Cosmetic Surgery

The following information describes some of the most popular skin care procedures in the world today. This information is not intended to replace a Doctor's advice or to quote exact costs on specific treatments. Please consult with your Doctor for exact details and costs for your situation.

If you make the decision to pursue one of these skin care treatments, you should consider the following factors and discuss them with your dermatologist or plastic surgeon:

The following is a list of the more common skin enhancement treatments (procedures) and their costs (U.S. Dollars) ...

Chemical peels (Chemosurgery), help restore wrinkled, lightly scarred, or blemished facial skin. Much like chemical paint strippers, chemical peels strip off the top layers of skin, and new, younger-looking skin grows back. The procedure is very effective for the upper lip, however, it cannot be performed around the eyes. Partial peels are often done at the same time as a face-lift.

Dermatologist applies chemicals (trichloroacetic acid, high concentrations of alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids, or both) to the skin.

In some cases, tretinoin (vitamin A derivative) or alpha hydroxy is applied four to six weeks before and starting one day after the peel. Such treatments can enhance the effects of a peel and reduce the risk of discoloration in people at risk for this complication.

A crust or a scab generally forms within 24 hours after surgery, which can be removed by gentle cleansing with soap and water.

After the scab disappears, the visible skin is deep red but gradually lightens as it regenerates.

Complications can include white heads, cold sores, infection, scarring, numbness, and permanent discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin.

Approximately $800 per treatment, however this does not include the operating room and anesthetic costs (if required). In general, the price range for a mild chemical peel is between $150 to $300. Total cost of a full-face medium chemical peel is between $1000 to $2,000. The fee for a deep chemical peel is about $2,500 to $6,500. The wide range in cost is because of many variables which may be added, including consultation, anesthetic, and medication fees.

Mild and medium peels normally require repeated treatments - as often as every six weeks (for light peels) and two to three months (for medium peels). A deep peel generally is performed once.

Chemical peels are typically regarded as aesthetic procedures, and thus are usually are not covered by insurance.

The Procedure:

A rotating brush removes the top layers of a person's skin. As with chemical peels, dermabrasion strips away the upper layers of skin, leaving the underlying dermal layers exposed.

As with chemical peels, after the procedure, the treated skin oozes and forms a scab, a reaction that is both unsightly and uncomfortable, but only temporary.

Complications / Side Effects: Complications can include white heads, cold sores, infection, scarring, numbness, and permanent discoloration, particularly in people with darker skin.

Cost :

The national average is around $1,383 (Source: The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)...

These fees do not include anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay and other related expenses which can add up to anywhere between $1200 to $4000.

In most cases the approximate fee for a dermabrasion is between $2,000.00 and $3,000.00, however, the cost for full face dermabrasion is around $4,000. If you have acne scars and want only your cheeks treated, expect to pay about $3,000. If you want only your lips treated, expect to pay about $1,500.

Also, if you're having dermabrasion done to remove scarring or precancerous skin growths, your insurance may cover the cost.