How Much Does Lowe’s Ceiling Fan Installation Cost?

Lowe’s, like most big box retailers, will install your ceiling fan after a purchase, and as long as you purchase the ceiling fan directly from Lowe’s, they will be more than happy to install it for a fee.

“chocolate” (CC BY 2.0) by dickuhne

How much does Lowe’s ceiling fan installation cost?

The costs of having Lowe’s install a ceiling fan will depend on if the ceiling fan is going to be replaced or installed in a new location where no ceiling fan is present.  If the ceiling fan is going to be replaced, the costs will be around $100, but if a new ceiling fan needs to be installed in a new location, the costs will be closer to $250.  This is the price per fan, and the costs will depend on the time of the season and promotion going on at the time.

According to this Porch.com profile, a local Lowe’s had ceiling fan projects that ranged anywhere from $100 to more than $2,000.

Using Lowe’s

Before an install date can be set, you will be required to pick out a ceiling fan from Lowe’s inventory in order for it to be eligible for an install.  Once a fan is purchased, an associate will set up an install date and have you sign a contract to confirm the appointment date.  The installation job will be outsourced out to a local licensed and insured electrical company that is approved by Lowe’s.

How can I save money?

Be sure to look out for special promotions or even wait for them as it’s not uncommon for Lowe’s to offer ceiling fan installation deals throughout the year.  Refer to their official website for the current promotions being held for most installation jobs.

Compare other hardware stores and get at least three quotes.  Many local electricians will let you purchase the ceiling fan on your own and will install it for a minimal fee, often much cheaper than what Lowe’s will charge.

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How Much Does it Cost to Install a Dishwasher at Lowes?

Lowes, like other big box retailers such as Home Depot and Best Buy, offer dishwasher installation services, and as long as the dishwasher is purchased directly from the store, it can be installed by a verified Lowe’s installer, who often represents a local plumbing/appliance company.

“Dish Warsh” (CC BY 2.0) by Skakerman

How much does it cost to install a dishwasher from Lowes?

To get a dishwasher installed by Lowe’s, you will have to purchase a dishwasher directly from the store as the store will not install dishwashers purchased via another company.  Depending on the season and promotion, it can cost about $120 to $150.  There are times, however, it can be as little as $0 if a particular brand is purchased.  For example, in the past, if you purchased a Bosch dishwasher, you could have your dishwasher installed for free.

According to one forum member on this fnforum.net forum thread, she noted her local Lowe’s charged $150 to install a dishwasher.

Using Lowe’s

Before the installation is scheduled, you will have to make the purchase at a local Lowe’s store.  Once you make the purchase, you will pay for both the installation services and the dishwasher.   When that’s finalized, you will sign a contract, go over the terms of the job and set up an appointment date.  An employee will also ask questions in regards to the dishwasher position, if there’s an outlet nearby, etc.  As long as everything is checked according to plan, a date can be set.

The installer, usually from a local plumbing company, will arrive and will proceed to remove the old dishwasher and install the new one.  The average job should take about 30 to 45 minutes.

Lowe’s, as per its website, guarantees its labor by 1 year, offers a free protection plan with all purchases and free local delivery.

What are the extra costs?

An installation kit and supply line may be required.  If this were the case, this would be an additional $30~ depending on the setup and dishwasher brand.

For new installs, an outlet may be needed to properly install it.  Lowe’s will not be able to do this and should be contracted out to a professional.

Lowe’s will require you purchase new water hoses and parts.  This will be about $20.

According to the official company, haul away services and local disposal fees may be an additional cost to budget for.

Tips to know

Lowe’s may not install a dishwasher if tile flooring has been installed up to the dishwasher base.

How can I save money?

Be on the lookout for promotions.  Lowe’s will offer special installation prices from time to time as mentioned prior.

Be sure to compare at least three to four other retailers.  Check out a local Best Buy, Home Depot and even a local mom and pop plumber to see what they can offer in terms of pricing.

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How Much Does it Cost to Vacuum Car at a Gas Station?

