When researching top surgery, you'll often see liposuction listed as an "optional add-on" for an extra $3,500 to $4,000. Many surgeons present it as a cosmetic enhancement—something you can skip to save money.
This is misleading.
Liposuction isn't a luxury upgrade. It's a structural tool that's essential for achieving clean lateral borders, eliminating "dog ears," and creating natural masculine definition. Charging separately for it is like charging extra for sutures or anesthesia.
The Industry Standard Problem
Most US surgeons charge $8,000-12,000 for top surgery, then add liposuction as an optional $3,500-4,000 "upgrade." This creates a false choice: pay more for optimal results, or accept suboptimal outcomes to save money.
The reality? Without liposuction, you're likely to have lateral chest rolls, visible "dog ears," and undefined borders—especially if you're plus-size or have excess tissue along the sides.
What Liposuction Actually Does in Top Surgery
1. Lateral Chest Definition
Liposuction removes excess tissue along the sides of your chest, creating clean lateral borders that define where your chest ends and your sides begin. Without it, you're left with soft, undefined edges that don't look masculine.
2. Eliminating "Dog Ears"
"Dog ears" are the small bulges of tissue that form at the ends of incisions when excess tissue isn't properly removed. Liposuction prevents this by contouring the axillary (armpit) area and creating smooth transitions. Without it, you'll likely need revision surgery to fix them.
3. Enabling 3D Sculptural Contouring
To create natural pectoral definition and masculine contours, surgeons need precise control over tissue volume. Liposuction allows selective reduction in specific areas while preserving volume in others—essential for the 3D Sculpting Protocol™.
4. Critical for Plus-Size Patients
For larger body types, liposuction isn't just helpful—it's absolutely essential. It's the only way to achieve clear pectoral borders and eliminate lateral chest rolls. Without comprehensive liposuction, plus-size patients are left with a flat center but undefined, bulky sides.
The Cost Breakdown: Why Charging Extra Doesn't Make Sense
| Surgeon Approach | Base Cost | Liposuction | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Surgeon (Typical) | $8,000-12,000 | +$3,500-4,000 extra | $11,500-16,000 |
| Dr. Cornélio (All-Inclusive) | $6,000-8,000 | ✓ Always included | $6,000-8,000 |
Dr. Cornélio's all-inclusive packages include comprehensive liposuction as standard because it's essential for optimal results. You're not just saving $3,500-4,000—you're getting more advanced surgical techniques at a lower total cost.
What Happens When You Skip Liposuction?
Lateral Chest Rolls
Excess tissue along the sides creates visible rolls that bulge when you move your arms or wear fitted clothing. This is especially common in plus-size patients.
Persistent "Dog Ears"
Small bulges at the ends of your incisions that require revision surgery to fix. Many patients end up paying for liposuction anyway—just later, with additional recovery time.
Undefined Borders
Without clean lateral definition, your chest lacks the clear borders that create a masculine appearance. The result looks flat but not sculpted.
Limited Definition
Without liposuction's precise volume control, surgeons can't create natural pectoral contours or 3D definition. You get tissue removal, not sculptural transformation.
Dr. Cornélio's Philosophy
"Liposuction isn't an optional upgrade—it's a fundamental surgical tool. Charging separately for it creates a false economy where patients sacrifice optimal results to save money. That's not patient-centered care."
Lateral chest definition: Removes excess tissue along the sides for clean borders
Axillary contouring: Eliminates "dog ears" and creates smooth transitions
3D sculpting: Enables precise volume control for natural projection
Plus-size excellence: Critical for achieving definition in larger body types
Without liposuction, you get tissue removal. With it, you get sculptural transformation.
Real Patient Perspectives
"My US surgeon quoted me $10,000 for surgery plus $4,000 for lipo. I went with Dr. Cornélio for $7,500 total—comprehensive lipo included. The lateral definition is incredible. Best decision I ever made."
— Alex, 29, Florida
"I'm plus-size and was told I'd need to lose weight first. Dr. Cornélio's comprehensive lipo gave me clear pec definition at my current size. No dog ears, no lateral rolls—just a masculine chest."
— Jordan, 32, Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Does liposuction make recovery longer?
No. Recovery timelines are the same whether liposuction is included or not. Most patients return to light activities in 2-3 weeks and full activities in 6-8 weeks.
Is liposuction more painful?
Liposuction adds minimal discomfort compared to the primary surgery. Most patients report that the overall pain level is manageable with prescribed medication, and the improved results are worth any minor additional soreness.
What if I'm not plus-size—do I still need it?
Yes. Even patients with smaller body types benefit from liposuction for lateral definition, dog ear prevention, and 3D contouring. It's essential for achieving clean, masculine borders regardless of body size.
Why don't all surgeons include it?
Many surgeons view liposuction as a separate cosmetic procedure rather than an integral surgical tool. This allows them to charge more for "premium" results. Dr. Cornélio believes this creates a false choice and includes it as standard because it's essential for optimal outcomes.