How Much Does Pulsed Dye Laser Cost?

Question

I have cherry hemangiona on my mid-trunk, arms, and neck. Most are small and superficial. I am 29 (soon to be 30) and am concerned that they are indicative of a more severe blood and/or cardiovascular issue. I saw a dermatologist last year and he said not to worry - they are age-related. But everything I've read to-date on this topic suggest that they normally surface in in the late 40's if not 50's+ and are most commonly seen on 70-year-olds. I also have a friend that has a blood disease and she said that before she was diagnosed with her platelete disorder she had these all over her body. I'm thinking of having the hemangioma treated with Pulsed Dye Laser. How much does one session cost?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

A pulse dye laser may cost around 300 dollars for one session of cherry hemangioma removal. I would suggest finding a doctor with a VBeam laser.

Lori A. Brightman, MD · Answer

Pulse dye laser is most frequently used for helping to reduce redness whether that is on the face from broken blood vessels or perhaps in a scar. The cost is usually based on what is being treated, how large of an area is being treated and who is performing the procedure. It is always best to be evaluated by your dermatologist first, to be sure of the diagnosis prior to any laser treatment.

	The range can be anywhere from $ 200 and higher, again depending on the circumstances

Margaret Mann, MD · Answer

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is an excellent treatment option for cherry angiomas.  While you are right that angiomas are common in patients over age 50, they frequently start in patients as early as 20-30 years of age.   Treatment with PDL may require multiple treatments, though often times, a single treatment is effective for these spots.  My favorite PDL laser is VBeam by Candela.  Expect some bruising with treatment.  On average, depending on the number of spots, you may spend between $300-500.

	Best,

	Dr. Mann

Michael H. Swann, MD · Answer

The cost of treating red spots with the KTP laser or Pulsed dye laser depends on how many you have and how long it will take to treat.  In the midwest, for serveral "cherries" you are looking at spending $400-800, which could take from 5-15 minutes to treat.

	Individual areas are easily treated with either laser.  We break down costs according to an estimate of how long it will take to perform the treatment.  The good news is, results are excellent with both lasers.  I use the Gemini 532nm KTP laser with excellent results.

	Michael H. Swann, MD

Kenneth Beer, MD · Answer

The cost depends on the part of the country you live in and the device used. In my practice, we use the pulsed dye lasers from Candela. The lasers require several sessions so dont think about them as a single visit and be prepared to visit your dermatologist a few times. On average, treatments can cost between 350-750 depending on the area treated and number of pulses used.
The costs for the treatment dont reflect the time (which can be a few minutes) but rather the costs for maintaining and purchasing these devices. These costs are significant and the reason why many physicians do not have them.
I have two because we use them for a variety of indications and I think they are worthwhile but I always caution people that they will need a few visits.
One other thing- I think there is a tradeoff between the number of visits and the amount of bruising. If I use higher energy, I can decrease the number of visits but increase the amount of bruising. Make sure you discuss this with your doctor.

How Much Does Pulsed Dye Laser Cost?

Answers (6)