For many patients, liposuction costs are a decisive factor when planning their procedure. Liposuction can be an effective method of getting rid of stubborn fat deposits that cannot be reduced through exercise and diet alone. Below you will find a transparent overview of the liposuction costs at our practice, the most important influencing factors, and information on possible cost coverage.
Costs of liposuction
Die Kosten für eine Fettabsaugung sind abhängig von der Menge des Fettgewebes und der zu behandelnden Körperregion. In meiner Praxis erfolgt die Rechnung transparent und nach der Gebührenordnung für Ärzte (GOÄ). Die folgenden Fettabsaugung Kosten geben Ihnen eine erste Orientierung:
- Consultation: approx. €170 (including ultrasound of the leg veins). We are legally obliged to charge for the initial consultation.
- Thighs (front and inner side, including knee joint): approx. €4,800
- Saddlebags (outer thighs and rear): approx. €4,800
- Lower leg, circular: approx. €5,400
- Male breasts (gynecomastia): approx. €3,000
- Abdominal wall: approx. €3,800
- Upper arms: approx. €4,400
For purely cosmetic procedures, VAT at the current rate of 19% is added to these prices. In the case of lipedema, the procedure is medically indicated and therefore exempt from VAT.
If you are considering other regions, please feel free to contact us. We will work with you to clarify the options and the associated costs.
Fat transfer and skin tightening
In addition to liposuction, we also offer fat transfer (lipofilling), for example to the breasts, buttocks, or to correct so-called "hip dips." The cost for this is approximately €1,000 per area, in addition to the liposuction.
For optimal results, we often offer simultaneous skin tightening using argon plasma or laser. The cost for this is approximately €1,200.
Factors influencing the cost of liposuction
The cost of liposuction is influenced by various factors:
- Treated region: Larger areas incur higher costs.
- Number of regions:
The more regions are treated, the higher the total costs will be. - Anesthesia:
Procedures are performed under local anesthesia as standard. If you prefer general anesthesia, additional costs will be incurred. - Skin tightening:
Additional procedures, such as skin tightening, increase the cost. - Indication: For cosmetic procedures, VAT at the current rate of 19% is added to the prices quoted. This does not apply to medical indications such as lipedema.
Liposuction costs: Insurance and cost coverage
As I work exclusively in private practice, statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of liposuction in my practice. If you have private health insurance or are eligible for subsidies, you can clarify the cost coverage in advance. I would be happy to provide you with a cost estimate.
Why do liposuction costs vary?
The cost of liposuction can vary greatly depending on which clinic or doctor you choose and which area is to be treated. Aftercare and additional services can also influence the price. If it is a purely cosmetic procedure, VAT of currently 19% will be added. The doctor's qualifications also play a role: experienced specialists often charge higher fees, but also offer more comprehensive expertise.
Transparency regarding liposuction costs and individual consultation
It is important to us that you are aware of the costs involved before you decide to undergo liposuction. We attach great importance to transparent pricing. In a personal consultation, we will discuss all open questions and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
You can find further and more comprehensive information about the costs and details of liposuction at my practice in Düsseldorf on our Liposuction Düsseldorf page.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of liposuction:
The cost of liposuction depends on several factors, including the area of the body being treated, the number of areas, the type of anesthesia, and any additional procedures such as skin tightening. The reason for the liposuction also influences the final price: if the procedure is purely cosmetic, VAT at the current rate of 19% is added. In the case of lipedema, VAT does not apply, as this is considered treatment for a medical condition. Each treatment is tailored to the individual patient, which can lead to varying costs.
In my private medical practice, statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of liposuction, regardless of whether it is a cosmetic procedure or treatment for lipedema. In this case, you will have to pay for the procedure yourself. Privately insured individuals or those eligible for assistance who suffer from lipedema should clarify the possibilities of cost coverage with their insurance company in advance. In the case of cosmetic surgery, costs are not covered here either.
The costs vary depending on the region being treated. For example, the price for liposuction on the thighs is around €4,800, while the cost of treatment for male breasts (gynecomastia) is around €3,000. For liposuction performed for cosmetic reasons, VAT at the current rate of 19% is added to this price. This does not apply to liposuction performed to treat lipedema. You will receive a detailed cost breakdown during your consultation.
Yes, in addition to the pure treatment costs, additional costs may be incurred, e.g., for general anesthesia, skin tightening, or aftercare. The initial consultation is also billed separately. All costs are discussed transparently in advance so that there are no surprises.
For patients with statutory health insurance, liposuction costs are currently only covered by statutory health insurance companies in stage III and only by participating doctors or in hospitals. The LipLeg study was recently completed and the results are currently (as of July 2025) still being evaluated. Depending on the results of the evaluation, the costs may also be covered for liposuction in stage I or II in the future. Patients with private health insurance can try to obtain liposuction at any stage of the disease at the expense of their private health insurance company. Some private health insurance companies contribute to the costs. However, this should always be clarified in advance of any surgery. As a private doctor, statutory health insurance companies unfortunately do not cover the costs of lipedema treatment—both conservative and surgical—regardless of the stage of the disease.
In order to have the costs of liposuction for lipedema covered by your health insurance, you will need a written diagnosis and a cost estimate from your surgeon. You then submit both to your health insurance company with a request for coverage. Your health insurance company will then inform you of any further requirements you must meet in order to have the costs covered. This often involves at least 6 months of unsuccessful conservative therapy prior to surgery.
In Germany, it is a legal requirement that invoices for medical treatment, including liposuction—even if it is only for cosmetic purposes—must be issued in accordance with the German Scale of Medical Fees (GOÄ). Important exceptions to this rule are treatments covered by the statutory health insurance system (in which case the EBM applies) or the employers' liability insurance association (BG). A fee claim with flat rates is not legally permissible. With GOÄ invoices, the final fee can still be influenced by the doctor by applying various factors. If a lot of fatty tissue has been removed, a higher factor will certainly be applied than if there is only a small amount of fatty tissue. This explains the different prices charged by different clinics. In my practice, a legally compliant invoice is always issued for each treatment in accordance with the GOÄ, which you can then submit to your health insurance company for possible reimbursement if necessary.
Finally, you have the option of obtaining a loan to pay for liposuction through your bank or via an online portal that specializes in financing medical procedures. In individual cases, I myself offer payment in a few installments (e.g., 3-4).
German law stipulates that medical services cannot be provided free of charge. This means that the initial consultation at our practice is subject to a fee and unfortunately cannot be offset against further treatment. We charge a transparent fee for the initial consultation in accordance with the GOÄ (German Medical Fee Schedule). This varies between approximately €40 for a consultation with a physical examination and €170 for an additional ultrasound examination of the legs and, if necessary, a consultation to discuss surgery.
