Why is Sculptra So Expensive?

asked 2 years ago by Randall651 in Palm Beach FL
Latest answer by Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Question viewed 1,065 times
Tags: costs, dermatologist, dermatology, price

Sculptra is advertised from medical supply companies at about US$700 for two vials. A dermatologist charges $2000-$2500 to inject two vials which takes him maybe 30-45 minutes.

Some doctors even try to talk you into letting their assistants do the injections. Say a doctor charges $2,300 for 2 vials which cost him $700, so he is paid more than $1,600 for less than an hour's work.

No wonder Dermatology was the most sought after residency last year! However some very big companies are experimenting with mall based outlets and the party will be over for the Dermatologists.

5 answers to Why is Sculptra So Expensive?

Sculptra

Since I do not inject Sculptra, I will leave the cost consideration replies to my colleagues. I would like to address your last paragraph which particularly galls me. It is true that dermatology residencies have been the hardest ones to obtain for at least the past fifteen years. However, not due to what you perceive as unfathomable riches. In fact, there are many specialties whose average physician makes far more money than the average dermatologist (Speaking of salaries are you as irked... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Sculptra and its cost

Fillers and other volumizers such as Sculptra require significant artisitc talent by the physician injecting the agent. Would you compare the cost of an original oil painting by a master artist with the total costs of the paint and canvas used in producing the end result? There is a need of understanding the anatomy of the subject which does not come from a cosmetic course but years of medical study. Sculptra can have nodules develop and to some extent this is technique-dependent. ... more

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Sculptra Is Not Expensive

I can certainly sense your frustration with the cost issues of Sculptra. I will give you my philosophy. I inject Sculptra myself to all patients. I charge $800 for a vial of Sculptra. I spend about 30minutes with the patient. I charge $600 for Juvederm but that lasts only six months or so. I charge $800 for a syringe of Radiesse. I find Sculptra to be very rewarding for the patient as it is natural and long lasting (two to three years) However the risks of improper injection are great. The... more

Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Sculptra cost

So let's see, one vial is $350. Than the mixture with saline/water/lidocaine is $50. Plus the syringes, needles, alcohol, gauze, needles, etc supplies add another $50. Than we cannot forget about the overhead as rent, electric, water, phones, employees, insurances, equalling $150. So the total out of pocket is around $600/ vial. Than the MD fee is between $400 to $600. Thus, the total expense to the patient is $2,000 to $2,400. Seems fair, but if you can find a qualified injector for less... more

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Perhaps you should shop the market a bit

You are close to the present cost of Sculptra. However, the price charged to the patient is entirely set by the practice. In our practice we typically charge $1800 for two vials of Sculptra Aesthetic. I am a trainer for Sculptra and have done many patients both on and off label since Sculptra was released in the U.S. Patients who need more than two ampules pay less for each additional ampule depending on the number needed so the average cost per ampule continues to drop. In addition... more

Nathan Mayl, MD
Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

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