Cost of Laser Treatments

While "shopping around" for acne laser treatment, please keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on the expertise and experience of the office you visit.  Also, the cost will greatly depend on your actual condition.  Someone with severe acne should be prepared that the dose and the number of treatments will be far greater than someone with mild acne.  A general rule of thumb is when given a price over the phone or on a web site before entering any medical office usually will raise a red flag.  Acne is a medical condition that is unique to each individual's degree of symptoms and skin characteristics based on your DNA.  As an example, if you have very fair skin you will most likely react much differently to the laser because you do not have darker pigments in your skin to absorb the light wavelength.  That is why you would burn instead of tan in the sun.  Only a licensed Dermatologist can make that proper decision.  Also, make sure the dermatologist is on site at the office. 

Generally, you will be paying anywhere from $1500 - $3500 per treatment at a professional medical office.  Also, treatments will range from 1-7 treatments depending on your condition.  Some not so experienced or nonprofessional offices may charge a minimal of $300 per treatment, but be aware of the risk you will be taking.  A reputable acne laser office could not feasibly do treatments at this cost.  The lasers themselves are highly expensive to buy and maintain.  The professional staff is also costly.  Offices will cut their professional staff, equipment, and your final results just to sell you something you cannot even get your money back on for services rendered. 

You may need to discuss your treatment with your insurance company.  Currently, most if not all insurance companies will not cover laser treatment costs since other medical options exist.  Even though the other medical options are more toxic, lasers are considered a cosmetic procedure.  Be prepared that you will pay out of pocket expense on the lasers.

Do not shop around like you are buying product.  You already know that these prices are somewhat fixed based on the healthcare provider's cost of operating a healthy and reputable medical office.  If you get laser treatments not from a medical office, you may pay less and not receive the proper treatment or follow up care.  In fact, in recent months more and more medical spas have declared bankruptcy or closed their office.  However, they already have your money.  Find a laser center that has been practicing for over 15 years and has been actually treating acne patients for over 15 years with lasers.  Do not fall prey to the plastic surgeons, ob gyns, or ER doctors jumping on the acne laser treatment phenomenon. 

Also, be aware that generally a treatment does not only consist of one type of laser.  So when comparing costs be careful to consider everything.