Vacuum cleaners at gas stations offer a convenient way for drivers to offer their vehicle a quick clean up while on the road.  Vacuuming your car’s interior, as you may or may not know, will not only ensure that you have a clean car, but it will also extend the life of your vehicle’s carpet.

“” (CC BY 2.0) by dno1967b

How much does it cost to vacuum your car at a gas station?

The cost to vacuum car at gas station usually ranges anywhere from $0.50 to $0.75 per three to five minutes.  The cost of vacuuming a car at any gas station will really vary depending on how long you need the vacuum, your geographic location and the gas station brand.

Tips to know

Most gas stations offer high-powered vacuums which require a coin deposit to operate.   You simply insert a few coins into the vacuum machine slot, and after, it allows you to vacuum for a few minutes.  The vacuum will run for about five minutes and each subsequent purchase will add another few minutes each time.  Every gas station will have its own time limit, and usually, there will be a digital timer attached which will tell you how many minutes/seconds are left.

The vacuum is typically attached to a long hose so that you can reach even those hard-to-get spots in your car and wrap it around your entire car with ease.  Many of these gas station vacuums can even suction up large debris that most home vacuum units might have difficulty with.

When vacuuming the interior of your car, it is recommended that you use the brush tip of the vacuum instead of the plastic tip. The brush tip is gentler on your car’s interior and will not leave any kind of markings.

How can I save money?

Some car wash locations offer free vacuums for their customers.  If you know you need a car wash, you may want to research to see if there are any locations nearby that don’t charge.   A simple search such as “car wash with free vacuum” via Google or Yelp could yield some results.

Of course, vacuuming your car at home will be cheaper than taking it to a local car wash.  Some of the highest rated car vacuums on Amazon retail for $20 to $35+

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How Much Does Versa-Lok Cost?

Versa-Lok is a concrete-based segmental retaining wall system which offers versatility and ease of installation

It does not require footings below frost level, can withstand freeze-thaw cycles and can also be installed with no mortar.

With Versa-Lok, you can design your wall any way you want as it’s the original pinning segmental retaining wall system.

How much does Versa-Lok cost per square foot?

The cost of a Versa-Lok, from what we researched, will be anywhere from $22 to $32 per square foot installed.   The cost of a Versa-Lok walling project, as there are so many variables, will depend on the complexity the project, shape, height, the type of Versa-Lok walling system and your geographical location. Whether you want to do a DIY installation or hire a professional installer is also one of the major factors when it comes to the total cost of a Versa-Lok walling project.  Since all jobs will be unique, we highly recommend getting as many quotes as possible.  To do so, HomeAdvisor.com is a great way to gather multiple quotes for free from locally licensed contractors.

Those who want to do the project on their own will pay about $4 to $6 per block or about $6 to $11 per square foot.  These costs will really come down to the type of Versa-Lok you purchase and who you purchase it from.  This calculator from the official company’s website will tell you exactly how many blocks you need to complete your project.  These numbers could help you budget for your project.

To make things easier, the costs in our table below are for the materials only.

NOTE:  Again, these prices are for the materials only.  If you were to hire a professional, then you will want to multiply these numbers by two or three to get idea of what it may cost you.  With so many variables involved, it can be hard to pinpoint an exact price.

According to this member on this GroundTradesExchange.com forum thread, they were quoted $30 per square foot to have the wall installed.

The Versa-Lok systems

Versa-Lok Standard – is the most popular unit amongst homeowners as it is very versatile. It can be installed in a curved wall, corners, columns, stairs and freestanding walls.

Mosaic – this system is a combination of a four-unit panel consisting of one Standard, one Cobble and two Accent units, giving the walling project a complex-looking and interesting pattern.

Cobble – perfect for planters, low walls and various gardening projects as the cobble blocks are just about half the size of a Versa-Lok Standard unit.

Accent – a slimmer version of the Versa-Lok Standard and are perfect for pools, gardens and other landscape fixtures.

Ultra – is a lighter weight unit that can be installed either on its own or can be integrated with other Versa-Lok units.

Nexus – this Versa-Lok system is perfect if you are looking to retain a lot of ground.

