The short answer to the question posed in the title of this article is $3,000 to $4,000.

However, since liposuction surgery is nearly always elective and not used in an emergency situation, the average cost of liposuction surgery is difficult to determine because costs vary by both the doctor and by the region where the liposuction surgery is performed. So, best practice dictates that you should compare two or three doctors to get an average cost in your geographic area.

Doctors may prescribe post-ultrasound and massage treatments. Some do not. The number of laboratory tests and fees will affect your total cost. Some doctors use lasers, others use ultrasonic devices.

Here are the major factors to consider. Keep in mind that for doctors as for most business people, time is money.

1. The amount of fat to be removed - simple formula: the more fat to be removed the more time it will take to remove it. The result for very obese patients is higher cost.

2. Your sex will affect the cost. Fat is easier to remove from women than men. Fat in men is usually tougher (more fiber) than in women. So, the average time of liposuction for men will take longer.

3. If your doctor uses a general anesthesia and a hospital to perform the surgery, your cost is increased.

4. How many areas of your body need treatment? You need to find out what your doctor considers different and separate areas because he or she will charge a fee for each area. Usually the abdomen is divided into the upper and lower to make up two areas. Your waist and your hips are considered as two areas. Front and back thighs are also two separate areas.

5. Do you need to travel a long distance for your surgery? To get an average cost of liposuction surgery you need to figure in the travel costs including gas for your car or flight tickets and an overnight stay if that is necessary.

6. Will your doctor use lasers or ultrasonic liposuction? These are not standard procedures so you must ask if either will be used to make a fair comparison. Recent estimates show the average cost of liposuction surgery is about $3,000 in Texas. In New York it is over $4,000.

When it comes to money, you don't want to be surprised by a bill. Ask many questions about the liposuction surgery and be sure to nail down an approximate cost. If you are comparing costs, always compare the total quote from each doctor as opposed to comparing the smaller component fees separately. This will make it easier for you.

Greg Cryns is the founder of http://www.weightlossquest.info Weight Loss Quest and http://www.nursingprogramsonline.com Nursing Programs Online.