How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?

A vasectomy is basically a form of birth control for men that is meant to be permanent.  During this procedure, tubes are going to be blocked so the sperm will not be able to leave the body.

“56-365 doctors office” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Upupa4me

How much does a Ccost?

On average, a vasectomy can cost in the price range of $300 to $4,300.  This will depend on the exact procedure that is performed, if you have insurance and the doctor performing the procedure.  Upon looking at a few medical providers throughout the United States, Planned Parenthood was often less than $1,000, while some medical clinics could be as much as $4,500, but most were able to offer a cash discount to those whose insurance wouldn’t cover most of the procedure.

If you have health insurance, check with your local health insurance provider to see if they cover it.  Most of the time, insurance providers will cover a procedure such as this one and you will only be responsible for your co-pays and/or deductible.

According to Vasectomy.com, the cost of this procedure can range anywhere from $500 to as much as $1,000.  The geographical location is going to play the biggest factor when choosing this procedure.

The Planned Parenthood states the average cost across the nation could be as little as $0 with insurance to as much as $1,000.  This price should include the follow-up sperm count.

Vasectomy overview

Sperm is made through the testicles and will pass through two tubes called the vasa deferentia to the other glands and will mix with the seminal fluids to form semen.  A vasectomy procedure will block the vasa deferentia and keep the sperm out of the seminal fluids.  Instead of reaching this fluid, the sperm will be absorbed by the body instead of being ejaculated.  It is nearly 100 percent effective; however, it won’t be immediately effective since sperm can remain in the blocked tubes after the procedure.  This is why it’s important to go to your follow-up visits to ensure the sperm is 100 percent gone.  This entire process can take up to three months.

There are two methods offered at a local doctor’s office:  via an incision or non-incision method.  During the incision method,  a local anesthetic will be injecting into the pelvic region.  Then, the doctor will create a small incision on the side of the scrotum to reach the vasa deferentia described prior.  Each tube will be blocked by tying it off or using a surgical clip.  During the no-incision method, often referred to as the no-scalpel or no needle method, will be done by creating a small puncture to reach both tubes.  These tubes will then be tied off, blocked or cauterized.  This procedure, unlike the incision method, will heal quickly and won’t require any stitches.  Both procedures will be done in an outpatient center and no hospital stay will be required.  Each one takes less than 45 minutes to perform.

Depending on your lifestyle and health, it will take two to three days to recover at home.

What are the extra costs?

Some physicians may bundle the costs together, but some may bill the anesthesia, consultation, follow-up appointments and semen analysis separate.  Be sure to talk with the doctor ahead of time to see what’s going to be included in your quote.  If the follow-up visit and analysis aren’t included, for example, it could cost another $75 to $200.

A follow-up appointment will be necessary a few weeks after the surgery is performed to check the sperm count.  A simple test, which involves providing a sperm sample at the office, will indicate how much sperm is left in your tubes.  These appointments will continue to be made until the count reaches zero.  Some doctors may charge for the procedure while others may include it in the total costs.

Some urologists may recommend freezing your sperm in case you change your mind about having children in the future.  A sperm bank will be able to collect, freeze and thaw your sperm for alternative insemination for the future.

The procedure can be reversed; however, it isn’t a guarantee as restoring fertility is uncertain.  A vasectomy reversal can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the doctor you go to.

Tips to know

This procedure won’t change your masculinity or your hormones.  It also won’t affect your sexuality, organs or pleasure as no organs or glands won’t be removed during the procedure.

Like any procedure, risks may arise such as infections, fevers, excessive pain or swelling.  Complication rates for the non-incision method are lower than the incision procedure.

How can I save money?

Those without insurance or those that are low on funds may be able to check with their local Planned Parenthood.  This procedure can be performed there at a fraction of the cost.  Planned Parenthood will base the procedure on your income level.

Check with the doctor’s office to see if they offer any type of cash discount.  Most offices are more than happy to accept a payment in full at a discounted rate.  Even if you don’t have the cash to pay up front, most offices will accept a major credit card.  Most will see this as a cash payment as well.  If you can, consider paying with a credit card.

A vasectomy is a lot cheaper than the tubal ligation procedure; in fact, it’s known to be six to seven times cheaper.  For couples that are debating who needs to get what done, keep in mind that a vasectomy will always be the cheaper route to go.

Some states, depending on where you live, may provide state assistance if you meet certain income requirements.  Check with your local health department to see if you may be covered.

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How Much Does Varicose Vein Removal Cost?

Varicose veins, also known as spider veins, are the veins that bulge out of your skin, becoming enlarged when they fail to circulate blood properly.  These veins will appear swollen, raised, twisty and can be very dark blue in color.  An estimated 30 million Americans, ages 18 to 70, suffer from varicose veins.  These veins, unfortunately, have become quite a nuisance for those who want to have perfect legs.  Luckily, there are treatments that can be done to get rid of them for good.

“left calf and varicose veins” (CC BY 2.0) by thomas pix

How much does varicose vein removal cost?