Harmony – this Versa-Lok retaining wall system uses a combination of Standard and Cobble wall units.

Versa-Lok overview

Versa-Lok walls are made from a high-strength concrete that is dry-stacked and interlocked with unique pins set on granular leveling pads.  Unlike other walls, these walls do not need frost footings and can be built as tall as 50 feet.

The faces of the units are available in either a traditionally textured split-face or a natural, Weathered look.

The walls come in a variety of patterns, textures and colors, according to the manufacturer’s website.  Common colors include charcoal, chestnut, earth, flagstone, gray and granite.

All of the solid units, as mentioned, can be modified on site, able to cater to any desired layout.

When installed, the top-pinning system will interlock the units, and the hole-to-slot pinning system allows an installer to vary the bond.

Tips to know

These walls can be modified on site and can accommodate just about any layout imaginable, which can include freestanding walls, columns, planters and seat walls to name a few.

The walls don’t cause any environmental hazards as all of the walls are manufactured locally and aren’t chemically treated.

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How Much Does ThermiSmooth Cost?

ThermiSmooth is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to smoothen out wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.

This is the only FDA approved device, at this time, with built-in temperature controls.

How much does ThermiSmooth cost?

The total cost of treatment will vary depending on the geographic location of the clinic, the doctor’s fee and the number of sessions you need to achieve your desired result.  The average cost, according to our research, to see results is about $1,400 to $2,500 to see desired results.

Each session, however, will cost about $200 to $350 each, with the average candidate needing at least three to five sessions.  Since everyone will be unique with their situation, it’s best to multiply the number of sessions you need by $300 to figure out a good estimate.  Seeing this is a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance providers will not cover the procedure.

We went ahead and called a few providers in the United States and included the quotes we received in the table below:

VictoryMedSpa.com, located in Rhode Island, for example, charges $250 for one full face or neck treatment, according to their official price list on their website.  If you purchase a four-session package, however, they will include the fifth session for free.

The process

Before the process is even considered, there will be an initial consultation where your doctor will determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for the treatment.  During this time, your doctor will determine the amount of ThermiSmooth sessions you will need relative to the severity of your issue and the final results you want to have achieved.

The day of the session, before the doctor starts, your doctor will gently and thoroughly cleanse the treatment area. He or she will then place / stick a grounding pad on a muscular area to enable a good flow of the RF energy.  This RF energy delivered to the surface of the skin heats the cells and triggers the body’s natural collagen production. The treatment will end after the target area reached and maintained the desired temperature for about five to seven minutes. Your doctor will then apply a clear gel to the treatment area and set the ideal temperature for your treatment.  The ThermiSmooth device will flutter on and off during the procedure to maintain the selected temperature and deliver controlled heat to the target area. This means that when the heat on your tissue reaches the desired temperature, the device will automatically turn off. It will turn on again when the device passes over a skin that is cooler.  In addition to the built-in heat-controlling mechanism used to monitor the heat of the tissue, an external infrared camera is also used to monitor the temperature on the surface of the skin.

The treatment area may feel hot for a few moments but generally, the sensation is warm and comforting.  While the process is relatively painless, a topical anesthesia may be used.

Treatments, on average, can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

You may be able to return to work and to your normal daily activities right after treatment, but it may take several days or weeks for significant results to be visible.

As for followup visits, doctors will recommend waiting for one to two weeks between sessions.

How does it work?

ThermiSmooth will heat the collagen beneath the skin to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit by using a handpiece device that is able to control the heat to maximize comfort.  This heat, in turn, will begin to tighten the skin, essentially lessening the effects of aging.  This treatment, as compared to other non-invasive fat treatments, is different due to the temperature that’s able to be controlled via the device.

Tips to know

You can have multiple ThermiSmooth treatments to achieve your desired result, and in fact, most patients, from what we witnessed online, will need three to five sessions on average. A minimum of four sessions is recommended, and a maintenance treatment every four to six months is necessary to maintain and prolong the result.

ThermiSmooth can be used in many different areas, including the forehead, under and around the eyes, around the mouth, jaw lines, neck and upper arms.

