YAG Laser Treatment Cost
Advances in medical laser technology have yielded a plethora of laser treatment types to serve a long list of skin conditions. The YAG (short for for yttrium aluminum garnet) laser technology has become increasingly popular in the derma-medical world of cosmetic treatments. The emergence of different types of YAG lasers, however, have transformed the general phrase "YAG laser treatment" into an umbrella that encompasses a few types of laser treatments. The differences in technique and technology greatly affect cost. The cost difference between them varies widely, from $300 per treatment session to upward of $2,000. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ablative vs Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
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The most significant difference in laser treatments is whether the treatment uses ablative technology and technique or non-ablative. Ablative laser treatment uses laser technology that actually burns the entire surface of the skin tissue to achieve desired results. Non-ablative lasers penetrate the surface skin tissue to target only the abnormal, unwanted skin cells, while leaving the surrounding skin tissue unaffected, undamaged. Non-ablative lasers do not burn away the skin tissue to achieve desired results. Ablative treatments cost significantly more than non-ablative.
Er:YAG: The Erbium YAG Laser
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The Er:YAG laser is a widely used type of ablative laser. This YAG laser type is commonly used for laser resurfacing treatments, often performed on the face, to reduce the appearance of moderately deep wrinkles, dramatic scars, and moderate conditions of skin discoloration, caused by accumulative sun exposure, angiomas, Rosacea, acne, or some other skin condition. The Er:YAG is a "gentler" version of ablative laser technology, using energy-beams and less heat intensity than the strongest CO2 ablative laser.
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The Q-Switched Neodymium YAG
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Commonly referred to as the Nd:YAG laser (which often operates in the "Q-Switch" mode), this YAG laser technology is non-ablative. Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers are typically used for tattoo removal and correcting dark lesions on the skin. This laser type uses infrared light, with adjustable wavelengths and colors for optimum performance in treating various types and degrees of skin conditions. It's best for skin coloration issues because of the laser's adjustable color. Non-Q-Switched Nd:YAG lasers are used for hair removal and inflammation treatment. Darker skinned patients are ideal candidates for this type of laser.
The Gentle YAG
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The Gentle YAG is also non-ablative, since it is a version of the Nd:YAG. This fast-working technology functions with laser pulses, rather than intense heat. The Gentle YAG is highly versatile, and is able to treat a wide variety of skin irregularities of both color and texture. It is also the preferred treatment for correcting visible veins in the face, as well as other areas of the body. The Gentle YAG offers the benefit of skin tightening.
National Average Costs of Different Laser Treatments
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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2008 Statistical Reports lists the national average for physician/surgeon fees per procedure, including all types of laser treatments. The national average cost per procedure for ablative laser skin resurfacing, which would include the Er: YAG laser type, is reported as $2,094; for non-ablative (including the Nd: YAG and Gentle YAG) laser skin resurfacing, the national average per procedure is $1,145. The cost of non-invasive tightening, performed by Gentle YAG technology, averages $945 per procedure. The national average for laser hair removal is $326, and laser treatment of leg veins is $345 per procedure.
Cost Considerations
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Ablative laser treatment is significantly more expensive than non-ablative treatment. However, ablative treatment typically only requires one treatment session, while non-ablative treatment usually requires multiple sessions.
Cost Variables
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Without consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, cost estimate for YAG laser treatment is difficult, since there are a list of variables that influence cost. These include the mildness or severity skin condition to be treated, the patient's objectives with treatment, geographic region, and the skill and reputation of the surgeon or dermatologist, in addition to the type of YAG laser technology selected for treatment.
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