How much does it cost to change eye color?

How much does it cost to change eye color?

The Rising Popularity of Keratopigmentation: Cost in certified clinics

Over the past couple of years, the Keratopigmentation procedure has gained immense popularity, spreading across various regions. With each passing day, numerous “before and after” photos surface, capturing the curiosity of more prospective patients. Among the multitude of inquiries, two recurring questions stand out:

  1. What’s the Price Tag for Keratopigmentation?
  2. Is Keratopigmentation a Safe Eye Color Change Procedure, Especially When Offered Nearby? How Can I Ensure Its Safety?

These two questions transcend mere market expectations; they encapsulate the genuine cost of a truly secure and dependable eye color change procedure.

First and foremost, it’s unequivocal that Keratopigmentation represents a safe choice for eye color alteration (for a comprehensive comparison of various eye color change procedures, explore “What is the Best Eye Color Change Procedure?”).

The cost of Keratopigmentation depends of many different factors: more about how much does a Keratopigmentation procedure cost?

However, opportunistic clinics often claim to offer Keratopigmentation when, in reality, they don’t. We’ll delve into the reasons for this shortly.

Additionally, this raises the issue of Keratopigmentation pricing, which remains ambiguous. This is due to two primary factors: the prevalence of misleading price information and the surge in this innovative technology, allowing some to quote unjustifiably high or low prices. If the cost falls below a certain threshold, it’s a telltale sign that the Keratopigmentation procedure may not be genuine. Vigilance is advised.

In the subsequent sections, we’ll explore the main criteria to distinguish a bona fide Keratopigmentation procedure and then delve into the factors influencing its price.

The Cost of Keratopigmentation Eye Color Change Surgery

Within the realm of Keratopigmentation, there are both counterfeit and legitimate procedures. We’ll focus on the pricing of genuine, safe procedures. It’s crucial to comprehend why costs vary among countries and the factors that impact the price of secure Keratopigmentation.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Keratopigmentation

When it comes to the cost of medical surgery, several factors come into play. However, the cost of Keratopigmentation differs from the usual considerations.

This procedure is not entirely new, but the technologies and expertise applied to it are relatively novel. As a result, the dynamics of supply and demand don’t quite conform to traditional market pricing. Demand outpaces supply, and since Keratopigmentation is a somewhat “new” procedure, it’s reshaping the market. Many potential patients remain unaware of its existence and the medical category to which it belongs (ophthalmology or plastic surgery?).

Let’s delve into the primary factors influencing the cost of Keratopigmentation before breaking it down further. This knowledge can help you determine if Keratopigmentation is suitable for you.

Keratopigmentation Cost Varies by Location

The foremost factor affecting cost is location. This refers to the country where the procedure is performed, as well as the specific clinic within that country. Several considerations come into play, including the local cost of living, city-related expenses, salaries, and the local costs of equipment and pigment production.

Keratopigmentation, being a procedure often performed by ophthalmologists within the plastic surgery category, aligns its cost with the market prices of plastic surgery. Over time, it is likely to become a recognized facet of facial plastic surgery procedures.

Safe Keratopigmentation, which involves the use of certified pigments, a proficient ophthalmologist, and advanced equipment, is not available everywhere. Currently, it can be found in only a few select countries around the world, including France, Italy, Switzerland, and to a slightly lesser extent, Spain and the United States.

Inflation’s Impact on Keratopigmentation Cost

Like all medical costs, Keratopigmentation prices are subject to inflation. Some clinics worldwide have been significantly affected by rising costs, which have surged by an average of 10% in 2023.

The reasons behind this increase can be complex, but it appears that it primarily pertains to administrative overhead rather than the surgeons’ fees, which have remained relatively stable. Given that Keratopigmentation is still relatively new, the equilibrium point between supply and demand has yet to be firmly established. Demand currently outstrips supply, and as awareness of the procedure continues to grow, demand is expected to soar in the coming years, while the supply may not necessarily keep pace.

The Impact of Equipment Type on Keratopigmentation Cost

Keratopigmentation relies on sophisticated equipment, often similar to what’s used in refractive surgeries. Therefore, the clinic and surgeons performing your Keratopigmentation must employ state-of-the-art, high-powered femtosecond lasers.