Aside from slight redness of the skin, which normally subsides in just about an hour, there are really no side effects associated with ThermiSmooth treatment from what we researched.

Good candidates, for both men and women, include those with loose skin on either their mouth, forehead, neck, cheek and/around the eyes.

AdvancedDermatologyPC.com offers a variety of ThermiSmooth before and after pictures from their past clients.

How can I save money?

Some clinics offer package deals as indicated by the source mentioned above.  In general, the more packages you purchase in advance, the more you can save.  Talk with the provider you do choose to see if there are any deals you can take advantage of.

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How Much Does a Toucan Bird Cost?

Toucans are colorful tree-dwelling birds belonging to the Ramphastidae family.

What makes the toucan particularly unique is its large, oversized bill, which also comes in a variety of colors.

Because of their playful, affectionate nature, birds in the toucan family have become very popular among pet owners who love exotic animals.

“Toucan” (CC BY 2.0) by rougenair

How much does a pet toucan cost?

The costs will depend on the type of toucan, the breeder, age, quality, gender, its genetic history and geographical location.  On average, from our research, the costs can range anywhere from as little as $1,500 to more than $8,500+ for a weaned younger toucan from a reputable breeder.  Keep in mind these birds are extremely rare pets due to the low demand, high prices and extremely sensitive diet.  This bird, as compared to most pet birds, can be intimidating to any pet owner, even those who consider themselves experienced.

Refer to table below for price ranges for particular toucans:

At the time of this publishing, for example, Hoobly, an online classified ad website, had about 20+ active listings, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,500+

AdventuresInToucanland.com states toucans are quite expensive, with an investment often in the $10,000 range.

Popular toucan birds as pets

Channel Billed

Chestnut-Mandibled

Emerald Toucanet

Keel Billed

Toco

White Throated (Red billed)

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

A reputable breeder will often sell their toucans already fully weaned.  Aside from this, they should also include some sort of health guarantee, registration paperwork, and a health certified by a licensed vet.  All inclusions will vary, so it is always best to know what you’re getting in writing when making a purchase.

What are the extra costs?

As with any pet, food needs to be considered.  Toucans, while in captivity, primarily eat fruit like papayas, bananas, and grapes; however, experts advise not give them citrus fruits.  The reason for this is that toucans are prone to develop hemochromatosis or “iron storage disease.” The accumulation of high, toxic levels of iron in the bird’s liver may lead to illness and death.  Aside from fruits, they also feed on eggs, lizards, insects and even small birds.  In captivity, most owners offer insects as a nutritional supplement.  According to AdventuresinToucanland.com, they must be fed fresh fruit twice a day and they often eat exotic fruits which are hard to find.  This VCA Hospitals page also goes into depth explaining what the average toucan eats.

If shipped via air or even ground, the costs can be in the $200 to $400 range.  Keep in mind you may have to have the bird shipped as breeders are scarce in the United States.

A larger-than-average bird cage is highly recommended due to their high energy and the room they need in order to move from one point to another. Depending on the cage setup and inclusions, this can easily cost more than a thousand dollars.  Inside this cage should include perches, toys, which will need to be replaced often, and a water/food bowl to maximize its comfort while in captivity.  When compared to a parrot, toucans will need a lot more space while locked up.

Veterinary care needs to be considered as well.  Whether it’s a routine visit or unexpected illness, the costs can add up.

Being tough to train, you may need the help of a professional trainer to help tame the bird.  Being more hyper than a parrot, toucans, if not trained properly, can be quite wild, which can cause quite the frustration for the average bird owner.

Tips to know:

Toucans greatly vary in size, depending on the species, and the weight can range from as little as four ounces to as much as one and a half pounds.

Most toucan bodies will be short with a rounded tail, and the tail will often take up to half of its body size.  The neck will be short and thick, and the base of the head will be brightly colored.  The tongue is narrow and frayed on each size.  Sizes can range from 18 to 21 inches long.

The average lifespan while in captivity is about 20 to 25 years as long as free from any disease.

Toucans tend to be friendly and affectionate.  They have been known to cuddle, sit on your shoulder and will love to be scratched.