Most treatments can be done as an outpatient procedure, and on average, the cost of the treatment is going to cost anywhere from $550 to $3,500 per leg, depending on the number of veins, the type of treatment you choose and where you live.  At a minimum, the average we mention should include the doctor’s fee, treatment and aftercare supplies such as compression stockings.

Vein stripping, an invasive procedure that often requires general anesthesia, could cost $1,500 to $3,500 per leg.  These fees, according to Your Plastic Surgery Guide, won’t include the hospitalization fees.  Another treatment such as ambulatory phlebectomy can cost $1,000 to $3,000 per leg.

Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, which uses a laser to get rid of the vein without removing it, can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,500 to complete the entire job.  This procedure will depend on your location and how much of the vein/s need to be treated.  This price could be higher if the job is extensive and requires more than one laser treatment.

If you’re having surgery where you have to be placed under anesthesia, then you may be billed separately for the anesthesiologist, hospital stay, various medical tests and prescription medicine.

Sclerotherapy injections, depending on the extent of the damage, can cost anywhere from $500 to $750.  Varithena by BTG, which was approved by the FDA in 2013, will use a foam instead of a liquid, can cost $1,500 to $3,5000, again, depending on the number of veins that need to be treated.

Members on RealSelf.com reported they spent an average of $950 for the procedure and close to 85 percent were happy with the results.

Vein Clinics of America, a popular clinic located across the United States, uses either sclerotherapy or laser therapy.  According to some published reports online, people who have gone here paid about $2,300 for the entire treatment or close to $450 per session.  However, before choosing, read the many Vein Clinics of America reviews as many aren’t that positive.

USA Vein Clinics, another popular clinic located across the United States, can cost about $250 per sclerotherapy injection.

Varicose veins treatment options

There are four popular ways to remove varicose veins:  via vein stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy, laser therapy or sclerotherapy.  These treatments will be based on your physicians’ diagnosis, the size of your veins, your medical history, age, history of allergies and how you may tolerate surgery.

Vein stripping will be performed in a hospital/surgery center and can take up to 90 minutes to perform.  During this surgery, the surgeon will tie and/or remove the large vein in the leg and will be recommended for those who suffer from extreme veins.

During an ambulatory phlebectomy, the surgeon will create tiny cuts in the skin to remove the affected varicose veins, usually the ones closest to the surface.  This will be an in-office procedure and will less invasive when compared to vein stripping.

The endovenous laser ablation procedure uses a laser to heat the problem vein with high-frequency radio wave energy.  During the procedure, a doctor will watch the veins as he or she performs the procedure using a duplex ultrasound screen.  These veins won’t be removed and minimal bleeding will be involved since no cutting is required.  With very little downtime and local anesthesia, it can produce great cosmetic results.  According to WebMD.com, it closes veins about 94 out of 100 times.

Sclerotherapy will involve injecting a liquid or foam-based solution into the varicose vein, which will then irritate the lining of the blood vessel, eventually causing it to destruct.  Eventually, the vessel will turn into scar tissue and will fade away.  With this procedure, however, everyone won’t be a candidate as it isn’t recommended for those with “great” veins.

What are the extra costs?

Before the surgery, as stated above, the doctor will more than likely run an ultrasound imaging assessment.  This assessment, along with the medical examination, can cost an additional $250 to $500, depending on the doctor and how in depth they have to be.

As stated above, you may be billed separately for the anesthesiologist, hospital stay, various medical tests and prescription medicine.  The average anesthesiologist will charge about $1,000, while the average hospital stay, depending on your geographical location, could be as much as $1,500 per night without insurance.  Various medical tests, such as an ultrasound to look at your circulation, may be required.

All treatment options will require compression stockings after the surgery is complete.  These stocks will help aid recovery and prevent any deep vein thmrombosis complications.  Some doctors may include it in the initial quote, while others won’t.   If they don’t, the costs for stockings can range anywhere from $150 to $250 per leg.

Tips to know

Laser surgery is ideal for those who want to have smaller veins removed.  During this treatment, a laser is going to be applied to the skin over the vein area, and the energy produced by the laser will cause the veins to shrink.

Insurance companies, most of the time, will not cover this procedure since it is considered a cosmetic issue; however, the initial consultation may be since it will be billed as if it were a regular doctor’s visit.  If insurance were to cover it, the endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy will be the most popular treatments covered.

How can I save money?

If your insurance plan isn’t going to cover the procedure, then ask your doctor if you can set up some sort of payment plan.  Even if they don’t have this option, then you may be eligible for a third-party loan service.

Groupon often offers discounts for local clinics that specialize with this type of treatment.  Before buying a discounted coupon, however, always make sure you read the reviews before purchasing.

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How Much Do Personalized License Plates Cost?

Personalized license plates, also known as a vanity or custom plate, allow the registered vehicle owner to choose the license plate letters or numbers as long as they are not taken by someone else.  While most states have restrictions such as no offensive words, there is also an additional fee that is going to apply when you want to register a vanity plate within your state.  The cost of a vanity plate is going to vary depending on your state.  The chart below is an average of what you are going to pay for your plate according to your state.

