I had recently blogged about a new & exciting therapy Fat reduction treatment called Cryolipolysis. I decided to enquire about the machine to see how much it would cost, so that I could offer it to interested clients. I therefore sent an enquiry via the CoolSculpting UK website. I was called this evening by one of the company reps, to discuss the product.
So here are the facts- The machine apparently costs a whooping 70,000£. However this is not the only mouth gaping fact. The company also charges 80-250£ (depending on the area treated) per treatment (approx 10% of the amount the patient is charged), for consumables. Now, bear in mind – consumables generally refer to some sort of cleaning agents or batteries etc that are used up as part of the treatment. I was intrigued to hear that this cooling device had consumables and enquired what the machine consumed.
The answer I received left me stunned as to the blatant way in which this company was fleecing clinicians and indirectly patients. Apparently the ‘consumable’ they refer to isn’t really a consumable but a ‘key code’ that the company would supply to use the machine. Unless I purchase a different key code for each client, the machine would not work! So essentially apart from paying 70,000£ to purchase the machine, I would have to pay them ~10% of what they recommend I charge the client.
I have certainly never before heard of such an unethical charge by any device manufacturer. Once I buy the machine, it is upto me how I want to use the machine. However, to ask for an ongoing commission on treatments administered, despite charging a mouth gaping 70,000£ upfront for the machine is absolutely ludicrous. Can you imagine the plight of the aesthetician who now has to work hard to make up all that money?
One would therefore have to then suspect the ethics and intentions of aestheticians administering this treatment using this device, as having paid through their teeth, they would then be forced to fleece patients and engage in unethical practices.
My advice for anyone planning to go for aesthetic treatments- please see a reputed and knowledgeable dermatologist to get an independent opinion on what might actually work for your problem. Question your aesthetician thoroughly as to the pros and cons of the procedure and do your own independent research on the product.
If you are buying a smartphone or choosing carpets for your house, you would spend at least a few hours going around shops and doing some research. Your body certainly deserves a bit more respect! 🙂