Unlike most birds, toucans won’t shriek or scream.  The Red Bill is known to have the loudest call out of all toucans.

Do not consider clipping your toucan’s wings. Because of their large beaks, toucans cannot climb; instead, these birds fly from one part of their cage to another.

Toucans, in general, are tolerant of weather and temperature changes. However, make it a point to let them out in their outdoor aviary during the warmer months of spring, summer and fall. In the winter, it is best to keep them indoors with a controlled comfortable temperature.

Other diseases toucans are prone to include gastrointestinal infections caused by E. coli and salmonella, and parasites such as capillaria, roundworms, and proventricular worms.

Toucans aren’t able to bite hard since their beak muscles are weaker when compared to other birds.  Unlike other birds, they tend to be less aggressive and the pressure of their beak, even if they do try to bite, will be lightweight.

A toucan can be kept with other birds in the same room; however, they can’t be kept in the same cage.  They can be housed with other toucans, however.

According to experts, the best time to adopt a toucan is during the summer.  This is the most common breeding season, which lasts from April until September.

Can you have a toucan as a pet?  From our research, it appears most states allow a toucan as a legal pet; however, to be safe, talk with your local state wildlife department to make sure before making a purchase.

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How Much Does SculpSure™ Cost?

SculpSure™ is an FDA-approved, non-invasive body sculpting method used to permanently reduce stubborn fat by applying heat to the treatment areas.

This hands-free hyperthermic laser treatment is minimally painful, can treat multiple areas in a very short span of time, and virtually requires no downtime.

How much does SculpSure™ cost?

The cost of SculpSure™ will greatly vary depending on the number of applications being used during the treatment process, the number of sessions required, your geographical location, which part of your body being targeted and the provider you’re using.  From our research, the average price per session was anywhere from $1,000 to $1,800 per session.  We also did reach that each applicator can cost about $400 each, on average, but the average session will often require three to four sessions, hence, the higher $x,xxx price tag.

We were able to gather some estimates from some professional providers across the United States and included our findings in the table below:

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery stated the average cost was $1,450 in 2016.

CBS News noted the cost of the procedure could run anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500 for each area of the body treated, and since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance policies will not cover it.

The SculpSure Center of Beverly Hills listed their prices on their official website and stated it would cost $350 per applicator, with the average targeted area needed four applicators.  On the website, they did note they would offer bulk package discounts.

The procedure process

SculpSure™ uses a hands-free heat laser belt which uses specific wavelengths and heat to eliminate specific fat cells, and in 2015, the FDA cleared SculpSure™ for use in the upper/lower abdominal area and flanks. Before you are even considered for the treatment process, your provider will first want to set up a consultation to discuss your medical history, your goals and analyze your position.  If the provider feels you’re a candidate, then he or she will explain how many sessions you may need to help reach your goals.

During the procedure, you will be seated in a reclining position, and a licensed practitioner will mark the targeted areas on your body.  Once marked, the SculpSure™ device will be wrapped around you, similar to that of a belt.  This belt will then deliver a laser, alternative hot and cool effects, which can reach a temperature as high as 116.6°F, according to HealthLine.com.  This temperature, in effect, is hot enough to kill any fat cells beneath the skin without harming the surrounding tissues.  Each area will use a certain amount of “applicators.”  For example, the average abdomen may use four applicators, while the flanks, known as the love handles, could use up to four as well — two on each side.

Each session can take about 25 to 30 minutes, and if you do need additional treatments in the future, then you may have to wait up to 12 weeks before coming back to the office.  With little recovery time, almost all patients can go home immediately.

Once complete, the results are considered to be permanent as the fat cells will be gone for good.

Sculpsure™ vs CoolSculpting™

Both procedures will use the same basic concept — changing the temperature in order to destroy the fat cells.  However, CoolSculpting™, as the name implies, will cool the fat cells, whereas Sculpsure™ will heat the fat cells.