“Smug Series License Plate # 9” (CC BY 2.0) by Gamma Man

How much does a personalized vanity plate cost?

The cost of a vanity plate is going to be an additional fee on top of the already existing registration fee.  The fees listed below will not include the registration fees that are charged annually.

Vanity plate overview

A vanity plate is going to allow you to customize your plate any way you want it.  As long as the plate name is approved and is not taken by anyone else, it will be approved.  An example of a vanity plate could be something such as BLOGGER and can be formed using all letters, all numbers, or a combination of the two.

Before this type of license plate is purchased, you will want to make sure that the name is available with your local state.  Every state will have its own rules on what’s going to be allowed as well as how many characters and numbers you may have.  When you do apply, the DMV office will be able to do an instant search on what’s available at the moment or you may be able to do it online, depending on where you live.

In order to order a personalized license plate, each state is going to be different with their process.  Each state may allow you to order online, order via the mail or even by fax.  Be sure to reference your local DMV website to see how the process works in your state.  Lawyers.com has a list of the official motor vehicle websites for each state.

Most plates can take up to eight to 12 weeks to deliver.

What are the extra costs?

The fees listed above will be added to your registration fee.

How can I save money?

A vanity plate enables you to showcase your personality to the rest of the world.   Since it is not necessary, however, ask yourself if it is truly worth the additional fees that the state will charge you annually.

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How Much Does Vanilla Extract Cost?

Vanilla extract is a common ingredient that is found in various cooking and baking dishes.  This extract comes from percolating vanilla beans, and in order to be FDA compliant, it must contain a minimum of 35% alcohol to 65% water mixture.   Vanilla extract comes in many types that include bourbon vanilla, imitation, Mexican and Tahitiane, and the cost will vary depending on the the quantity, the type, brand and where you purchase it from.

“Vanilla Extract” (CC BY 2.0) by  bert_m_b

How much does vanilla extract cost?

On average, an imitation vanilla extract commonly found in grocery stores can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 for an 8-ounce bottle.  An immitation bottle, often referred to as vanilla flavor, won’t be made with alcohol; instead, propylene glycol or glycerine is used.

Pure vanilla extract can cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per ounce.  For example, at Walmart, McCormick’s pure vanilla extract retails for about $5 per one-ounce box.  Costco’s Kirkland brand retails for about $12 to $16 per 16-ounces.

The reason pure vanilla will be costlier than an imitation is due to the cultivation process and the price of vanilla, which tends to be on of the most labor-intensive crops in the world.  For starters, it takes a vine about three years to produce the vanilla beans, and when the flower is ready to be pollinated, this must be done by hand.  Then, after pollination, it will take another year for the bean to grow and will be picked by hand, cured and shipped out.

Nielsen Massey, a popular vanilla extract manufacturer that gets its beans from Mexico, sells for about $15 per four ounces.

Bulk purchases, often sold to restaurants, can cost $180 to $220 per gallon.

The Kitchn.com tells us vanilla extract can range from as little as a few cents to more than a dollar per ounce for a pure grocery store brand.

Vanilla extract overview

Vanilla extract will have a high, rich flavor that is very similar to vanilla.  Like a wine, each brand will have its own flavors.

Most vanilla extracts are going to be packaged in a glass or plastic bottle depending on the brand. Some bottles may include a measuring spoon to make measurements easier while baking.

Most pure extracts will be made with chopped up vanilla beans, combined with ethyl alcohol, water and sometimes major brands, such as McCormick, have corn syrup.  This extraction process can take upwards of 48 hours to complete and will be held in a holding tank until ready.  A quality vanilla extract will be made with premium graded vanilla beans, a small amount of sugar and it will be properly aged.

One tablespoon of vanilla extract, on average, equals about 38 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 1 milligram of sodium, 19 miligrams of potassium and 1.6 grams of total carbohydrates and sugar.

What are the extra costs?

A kosher extract may cost 5% to 20% more.  This is all going to depend on the brand, but you may find that most brands today are either kosher or organic.   To ensure that it is pure, check the label to see exactly how it is processed.  Companies should include information on the processing as well as indicate whether it is kosher or organic.

Tips to know:

A double-strength vanilla extract is going to be a vanilla extract, but it’s going to be double of what the base usually is.  This is going to make it stronger, and if a recipe only calls for vanilla extract, only use half of the double-strength to make sure the taste isn’t too powerful.

While vanilla extract is commonly intertwined with baking goods, consider adding this extract to beverages such as coffee, tea and even milk to add flavors.  This extract can also be used in various dressings as well since it can greatly enhance the flavors.

Vanilla extract has been known to help calm an upset stomach when feeling nauseous by simply adding a few drops to a glass of water.  It can also be used to help treat wounds.

It should be stored at room temperature in a dark environment such as a kitchen cupboard.  Avoid storing in a freezer or refrigerator as this can often make the extract appear cloudy.  As long as it’s stored properly, it can be kept indefinitely.

