The "Consult"

Today was the day of my free consult with the Dermatology practice near my house.  It turns out my vision of a consult is different than their vision.  I was hoping that they would take a look at my skin and say "OK... here is what we recommend for you and this is how much it will cost."  That was not how it unfolded.  The woman who stated her name but not her position within the practice basically went through the services that they provide.  Thank you but I was able to find all that information online.  So I tried the more direct approach and said "I have sunspots right here.  What would you recommend to treat them?"   Her response:  'Well, Fraxel would take care of them if that is in your budget.'   "How much?"  $3200 for six treatments.  Sooooo, not in my budget but I asked her to show me results of Fraxel anyway.  Amazing results but goes so beyond my skin needs that I couldn't even believe she had recommended this to me.  I told her as much albeit very sweetly.  She then recommended a peel for roughly $150.  I asked her about the cost of a Photofacial, which was recommended to me in the past to combat sunspots.  I had done some research on the procedure and I like what it offers.  They use a burst of light (IPL) that targets the damaged tissue and stimulates new collagen.   Fine lines and wrinkles are improved, along with fading of sun spots, and a reduction in pore size. Exactly what I need and I basically had to recommend it for myself.  Anyway, their price is $1650 for 4 treatments.  My damage is minimal and I don't believe I need 4 treatments.  The salon I go to offers 1 session for $225.  As someone who has been getting her tattoos removed for 7 years now, I am well aware that lasers are not created equally and I am sure the same goes for the "IPL" systems.  For the amount they are charging, I am going to guess their system is superior to the salon/spa I frequent.  But I think I am going to try the spa first if I do anything at all.  I have been using Retinol for about a year now and have noticed a marked improvement in my skin andd a reduction in my spots.  I know that my results would not be as immediete as a doctor's procedure but I think that is ok for where I am now.  Finally, my consult was not a complete waste of time because in her services rundown she told me about Dysport.  Dysport is similar to Botox in that they are both derived from botulinum toxin, however the protein in Dysport is smaller so it works quicker and the effects last longer.  Another plus: it is about 4 times LESS expensive than Botox.  I have never tried Botox before and I am a little scared of the process of injecting a poison into my body but I am not adverse to it either.  I think I am going to research it all a bit more and decide what I am going to do in that department.  So that is it for now.  I am going to start researching the Hydrafacial next which is supposed to be taking over the need for microderms.  That might be my next step.  I will keep you posted!!