuction can only be determined after a thorough clinical examination and discussion of your goals. During a personal consultation or video appointment, we will clearly explain which treatment is suitable for you, which techniques will be used, what is included in the price, and which financing options are available.