Vanillaqueen.com recommends avoiding purchasing vanilla extract with a Mexican label since 99 percent of the time, it won’t be pure, even though it says it is.  The problem is the mast majority will smell good; however, it won’t contain alcohol, creating a pure vanilla scent.

As of 2017, there has been a vanilla shortage in Madagascar, the provider of close to 85 percent of the world’s vanilla.  Due to this, the prices of raw beans have soared from $25 in 2011 to more than $400 today.

Substitutes for vanilla extract include maple syrup, almond extract, vanilla essence, vanilla powder, vanilla-flavored milk, vanilla-flavored liquer or a homemade vanilla syrup.

How much vanilla extract equals a vanilla bean?  One teaspoon will be equal to about two inches of a vanilla bean.

How can I save money?

Store brands will contain the same ingredients as the popular name brands and will cost up to 60 percent less.  Walmart’s Great Value brand, for example, is 50 percent cheaper than a name brand vanilla extract.

Reviews are everything online.  Check out various cooking sites to see what products and brands other cooks recommend.  Imitation extract may be cheap, but you may get exactly what you pay for.  While higher end brands may cost more, the flavor may be more than worth it.  Most cooks and bakers say that the flavor of the real vanilla is well worth the cost.

Pure vanilla extract can commonly be found at the local dollar stores.

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How Much Do Sandbags Cost?

A sandbag is a container made of a polypropylene material, filled with either soil or sand.  It’s used for different purposes such as flood control, and the amount of soil or sand inside the sack varies depending on the need.

Sandbags have been used to protect soldiers as they use it as a temporary fortification since it can absorb some pressure from the incoming hostile fire.  They are also compact enough to be used to control a flood, preventing the area from overflowing.  Sandbags can also be attached to weights as a means of weight training.

“Sandbags” (CC BY 2.0) by  nickellis74

How much do sandbags cost?

The price for sandbags depends on the type, capacity and where you purchase them from.  On average, empty polypropylene sandbags cost anywhere from $20 to $60 per 50 pack.   For example, a 50 pack of Hercules sand bags at Home Depot retail for about $20.  Lowe’s sells for the same price.  These are considered to be the economy type of all sandbags available.

A cost of a filled sandbag, delivered locally, will cost about $3 to $4 per bag, minus the delivery fee if you don’t pick it up.

Sandbags, designed for withstanding gunfire, commonly used at a shooting range, can cost $65 to $85 per 10 pack.  For example, the Sand Bag Store sells a 10 pack for about $70.

Smaller sandbags, commonly used for weight training, can cost about $4 to $6 each or about $40 per 10 pack.

Bulk sandbags, which can hold more than 3,000 pounds, can cost about $30 to $40 each unfilled.

A sandless sandbag, which will expand as water is added to it, can cost about $40 per six-pack.  These bags work just like a normal sandbag, but as the name states, it will activate with water and will not require any sand or soil.  These bags work the same way and can last for months once inflated.  For example, the Quick Dam sandbags retail for about $25 per 10 feet.

Sandbag overview

Sandbags are generally made of a durable polypropylene material that will not leak, but some bags will be made of burlap, a natural fiber derived from sisal.  Regardless of the type you purchase, each bag will be woven tight enough to be able to contain the sand inside.  The sand can be placed inside the bag and once inside a drawstring can contain the sand or soil.

Sandbags can be bought filled with soil or sand, preventing you from buying soil or sand separately; however, this isn’t the case most of the time, especially if purchased online.

Most sandbags can be filled with soil or sand up to 45 to 65 pounds.  Bulk bags can hold up to 3,000 pounds.

Most retailers will sell in packages of 10, 25, 50 or 100 and can be found at just about any home improvement stores or online via Amazon.

What are the extra costs?

If you buy empty sandbags, it will include just the bag itself and you will need to buy your own soil or sand to fill it.  The price of the soil depends on the amount that you will need.  On average, a 50-pound bag of sand usually retails for $20 to $50.  Bulk purchases can cost less if you purchase more than 500 pounds.

Due to the weight, shipping and/or transportation fees may apply, depending on the amount purchased.  Some local retailers may waive this fee if a minimum amount is purchased.

Tips to know

If you’re going to use the sandbags for more than a few months, then it’s advisable to choose a synthetic or sandless bag since the material won’t biodegrade.  Sandbags made from this material can be reusable, but as with anything, it can still wear down over time, becoming less effective.

Aside from controlling floods, sandbags can often be found used for target shooting, camping, yoga and even horseback riding.

It’s highly advisable you don’t substitute other bags to be used as sandbags.  Some people often think feed bags could be a substitution, however, even though it’s made from a similar material, the bags won’t be large enough for handling and stacking.

How can I save money?

With sandbags, the more you purchase at once, the more you’re going to be able to save.

If flooding is a concern in your area, the local police or fire department may have bags available for its residents.  Call or visit your official local public safety website to see what kind of options are available.

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How Much Does Taxidermy Cost?

Taxidermy is the art of mounting or reproducing animals for display in a place such as a home or in a commercial atmosphere such as a restaurant.  Common mounts include a whitetail deer, fox, bobcats, pheasants, bears, squirrels, elk and even mountain lions.

