Cost for v-beam laser or IPL treatments

seascape · 30th October 2009, 02:01 AM

Hi forum
sorry if this is a rude question, but i am worried about the cost of v-beam laser treatments. I have an appointment set for my first v-beam laser treatment, the doc will cover the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. The cost is $800 U.S and subsequent treatments might be less if there is less to do.
Is this a lot to pay? I could manage a couple but any more would be an extreme amount of money to pay. Are IPL treatments a lot cheaper?
I live in central Massachusetts and my doc is a plastic surgeon with a private office.
I would be really grateful for any feedback, thanks
seascape

meg · 30th October 2009, 03:26 AM

I think that is very high for vbeam. My dr is in a major city and has the newest vbeam, the Perfecta, and she charges between $350 and $450 for a full face tx, inlcuding ears and even eyelids, if you want them done. You might shop around a little. Also, look for the Perfecta instead of the regular vbeam as it gives a stronger treatment with less side effects. And find a dr who has a lot of experience using the Perfecta. You don't want anyone else doing the tx, especially if you are paying $800! Best of luck.
Meg

roz · 31st October 2009, 12:31 AM

Yes, I think that is too high too. I have had vbeam treatment in a large metro area, though at the univ. derm dept by the dr. who specializes in laser treatment and moh's surgery. A comprehensive treatment would be more like $400-500max.
Check elsewhere before you proceed. I would try the derm dept. at a staff practice at a univ. med. school.
Of course, don't let price be the total determining factor, but find the right price and the right dr.
I don't know if ipl is cheaper.

Stphn · 31st October 2009, 04:39 PM

I agree with the others; $800 sounds atrocious. I had vbeam done this past summer, though mostly on forbear and nose, and it was only $150! Granted it didn't do much, but I think that was mostly due to either overly-gentle settings or just the limited bandwidth of vbeam.

I have been shopping for IPL and have found places who charge $500 a session and others who charge $350-$400. Much to my delight, I have found a great clinic that charges $400, and then on the day after thanksgiving, sells them for half price, where you can purchase multiple sessions at once over the phone.

Definitly shop around. Even if it means taking a little drive. I once drove five hours or more for great photoderm treatments and it was well with it.

I'm sure others can agree, there's nothing quite like the look a fellow motorist gives you at a stoplight when your face is ridiculously swollen and red. Sunglasses are a nice touch.

Best of luck,
stphn

Melissa W · 31st October 2009, 04:44 PM

Hi Seascape,

That is a lot of money but the first visit -if it includes the consult -is usually more expensive than subsequent treatments. My laser derm charges a fee of $450 regardless of the treatment area size. However, my first visit, including consult was around that $600-800 range depending on the doctor. I tried 3 different laser doctors in the beginning and it was always more money for the first visit because they usually do a consult and then the treatment that day if you would like.

Having said that, I do think it is too expensive and not fair to charge so much for the "consult" as they need to consult with you before treatment anyway and should be included. Just pointing out that might be what is happening here with your doctor.

Best wishes,
Melissa

seascape · 6th November 2009, 09:38 PM

thanks everyone who helped me out with the costs of the v-beam treatments. It's great to have a reference point. The specialist laser derm at my local univ hospital derm dept actually said he didn't think the v-beam would help much for rosacea, as my redness is mostly diffuse. I don't know how new his v-beam machine is, however I will find out what he charges and that will give me a good starting point. Thanks again.

WrinkledClue · 8th November 2009, 05:17 AM

I pay $250 for a full face V Beam with the Perfecta from a board certified dermatologist who does all the treatments himself.

shellsdoll · 8th November 2009, 01:49 PM

hi!!

im in asia. (hongkong)

all vbeams and laser ranges from $1000 - 3000 HK DOLLARS, full face. ONE SESSION.
thats equivalent of $129 - 387 US dollars
or 78 - 233 pounds.

hope that helps?
its same range everywhere in hongkong with slight differences. anymore i'd assume is too high a price !!

valby · 9th November 2009, 02:48 AM

I pay AUD$350 for a full face and then get $120 back from Medicare

For the initial consult I paid somewhere around $200 and then had to book in the v-beam session. My derm does a brief consult also before each laser session, to reassess and then sets up all the markers for the RN.

seascape · 9th November 2009, 08:51 PM

Maybe MA is more than anywhere else?

The $800 price is from a plastic surgeon, who of course will charge a high price. But I've been on the phone with a dermatology practice in western Mass, where I thought it might be cheaper, and advised they would charge from $150 - $1000, so my $800 for full face seems comparable to that.

It's hard to find out who has V-Beam and what their prices are. I asked my derm today and he didn't know anyone else.

Thanks for your responses!