Not all clinics can afford such expensive equipment, and this reflects on the procedure’s cost. Moreover, it’s imperative to train the medical team in using the latest software updates and technologies associated with this equipment. A clinic that lacks such resources may not be deemed professional and may not provide a safe Keratopigmentation.

In some cases, the cost of these lasers can exceed that of the clinic premises. Generally, patients should inquire if the clinic offers other refractive eye surgeries, such as Lasik.

Various Clinic Costs and Medical Team Organization Affect Keratopigmentation Cost

Several additional factors impact the cost of your Keratopigmentation, including:

  • Clinic Premises: Most Keratopigmentation ophthalmologists work independently and may need to include the costs associated with clinic premises in their pricing.
  • Eye Clinic Medical Team: In addition to a skilled ophthalmologist, you’ll require the assistance of trained nurses and support staff. Their presence and expertise contribute to the procedure’s overall cost.
  • Doctor’s Fees: The skilled ophthalmologist will have their own fees, which are often bundled into the Keratopigmentation package. Given the specialized nature of this procedure, a substantial portion of the total cost is attributed to the ophthalmologist’s fees.
  • Additional Fees: Unlike many procedures, Keratopigmentation generally doesn’t entail numerous additional or optional fees. Local anesthesia, eye simulation, pre-consultation, and post-operation care are typically included. Medications are not usually prescribed, and overnight stays in the clinic are rarely necessary.

Optional fees may include accommodation and protocol-related services such as a recommended night in a nearby hotel or transportation, including airport or taxi transfers.

Pigments Play a Role in Total Keratopigmentation Cost

Safety always comes at a cost, and in the case of Keratopigmentation, we strongly recommend using medical-grade or certified pigments. These pigments meet rigorous safety standards and are crucial for ensuring the procedure’s success and your well-being.

Ensuring that you have the correct pigments is of paramount importance when contemplating Keratopigmentation. You should initiate a thorough inquiry with the surgeon or clinic slated to perform your procedure to verify if the eye pigments they employ are certified.

Certification signifies that these pigments have gained the seal of approval from an internationally accredited third-party entity. Within the framework of EU or US regulations, such pigments fall under the medical device category. In Europe, this certification is manifest as the revered “CE Mark.”

It’s crucial to bear in mind that non-certified pigments imply that someone is contemplating inserting substances into your eyes that have not received the necessary medical endorsements. This might include pigments typically found in food, a scenario that is undoubtedly risky when it comes to an ocular procedure.

Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that the choice of color might also exert an influence on the cost of your Keratopigmentation. Just as you’d encounter varying prices for different paint colors, a similar dynamic applies to Keratopigmentation. Certain colors present greater challenges in terms of procurement and formulation, thereby commanding higher prices than others.

While most Keratopigmentation color options are usually encompassed within your package, there are instances where a second pigment might be necessary, incurring an additional cost, often in the realm of +1090 €.

For individuals with a specific color preference not covered within the standard palette, it’s entirely possible to make a request. The Keratopigmentation team will subsequently provide a dedicated quote, usually outlining the supplementary fee involved.

Lastly, there may be rare instances where an individual desires to alter the color of only one eye. In such a case, the cost would be lower than if both eyes were subjected to the procedure.

Keratopigmentation Surgery Prices Around the World

The cost of Keratopigmentation surgery varies across different regions globally. Several factors contribute to this variation, including the location, the clinic’s reputation, the expertise of the medical team, and the specific details of the procedure. It’s essential to research and obtain quotes from reputable clinics to understand the pricing for Keratopigmentation in your desired location accurately.

Please note that while cost is a significant consideration, prioritizing safety, quality, and the credentials of the medical team should always be paramount when undergoing any medical procedure, including Keratopigmentation.

You will find in 2023 a lot of different prices online but in practice not so many! Why because real keratopigmentation are deemed to be in less than ten clinics in the world, therefore the choice is not that wide.

The average price of keratopigmentation is according to 123 Clinic blog, 9665$ at the end of 2023. It includes all services related to medical services without accomodation.

We have also noticed that agregating all fake keratopigmentation costs in non certified clinics that pretend to use laser (that are used to depigment eyes and not pigment eyes) or use food pigment to save costs, the average price is 7245$ which is maybe the cost of risk!