“Stuffed and Mounted” (CC BY 2.0) by xlibber

How much does taxidermy cost?

On average, the prices can range anywhere from $65 to as much as $4,000 or more, depending on the animal being mounted, which part, how you want it presented and which professional you choose.  Refer to our table below to see what it can cost.

For instance, a deer shoulder mount can cost anywhere from $375 to $550, while larger animals, such as an elk or caribou, can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,200 for a shoulder mount alone.  A bear, coyote, or a boar can cost $400 and $700 for a shoulder mount.

For the skin alone, tanned skins from a whitetail deer can cost anywhere from $65 to $185, depending on if it is going to be half or whole.

Birds can cost anywhere from $80 for a tail mount, all the way up to $650 for a turkey that is in a “fly mode.”

For fish, such as a bass or trout, most taxidermists are going to charge per inch.  This can range from $11 to $22 per inch, depending on what type of fish it is.

Life-sized mounts are going to cost considerably more.  For example, a life-sized squirrel can cost anywhere from $180 to $330, while a raccoon or fox can cost $400 to $615.  Larger animals such as a mountain lion or black bear can fetch prices from $1,100 to $2,400.

Large bears such as a Grizzly or Kodak can cost between $3,000 and $4,800.

Antler mount costs

Lifesize mount costs

Shoulder mount costs

Tanning hide costs

Birds

What are the extra costs?

Plaques and customized nameplates can be added to any mounts, such as a pedestal mount, adding another $50 to $450 to the costs.  This will depend on the material the mount is made of and how many lines you have engraved on the nameplate.

Adding driftwood to a fish mount can cost $20 to $75, depending on the size.

If you want the animal to be in a customized pose, such as having its mouth open, it may add 20% to 30% more to the price.

Shed antlers could cost 20 to 30 percent more than the average prices mentioned above.

Skinning fees can be an additional $35 to $55 per hour.  Any cleaning or restoration that needs to be done could be $35 to $55 per hour as well.

Crate/shipping fees could add another 20 to 30 percent fee to the total.

As stated in the tables above, opening the mount’s mouth can add about 20 to 30 percent more to the bill.

Mounting options

Upright

The upright position is a class mount where the deer is mounted “upright” with its ears pointed to an alert position.

Semi sneak

The semi sneak is a relaxed pose that allows the ears to look either alert or relax.  This pose allows the animal to stick a little bit further away from the wall when compared to the upright position.

Full sneak

The full sneak position will be considered the most relaxed pose.  This pose can be hung highest on the wall and the ears, like the semi sneak, can either be relaxed or alert.

Wall pedestal pose

The wall pedestal pose is a fairly new option and allows the mount to create a shadow section, which is covered in either a felt or buckskin.

How can I save money?

Many professionals will offer payment plans for those who can’t afford the bill up front.

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How Much Does Permanent Makeup Cost?

Permanent makeup, often referred to as micropigmentation or cosmetic tattooing, is the process of permanently applying makeup to the upper layer of the skin, making it appear as if you have makeup on 24 hours per day.  Just like getting a tattoo, a pen will be used to inject ink underneath the skin.  Permanent makeup can be done on the lips, eyes and eyebrows.

“new things 7” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Idhren

How much does permanent makeup cost?

The cost of permanent makeup will depend on the medical professional you use, what procedure you want to have done and where you geographically live.  On average, a single procedure for eye, eyebrow or lip makeup can cost about $200 to $1,000 per session, but if more than one session is done at once, the costs may go down by as much as 60 percent.  The costs really come down to the quality of service being provided and the surgeon you choose.

DocShop.com says the average procedure can cost about $200 to $800, which should include one follow-up visit and some post-procedure skin products.  The website also notes you should be prepared to spend upwards of $250 per hour for a qualified technician.

On RealSelf.com, close to 70 percent were satisfied with the procedure and paid $450 on average for their procedure.

Permanent makeup overview

Permanent makeup is similar to receiving a tattoo, where pigment will be implanted on the top layer of the skin.  It can be applied utilizing a variety of tattoo techniques, including the traditional method, using a coil machine or pen machine, or simply by hand.  Hand methods will always be the most expensive option.

The most common areas done will include the eyes, lips, and eyebrows.  Permanent eye makeup will be applied to help intensify the eyes and it can either be applied to the top and/or bottom eyelids or create a “defined” line.  Eye makeup is available in various colors and styles and can be the hardest permanent makeup jobs to apply. Permanent eyeliner style samples can be seen here.  Permanent eyebrow makeup can help define, shape and fill in the scattered areas of the eyebrows, creating a full or healthier look.  This is often done if you’re suffering from hair loss or a medical condition.  Permanent lip makeup can create the appearance of having lipstick on all the time, but it can also help create a “defined” lip look for those who have thin or even crooked lips.  Like eye makeup, lip makeup can have a variety of styles and colors to choose from.

At first, the colors will be dark, but over time, it will begin to lighten over the next few days to create a realistic look.

Typically, the first application will take one to two hours to complete, but touch-ups can take as little as 30 minutes.

