Q) I have seen three ASPS-certified surgeons for Liposuction consultations. The surgeon’s fee ranged from $3,500 to $6,200, they all had the same anesthesia fee, and the facilities fee varied depending on the hospital used, from $1,500 to $2,470. Price is not an issue; I am merely looking for the best surgeon. However, I would like to discuss the role of price because I preferred the physician with the highest fee. What is your advice on how to approach this discussion? A) I congratulate you for choosing only ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) certified plastic surgeons for your liposuction evaluations. I agree that price should not be the only factor in this decision. When comparing price, remember that a plastic surgery procedure isn’t a commodity that’s identical from one provider to the next. The results of liposuction, like those of any procedure, depend on your surgeon’s aesthetic judgment and surgical skill. These obviously differ widely. I always tell my patients that it is not necessarily how much fat I remove that is important, it is how much fat I leave. Additionally, you’ll want to choose the plastic surgeon and staff with whom you feel the most comfortable. There’s value in knowing that you will be cared for by people who understand your goals, answer your questions, and respond to your concerns. Always check before and after photos to gain a sense of their work. Some of my patients who are considering a procedure ask to speak with some of my other patients who have already gone through the procedure so they can ask specific questions about the experience. You may want to do the same, as it can help with your decision