Even though the concept will be the same, the treatments can be quite different.  Each CoolSculpting™ session, on average, can take up to an hour to perform, while each Sculpsure™ can take as little as 25 minutes.  Why the difference?  During the CoolSculpting™, the targeted area is pulled and sucked between two plates in order to freeze the fat cells.  Even when this is done, the area needs to be massaged before the patient is able to leave.   Sculpsure™, on the other hand, more than one area can be done at the same time, effectively cutting down the treatment time.  Once the applicators are done, a patient is free to go home and no additional care will be required.

As both are FDA approved and will not require any surgery or anesthesia, the side effects may vary considerably.  Since CoolSculpting™ uses a pulling and tugging sensation, this can leave an uncomfortable feeling during the session, often leading to redness or mild bruising.  While there will be some soreness, patients can resume activities within 24 hours.  Sculpsure™, not requiring any type of suction, will use a higher intensity of heat, which can lead to cramping, swelling or bruising side effects.

As mentioned, both are FDA approved; however, each treatment is approved for a certain area.  CoolSculpting™, as of this publishing, is able to treat more areas of the body in comparison to Sculpsure™.   CoolSculpting™ can be used to treat the abdomen area, flanks, thighs, chin and for facial contouring, while Sculpsure™ can only be used for the abdomen and flanks.  This, however, can change over time and even though some areas are not approved by the FDA, it doesn’t mean the area can be treated with that particular method.

CoolSculpting™ will require at least a “pinch of fat” to become effective, while Sculpsure™ can treat smaller areas.

Tips to know:

The procedure is best suited for those who have a body mass index of 30 or less and is not intended as a weight loss option.

SculpSure™ risks and side effects may include minor pinching, a tingling sensation, soreness and/or stiffness after and/or during the procedure.  Being a relatively new procedure, few serious side effects have been reported.

SculpSure™ was the very first FDA approved, non-invasive laser option for fat reduction.

The laser is created by the same company who makes SmartLipo.

Studies have shown patients see a 30 percent reduction in fat.

Providers forewarn that you shouldn’t consider SculpSure™ as a liposuction alternative.  While liposuction can often get rid of up to 100 percent of the fat, SculpSure™, as a conservative estimate, can get rid of up to 25 percent of the fat.

How can I save money?

Some providers do offer financing plans or even incentives.  For example, if a provider knows you need more than session or a higher-than-average applicator session, they may be able to offer a bulk discount.  Usually not covered by insurance, talk with the provider you plan on using to see if they can work with your budget.

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How Much Does ORBERA® Cost?

The ORBERA® weight loss balloon is a relatively new non-surgical option for people with a BMI ranging from 30 to 40.  This is an FDA approved and is considered to be the #1 weight loss ballon in the entire world, according to the manufacturer’s official website.

This soft silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach via an endoscopy and is then filled with a saline solution, which will create the full feeling, even after consuming a smaller meal.

The balloon will remain inside the stomach for up to six months and will then be removed.

If paired with a healthy diet and lifestyle, the ORBERA® balloon, according to medical professionals, is a wonderful choice for those who do not qualify for the traditional weight loss surgery.

On average, patients should expect to lose anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds.

How much does the ORBERA® gastric balloon cost?

The cost of the ORBERA® gastric balloon will greatly depend on your geographical location, the facility where it is being performed and the surgeon you choose.  From our research, the geographical location and facility do play a rather big role as the higher cost of living areas will be up to 50 percent higher than a rural area.   The same can be said about those who have the procedure done in a hospital setting as this will be the costliest option. With this being said, the average cost can range anywhere from as little as $7,100 to as much as $14,900 for the entire procedure.

According to Isaac Raijman, MD, a Houston Gastroenterologist on RealSelf.com, he claimed the cost for the ORBERA® balloon can range anywhere from $8,000 to $13,000, and the higher prices are usually for procedures that are performed in a hospital setting.  If the procedure were performed within an independent endoscopic center or ambulatory surgical center, then the cost will be much less.  However, even though the prices may be higher, he warns this doesn’t mean the procedure will be more effective than that of one performed in an independent center.  At the end of his question, he stated his center would charge $7,500 for the procedure.