What are the extra costs?

With a medical professional, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to make sure everything went according to plan.

Creams or topical lotions will have to be applied for a few days after the eyeliner is placed, similar to the aftercare process like a tattoo.

Although the procedure is considered permanent, it doesn’t mean it won’t last forever, but it does mean it can’t be washed off. Touch-ups in the future may be necessary when the eyeliner starts to fade.  Fading will depend on factors such as how often you were exposed to the sun, your skin condition, if you smoke and other various factors.  To produce the desired results, it’s recommended one or more touch-up procedures to see desirable results.  Some clinics may include the follow-up visits in their initial price, but others may bill it separately.  Follow-ups will often cost $150 to $400, depending on the area.

Adding more than one color could be another $100 to $200.  Dramatic designs could be an additional cost as well.

Tips to know

Before having the process done, make sure that you look at pictures of jobs that the surgeon or artist has done in the past to ensure that it’s something that you want to be done.

This procedure is known to be a great option for those who suffer from makeup allergies.  It can also be ideal for those with poor vision or those who have problems using makeup.

Risks will be similar to tattoo risk.  This can include bleeding during the procedure, inflammation, bruising and tenderness.  It can also be hard to reverse due to the hard-to-reach locations.

If choosing an artist, rather than a medical professional, make sure they are licensed by the state and is very reputable.  Read as many reviews as you can online.  However, do keep in mind some states don’t require a license and anyone may be able to do the procedure.

Take a look at the artist’s work before choosing and see if they do work that you may like.  If at all possible, IntoTheGloss.com recommends taking a close up picture of your eyes and bringing it in because, with this photo, you can match the liner options up to your eyes.

Before the procedure, have them draw practice lines on your face to make sure it’s the shape you want.

Aside for cosmetic purposes, it can be used to reconstructed eyebrows for alopecia patients, help camouflage vitiligo, correct a cleft palate, restore facial asymmetry or hide surgical scars.

How can I save money?

Don’t go cheap with a professional because you may get what you pay for.  When choosing a professional, you should ask to see some before and after pictures of previous patients.  While choosing a tattoo shop can be cheaper, they may not be certified or experienced with the procedure, leading to an unwanted appearance.

Many doctors will be able to consult free of charge for 15 to 30 minutes to discuss your plan and give you a quote.  Take this opportunity to talk with at least three to five doctors to see what they can do for you.

Some clinics may offer promotions or coupons for first-time visitors.  Check their official website or Groupon to see if anything is available.  Only going this route if you already decided on someone.

Some offices may be able to create a small payment plan if you’re unable to pay in full.

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How Much Does a Pet Tarantula Cost?

Belonging to the Theraphosidae family, there are over 900 species of Tarantulas that have been identified.  Commonly found in the southern states of the United States, this spider can grow up to four inches long, and its legs can span as wide as 12 inches.  While many fear this so-called spider, many have one as a pet in their homes.  The cost of a pet tarantula is going to vary depending on the species, where you purchase it and its age.

The cost of a pet tarantula is going to vary depending on the species, where you purchase it, the quality and its age.

“Tarantula” (CC BY 2.0) by  cm195902

How much does a pet tarantula cost?

On average, expect to spend anywhere between $25 and $350 for a tarantula based on the factors above.  Refer to the table below to see what most popular species cost.

For example, a Brazilian Black and White Tarantula can cost anywhere from $65 to $80, while a Brazilian Salmon can cost anywhere from $90 to $130.  Chaco Mousy Browns can retail for anywhere from $35 to $62.

More expensive species, such as the Ecuadorian Birdeater, can cost as much as $325, while a simple Rosehair can retail for $15 to $35.

A tarantula can often be found at Petco and Petsmart.  Petco, for example, offers 25 species, and most will be less than $30 for just the spider.

Pet tarantula overview

Tarantulas, depending on where you purchase one, can either be sold as a spiderling or an adult.  Unlike a cat or dog, spiderlings will be cheaper to purchase since spiderlings can be very delicate and can oftentimes be harder to raise them, especially for beginners.  Spiderlings have increased chance of dying while molting and can be harder to feed since they have to eat smaller flies or crickets when compared to an adult.  As for adults, they are easier to feed and have a much greater chance of surviving adulthood when they mature.  Most adults will be wild caught, while the spiderlings will be captive born.

What are the extra costs?

A tarantula doesn’t need a lot of space to live, but it will require a small setup in order to survive.  Experts will recommend a 10-gallon aquarium with a secure top for your spider if you’re purchasing an adult, but a smaller aquarium and slowly graduating the spider as they grow old.  A 10-gallon aquarium, depending on the materials it’s made from, can cost anywhere from $12 to $45.  Substrate soil, bark and a heat lamp to maintain humidity levels.

While optional, it is best to have accessories such as rocks and tiny holes where they can hide.

Recurring costs such as food can be about $5 to $15 per month, depending on the spider’s diet; most will eat crickets or flies.  As an adult, a tarantula should be fed twice per week, depending on their hunger levels and the humidity should be kept high if it’s a tropical species.

