Making California Wellness More Affordable
California is a big state for wellness. Californians love to eat healthily, exercise, and practice mindfulness to look and feel their best. And if healthy living doesn’t 100% do the trick, well, what’s the harm in getting the rest of the way there with med spa treatments and procedures?
However, there is one issue with all these wellness treatments. They can cost a pretty penny. And considering California is already expensive, with a cost of living 40% higher than the national average, many of us must stretch our budgets beyond what we can afford.
Fortunately, there are ways to make these treatments more affordable. This article provides some terrific suggestions.
What are the Most Common Wellness Treatments in California?
Let’s start by looking at some common wellness treatments that you may struggle to afford.
Med Spa
Californians love their med spa treatments. These procedures turn back the hands of time, at a fraction of the cost of plastic surgery and with less downtime. Popular treatments include:
· Botox: Great for smoothing out wrinkles, these injections typically cost $12-$18 per unit, with overall sessions ranging from $300-$600. Repeat sessions for upkeep, needed every 3-4 months, increase costs.
· Laser Hair Removal: A great way to remove hair and keep it off long-term, these sessions cost $200-$500 and are repeated every 6-8 weeks.
· Microneedling: Small needles are used to stimulate collagen production for a smoother appearance, with results lasting 6-18 months. Depending on the procedure, you can spend $300-$800 per session.
· CoolSculpting: This noninvasive technology uses controlled cooling to destroy fat cells, costing $700-$ 1,500 per area. It’s a permanent procedure, but you may need additional treatments if weight gain occurs.
· Chemical Peels: Chemicals remove the top layer of skin to reveal healthier, smoother, less damaged skin underneath. It costs $150 - $400 per session.
Plastic Surgery
While med spa treatments are convenient, some prefer plastic surgery’s more dramatic and longer-lasting results. Popular procedures include:
· Facelifts: The skin and facial muscles are tightened to address sagging and jowls. Procedures can range from $9,800 to $40,000 and more, and typically last 7-10 years.
· Breast Augmentation: Implants or fat transfers are used to increase breast size and enhance shape. Costs in CA range from $12,000 - $20,000.
· Body Contouring: Excess fat is removed from body parts post weight loss or pregnancy, with costs ranging from $13,500 - $25,000 and more.
Dental Care
Oral health is important in reducing health risks, but it also contributes to a great smile, a must when you’re hobnobbing with the California elite. Here are some procedures that have cosmetic benefits.
· Teeth Whitening: Bleaching removes stains from teeth. Results last up to two years, and the procedure typically ranges from $250 - $900.
· Clear Aligners: Straight teeth are essential for great smiles- and a brace face just won’t do. Clear aligners cost between $3,000 and $7,500 and produce permanent results.
· Porcelain Veneers: Bonded to the teeth, these can hide a multitude of sins, including damage, stains, and alignment. They typically cost between $1,200 and $2,500.
· Implants: if you have extensive issues, you may need to replace all your chompers with implants, surgically embedded in the gums. A single tooth implant costs between $3000 and $6,000, but you will pay $25,000 to $90,000 for full mouth surgery.
· Gum Contouring: Ideal for reshaping the gum line or fixing a gummy smile, this procedure can cost $300 - $3,000 depending on the surface area.
Veterinary
This section may seem out of place compared to the other services, but dogs and cats contribute to our well-being more than you might think. They force us to stay physically active, benefit heart health, promote social and emotional interactions, and improve mental health. And, in California, a purse dog or cat can be everyone’s favorite accessory.
With all our furry friends do for us, we can’t afford to skimp on veterinary services. But can we afford to pay them? Here are some popular services and their costs.
· Wellness Exam: Annual checkups cost $50-$100 per visit per pet.
· Vaccines: These can add $75 - $250 to your bill.
· Preventive Care: Services such as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention range from $100 to $300.
· Bloodwork: This diagnostic testing costs between $80 and $200.
· Microchipping: Ensure you can always find your pet for $40- $60.
How to Make CA Wellness Services More Affordable
These services can certainly add up, but there are ways to make them more affordable, ensuring you can maintain your California quality of life. Here are some tips:
· Membership and Subscription Plans: Many providers offer plans that let you sign up for a monthly or annual fee, paying less for visits and services. They typically lead to long-run savings.
· Bundled Packages: Often, purchasing multiple services at once results in lower per-service rates.
· Preventative Focus: An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. For you, this could mean brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, ensuring your dog or cat eats a healthy diet and exercises, and following a healthy skincare routine.
· Off-Peak Services and Discounts: Spas and cosmetologists often offer discounts or charge less when services are not in demand (typically after the holidays, during the pre-beach-ready season). Dentists and vets may offer discounts for referrals and first visits.
· Shopping Around: Consult with various providers to compare prices and quotes. Rather than choosing the lowest-priced services, ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
· Financing Plans: While financing plans don’t make services cheaper, they allow you to spread payments over time, which is great for cash flow and smart money management. There are several to choose from, including financial institutions such as Cherry Technology and Patient FI, and cards such as Care Credit. When choosing, pay attention to APR and interest rates. Many will offer limited-time, interest-free payments to ensure costs don’t add up.
California life is glamorous, but it’s also expensive. You can keep up with the CA Joneses, looking and feeling your best, with membership plans, bundled packages, preventive care,
discounts, shopping around, and financing. Which approach will you choose for your next visit or procedure?