With the estimates noted above, this should include the placement, the removal about six months in the future, the anesthesia used during the procedure, the cost of the balloon, surgeon’s fees, lab work and the cost of the facility/hospital fees.  However, this isn’t guaranteed as all centers will have its own billing practices.  It is always best to know exactly what you will be responsible for before the procedure even begins.

Do you qualify?

The ORBERA® balloon is intended for adult patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 40 and for those who have attempted conservative weight loss solutions.  Data from ORBERA®, which was collected from a U.S. clinical trial did show the average person lost 3.1 times the weight as compared to someone who simply dieted and exercised in the six months.

The procedure process

During the procedure, the ORBERA® balloon is placed inside your stomach, while being sedated, via a thin tube that’s inserted through the mouth, and no incisions will be made.  Once the balloon is in place, it will then be filled with saline.  The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes and almost all patients will be able to go home the same day.  In six months, after the initial procedure, you will then be asked to come back to the office so the balloon can be removed.  To remove it, the process is similar to the placement but simply in reverse.  Again, you will be sedated and will be able to go home the same day.  The removal process, just like the placement, will take about 20 to 30 minutes as well.

What are the extra costs?

Pre-operative tests, such as blood work and/or an x-ray, may not be included in the estimates above and need to be budgeted for separately.

Tips to know

ORBERA® has more than 20 years of experience, and according to the company, more than 220,000 stomach balloons have been placed.

RealSelf.com, at this time, has more than 75+ ORBERA® before and after pictures.

How can I save money?

As mentioned, an outpatient center will always be cheaper than a hospital setting.  If at all possible, try your best to find a provider who is willing to work at an independent center to save on costs.

Seeing the ORBERA® balloon is relatively new, there’s a good chance it won’t be covered by health insurance, even though it is approved by the FDA.  According to a few answers, we did find online, many doctors claim their patients paid cash.

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How Much Does Kybella Cost?

Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable drug used to treat moderate to severe fat deposits in the chin area.  This injection contains a naturally occurring molecule that is able to dissolve the fat, which, eventually, your body will then flush out.

To put it simply, it is basically a non-invasive alternative to liposuction for treating a double chin and is not intended for significant weight loss.

How much does Kybella cost?

The average cost, according to most costs we found online, tend to be within the $1,100 to $2,200 range per session.  However, since you need more than one session, often as many as three to four to see results, the total costs can far exceed $3,000 to $5,500+  In fact, according to Kybella, only 59 percent needed six treatments.  This cost, ultimately, will depend on the number of treatments required, the professional you use and where you live.  As one vial can cost close to $600 each, many patients find themselves needing more than one vial for treatment, with the average being two to four treatments to see desirable results.

The reason it is so expensive, according to many surgeons, is due to Kybella being the sole patent holder and wanting to recoup its costs which were incurred during the developmental process.  Until this patent runs out, the prices will remain around this average for quite some time.

Since it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance providers will not cover it.

With hundreds of costs posted online, we went ahead and organized them in our table below, broken down by geographical location.

Glamour Magazine claims Kybella typically requires a series of three treatments, about four to six weeks apart.  This, in total, according to the magazine, can be close to $5,400.

A blogger at abeautifulwhim.com stated she was paying $1,000 to $1,500 per procedure, and as we mentioned, she stated it will all depend on how many treatments you need to see results.

The process

During the procedure, the area will be slightly numbed before the treatment starts.  Kybella, according to doctors, will come with a small dotted grid which can be used to mark the injection spots.  This grid will be used to mark the healthy areas beneath the under-chin area before the solution is injected.  During the injection, depending on the patient’s pain tolerance, a slight burning sensation may be felt, but it will only last a few minutes.  The entire process, from start to end, will be about an hour long, and the average patient will need 10 to 20 injections, with up to three visits spread out about six weeks apart.

The recovery process will all depend on the swelling and/or bruising near the injection site.  Most patients will find the swelling subsiding about a week after the procedure, but in better cases, it may be less than a few days.

As adults, you will not produce new fat cells, so when any cells are destroyed, the body remains static.  When weight is gained, however, the fat cells will expand, effectively creating a double chin is a healthy weight isn’t maintained.