Recommended tarantulas books

Tips to know:

On average, females are going to live longer than males.  While most can live around 5 years, it is not unheard of for one to live for more than 25 years.  However, the average lifespan will be between three to 11 years as long as they well taken care of.

Keep tarantulas away from pets such as cats and dogs.  One bite from the spider can be fatal to your pets.

Always have medication or cures available in case a tarantula does bite you.

Cornell University says the Chilean Rose Hair, which tends to be the most popular tarantula used as a pet, is lovely, cheap but extremely boring.  They tend to be lazy and will be very hesitant when attacking prey.  The website goes on to recommend the following species:  the Pinktoe, Costa Rican Zebra, Mexican redknee, Trinidad Chevron and African Baboon.

All tarantula species won’t be created equally.  Some will be more interesting than others, while some may be plain boring, sleeping all day with very little action.  Just like a dog breed, the species will matter when you purchase one.   Try to purchase one that meets your budget, patience and squirminess.  For example, if you’re afraid of spiders or get scared easily, consider a spider that moves slower.

Due to the tarantula’s thin exoskeleton, the abdomen area is extremely thin, and if you were to drop one, they can splat, leading to internal bleeding.  Experts highly advise you don’t handle your tarantula unless you absolutely have to.

To minimize bites from occurring, never put the spider in a defensive situation.  Just like other wild creatures, if it feels threatened, it will go on the defense, attempting to bite you.  These fangs, if they were to bite you, would be sharp enough to penetrate into your skin.  Although a bite may be scary, a death from a tarantula sting has never been recorded.

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How Much Does Tapeworm Medication Cost?

Tapeworms, worms that live off of the intestines or tissues of many mammals, makes it home in the intestinal tract and are most commonly found in cats and dogs.  Worm segments, which contain the eggs, will be passed through the stool, leaving the tapeworm head attached in the intestinal tract, being able to continue to produce segments if not taken care of.

On average, a tapeworm can measure more than 35 feet long, and common signs of tapeworm include weight loss, diarrhea, blood-tinged stool, scooting, a loss of appetite and/or the feeling of weakness.  While a vet’s office can help assist with this issue, many pet owners tend to try over the counter medication first to see if it can resolve the problem.

The cost of tapeworm medication is going to depend on the brand, the quantity and where you purchase it from.

“Dog Cat” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by mizuo_fiat

How much does tapeworm medication cost?

Tapeworm medication packages generally come with three or six capsules.  The medication can also come in a liquid form.  On average, over the counter medication is going to cost anywhere from $8 to $40.  Per pill, the medicine can cost anywhere from $3 to $10, depending on the brand.  These are all over the counter medications and won’t be guaranteed to work.  The most common medications and brands are listed in the table below.

For example, a popular product online for cats known as Tape Worm Tabs by Tradwinds retails for $11 to $18.  A liquid-based tapeworm medication, such as Native Remedies Worm by Native Remedies, retails for $25 to $39.

Prescribed medication from the vet’s office can vary anywhere from $60 to $125, not including the vet examination and fecal testing.  If going the vet route, you may have to come back to two to three times for additional treatments.  Vets have found that repeating injections or medication will likely break the re-infection cycle.

For example, the popular online pet pharmacy PetCareRX.com sells its Tape Worm Tabs that retail for $17 to $21 for three tablets.

Tapeworm medication overview

If you were to take an animal to the vet office, they will test the pet’s stool using a microscope to see if any segments were found.  While segments won’t always be found using a microscope, fresh stool that’s white could mean a tapeworm is present.  Since tapeworms are passed intermittently, there may not any near the surface of the stool sample, and for this reason, the vet may have to collect a fresh batch at the office.

Tapeworms are caused by fleas on your pet’s body, and this medication will dissolve the parasite within the intestinal tract.  These tapeworms will attach itself to the inner wall of the intestine and will feed off the food from the host’s body.  Pets that catch fleas are often the most susceptible to getting tapeworms.  The most common types found on the market is praziquantel or fenbendazole, also referred to as Panacur.   Praziquantel, the common option will dissolve as it passes through the intestines, killing the host.  The dosage will be determined by the number of tablets per body weight, and pregnant animals won’t be able to use the medication.  A cat that weight less than 11 pounds will need 1 tablet, while a cat weighing more than 12 pounds will need two capsules.  As for dogs, any dog weighing more than four pounds will need one capsule and dogs weighing more than this will need two capsules. This medication shouldn’t cause any side effects.

Fenbendazole, a medication prescribed by vets, will interrupt the parasites’ cellular transport and metabolism, diminishing its energy, limiting the ability to eliminate waste and product protective factors from their cells.

Most tablets are either going to be taken orally or it can be sprinkled on food.  This is going to all depend on the pet’s preference.  Some pets will eat it with no problem while some have to have it hidden within the food.  One good trick is to wrap the medication in something such as cheese.

How long does it take for dewormer to work?  Typically, if the medication is administered according to the instructions, it can take 24 to 48 hours to become effective.

What are the extra costs?

