There’s no denying that cosmetic procedures are typically quite impressive. Because of that, it makes sense why you may find ads for discounted treatments to be appealing, but before committing to what you are led to believe is a bargain, it’s important to do your research.
Why Are Cosmetic Procedures So Expensive?
When purchasing a cosmetic treatment, a patient is essentially paying for two things: the equipment used during the process, which would include lasers or products like Botox or Restylane, and the skill or knowledge of the practitioner. Neither of these two things are cheap, which is why the entire process can be so expensive.
A laser device, for example, can cost tens of thousands of dollars and a skilled practitioner doesn’t come inexpensive either. In addition, these doctors don’t just offer a one-size-fits all approach either.
“Different machines do different things—one for brown spots, one for red spots, one for hair removal, etc.—and work on different skin types, so you need to make sure whoever you’re seeing has a machine that’s appropriate for the goals you want to achieve,” says Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai.
It’s also important to realize that discounts on products such as Botox can be a bit questionable since few, if any, doctors or practices are usually willing to lose money on a treatment.
“A tiny vial of Botox costs my practice $525, so if someone is offering a cheap treatment, they’re either diluting it down or using less, because otherwise they can’t break even,” warns Dr. Gerstner.
Are There Reasonable Discounts?
There are certainly some discounts that can be seen as reasonable. For example, many spas or doctor’s offices will offer a slightly less cost per-session if more sessions are purchased from the start.
It’s also smart for you as a patient to be well-informed on what exactly you’re paying for.
“Call around to a couple of different offices and ask about prices, about what type of machine they’re using, and how many treatments they think you’ll need,” advises Dr. Gerstner.
Are Deals on Sale Websites Worth It?
For some reason, many people don’t think all that much of looking to websites such as Groupon for deals on treatments like liposuction, body contouring, Botox injections, or other cosmetic procedures, but this certainly carries a risk.
“This isn’t like trying out a new restaurant that you got a discount for,” reasons Dr. Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. “It’s important to have an evaluation by a trained cosmetic doctor who can create a treatment plan that’s right for your conditions and your goals.”
When purchasing a deal on a website like Groupon, it’s hard to know if you’ll be receiving the right treatment that you need and if it will be coming from a reputable doctor.