Tips to know

As with any medical treatment, it is always best to meet with a board-certified provider to make sure Kybella is a good treatment option for your situation.  Practitioners often find this treatment as a great alternative for healthy adults who are simply looking to lose stubborn fat beneath their chin.  The best candidates, as per Dr. Robert Sheffield on RealSelf.com, will have a great skin tone, less skin laxity and will be helpful for patients with extra fat regardless of their age.

Consider having the procedure done on a Friday so you can take advantage of the weekend while the swelling subsides.

The colder months are ideal as well as the chin can be hidden behind a scarf, for example.

Kybella, at this time, can only be used as a treatment to reduce the fat beneath the chin.  While it may tighten the skin slightly, it isn’t designed to help a “sagging” chin.  For patients who have a sagging skin or poor skin elasticity, this procedure can actually make things look worse in some cases.

Even though the procedure is safe, there are some side effects to consider.  This can include, as mentioned, bruising or swelling near the injection site, but in most cases, this is normal.  The biggest danger lies outside of the area being treated.  If the provider were to hit a nerve, for example, this could result in muscle weakness or an uneven smile.

In a clinical trial, 82.4 percent of people noted significantly improved satisfaction with their appearance.

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How Much Do ClearChoice Dental Implants Cost?

Like most of the dental implants on the market, ClearChoice uses a medical-grade titanium implant fixture which will be fused to the jaw bone, with permanent crowns and bridges, if needed, placed on the implants.  The company currently offers a variety of implant procedures with multiple centers within the United States.

How much do ClearChoice dental implants cost?

As with most dental implant procedures, the costs will greatly depend on your independent situation as there are so many factors such as the surgeon, geographical region, the bone density, the type of implants being used, the number of implants needed, if crowns are required and the overall complexity in general.  With hundreds of people sharing their costs online, we did compile their costs in a table below to show you what other people did pay in the United States.

From what we did research, a full set of dentures would range anywhere from $38,000 to $49,000 in the United States.  This price range, again, from what we witnessed, would replace all of the teeth in the mouth and most often a bone graft as well.

Browsing the more than 75 reviews on RealSelf.com, 96% of its members, at the time of this publishing, claimed they had paid anywhere from as little as $22,000 for a partial set to more than $49,000 for a full set.

ClearChoice dental implants overview

According to the official ClearChoice website, throughout its 40,000 dental implant treatment centers, they able to perform everything under one roof with one fixed cost in as little as one day.  Instead of local anesthesia, when compared to a traditional center, a patient will be fully sedated for the procedure.

The process first begins with a pre-procedure exam.  During this exam, when you do decide to move forward, a prosthodontist will finalize your treatment plan and help you prepare for the day of the procedure.  Next, on the day of your scheduled procedure, your dental implants will be in place and you will be able to go home that day with a temporary set of teeth that look quite similar to your natural set.  As time goes on, you will be restricted to a soft food diet for several months, depending on the healing, and the treatment center will ask you to come in for multiple post-operative visits to ensure your teeth are healing properly.  As your mouth is finished healing and your new implants have stabilized, then they will replace your temporary set with a new permanent set.

Tips to know:

The company does note you can request a free consultation to allow a local center to help you create a customized plan just for you.

To find a ClearChoice location, you do so by visiting the official website’s search tool.

How can I save money?

Many have claimed you can go to Mexico or other low-cost of living countries for a fraction of the cost.  From what we did research, some patients were able to go to Mexico, including the airfare and travel expenses, for as little as $9,000 to $12,000 out the door.

ClearChoice is just one of the many brands related to dental implants.  If at all possible, especially due to the higher costs, it is highly advisable you check with at least three to five centers before deciding on your costs.  Most dental centers that do specialize in dental implants will be more than happy to offer a free consultation.

Financing plans are available via the company for those who do qualify.

Some consider checking out a local dental school to see if they can perform the procedure.  If so, the process can be heavily discounted when compared to a private practice.  While a student will work on your mouth, they will always be witnessed by a doctor on hand to ensure everything goes the way it should.

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