If a professional checkup shows more problems than the tapeworm, additional tests and medicines may be prescribed.  Note that some over the counter medications will not work for some animals.  If you are not seeing results within 24 hours, then it is always best to check with a professional.

Flea control is highly recommended, even when the tapeworms disappear to prevent these tapeworms from coming back.  Over the counter flea treatment options often cost about $50 per month.

Tips to know

When purchasing tapeworm medication, make sure praziquantel is present.  This type of ingredient helps kill off the tapeworms that are in the pet’s body, but there is no guarantee.  In fact, some vets have noticed that even if praziquantel is present, there’s no guarantee all tapeworms will be killed.

Do over the counter dewormers work? Over the counter medication does not always work, especially if the directions aren’t followed specifically, and some doctors state that they may even do more harm than good.  While there are fantastic reviews on some of the products available online, it is essential that you read the directions before administrating the pill.  The only true way to get rid of, and prevent tapeworms, is by preventing fleas in the first place.

While tapeworms look disgusting, most of the time, it won’t be harmful to your pet’s health.  Tapeworms, as mentioned above, are usually due to fleas.

Follow your vet’s instructions closely because failure to do so can often bring the fleas/tapeworm back.

How can I save money?

It may be best to visit the vet’s office before wasting money on OTC products that have not been researched.  Most vets will tell you it’s not a good idea to offer your pet medication, even if you think you know what’s wrong.

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How Much Does it Cost to Tape and Mud Drywall?

Drywall taping is a process done after the drywall is hung.  After the drywall is taped, it is mudded and then sanded down until it is ready to be primed and painted.  Even for those who know how to hang drywall, many opt to leave the taping and mudding to a professional since the job requires a great amount of skill.

The cost will vary depending on your location, the size of the job, ceiling heights, the complexity of the room and the contractor performing the job.

“B&B / Apartment bedroom” (CC BY 2.0) by shister

How much does it cost to tape and mud drywall?

The job itself is going to vary depending on the finish and texture you are looking for. On average, expect to pay a professional anywhere from $0.35 to $0.80 per square foot to tape, mud and sand the drywall to prep it to be painted.  This price will not include the paint or primer.  For instance, a 500 square foot room can cost anywhere from $175 to $400 to tape and finish the drywall process.

For those who want to tape the drywall themselves, plan on paying around $0.10 to $0.32 per square foot to complete the job.  A pack of drywall tape can cost anywhere from $4 to $10.  For example, the 3M 385 Scotch Drywall Fiberglass Tape retails for $10 to $13.

According to the website Fixr.com, expect to pay around $4 for every 150 feet of drywall that needs to be taped.

Baumer Drywall LLC, a contractor located in Minnesota, charges $0.49 per square foot with a 1,000 square foot minimum or $0.99 per square foot for a room smaller than 500 square feet.

Forum members on DSLReports.com said you expect to pay about $.0.20 to $0.50 to have a professional to mud and tape.

Taping and mudding drywall overview

Before the job, a professional will go through and make the appropriate measurements to give you an estimate.  Most contractors, before they commit to a job, will have a requirement.  If you don’t meet this requirement, they may not accept the job or they may charge you a higher rate.

When the job starts, a contractor will remove any loose material in the drywall seams and butt joints.  Any voids or gaps found, usually larger than one-sixteenth of an inch will be filled with a joint compound.  During this time, any screws will be re-set that are above the drywall’s surface.

Next, using a drywall sheet tape, all seams, joints, butt joints and interior angles will be taped, usually where the edges meet.  Once the taping is complete, three to four coats of mud, sometimes referred to as a taping compound, coats will be applied to all corner beads, tape and screw heads.  Lastly, the surface area will be sanded to a smooth finish so it can be painted.  A good contractor will sweep and vacuum after they are done.

What are the extra costs?

Taping, sanding and mudding is just part of the drywall process.  The prices mentioned above won’t include installing the drywall or painting it after the contractor is done.

Some contractors will charge to cover items around the house such as couches, toilets and other big items.  If so, it’s best to budget $5 per item.

Commercial brand drywall tape is going to cost 30% to 50% more than standard residential drywall tape.

Complex layouts such as vaulted ceilings and corners can increase the price.  Vaulted ceilings, for instance, will require scaffolding.

Most professionals will charge for supplies separately.

Texturing drywall can be an additional $1 per square foot.

How to tape drywall

How can I save money?

Taping may seem like a simple job, but it can get rather complex.  If you are doing it yourself and have no past experience, you may not have the skill it takes to make the tape disappear.  It may just be easier to pay the extra cost of hiring someone.

If you’re going to hire a contractor, consider getting multiple mudding quotes for free from HomeAdvisor.com.

Contractors often bring the price per square foot down as the room gets bigger.  For instance, a 500 square foot room may cost $1 to tape, mud and sand, while 1,000 or more square feet could be half of this.

People say if the prices are less than $0.30 per square feet, then you may want to dig deeper and see if it’s worth it. Before hiring anyone, make sure they are licensed and insured and also see prior pictures of their work.

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