Costs Of Aesthetic Procedures: Is PPP Removal Worth It?

Time Of Info By TOI Desk Report   September 12, 2023   Update on : September 12, 2023

pearly penile papules treatment
Cropped photo of a female doctor in disposable sterile latex gloves holding a needle electrode

In a world where appearance and self-esteem are highly valued, individuals often consider aesthetic procedures to enhance their physical features and boost self-confidence. One such procedure gaining attention is the removal of pearly penile papules (PPP), those small, harmless, dome-shaped bumps on the penis head. While they don’t pose any health risks, they can cause anxiety and self-consciousness, leading to exploring treatment options. 

What Are Pearly Penile Papules?

Pearly penile papules, or hirsutoid papillomas, are common skin conditions in men, especially those aged 20 to 30. They appear as tiny, flesh-colored, or white bumps (about 1 to 4 millimeters in diameter) in one or multiple rows around the penis head. Although benign, their presence can lead to emotional distress, prompting individuals to consider treatment.

pearly penile papules treatment
Cropped photo of a female doctor in disposable sterile latex gloves holding a needle electrode

What Are The Different PPP Treatment Options? 

Several methods are available for PPP removal, each with its costs and benefits. Check them out below: 

1. PPP Kits

Modern PPP removal solutions are quite expensive. Laser and electrosurgery start at around a thousand dollars. Therefore, it pays off to know the coverage of your insurance for PPP removal. But there’s a more affordable treatment option for pearly penile papules, which is a PPP kit. 

PPP kits have an anesthetic cream and ionizer device that work like in-clinic laser treatments on a lower-intensity light beam. You can use a PPP kit at home to eliminate whitish papules. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety and effectiveness. PPP kits only cost around $150 to $200. 

2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser Surgery 

Men highly value their masculinity. Hence, many patients diagnosed with want to eradicate the papules using modern treatment options, like CO2 ablation. This procedure involves using a fractional carbon dioxide laser to vaporize the papules. Get ready to pay $1,000 to $2,000 per session plus a $150 to $200 consultation fee.  

A CO2 laser is safe and effective. The healthcare professional applies a local anesthetic cream to the area for 60 minutes before the treatment and an antiseptic ointment afterward. The healing period is about a week without scarring. 

3. Cryotherapy 

Cryotherapy involves freezing the papules with liquid nitrogen, causing them to peel off. It is less expensive than laser surgery but may require multiple sessions. The average cost is $800 to $1,600 per session. 

In a 1996 study about cryosurgery for PPP, researchers treated the subjects’ lesions with liquid nitrogen of two 15-to-20-second freeze-thaw cycles via open spray using a spray gun. About 80% to 90% of the papules were removed without adverse reactions. Therefore, cryotherapy can be a cost-effective alternative to CO2 laser surgery, giving you similar results.

4. Topical Creams

Over-the-counter options topical creams usually have organic coconut, jojoba, and tea tree oils. They are often advertised as a natural way to treat PPP, but their efficacy lack conclusive evidence, and results may take longer to achieve. T A topical PPP removal cream costs around $25 to $50.  

5. Electrocautery

Before lasers were developed, electrocautery was the go-to treatment for many PPP patients. This bedside procedure involves using a high-frequency electric current via a special pen device to burn off the papules, typically costing between $300 and $1,000, depending on the number of papules and the healthcare provider fees. 

Costs Involved

Some men with PPP experience stress due to the mere presence of the bumps. Even if the doctor assures them that PPP can’t cause sterility and impotence, some men still feel embarrassed, negatively affecting their self-esteem. One way they protect their mental health is by removing the bumps. 

Dermatologists’ clinics can’t provide an exact price for PPP removal treatment by phone. The price depends on the number of papules you have, which dictates how many sessions you’ll need to eradicate them. In most cases, one CO2 laser session is enough unless you have a lot of papules, requiring two to three sessions.  

Is PPP Removal Worth the Cost? 

For many patients, PPP removal is worth the cost. However, the decision to undergo PPP removal is personal and should be made after careful consideration. Assess how PPPs impact your self-esteem. Consult a healthcare professional to help you. The ultimate goal is achieving a healthier sense of self and body confidence through medical procedures or alternative means. 

Conclusion

The decision to undergo PPP removal is personal and should be made after careful consideration of costs and benefits. Assess how PPPs impact your self-esteem, consult a healthcare professional to discuss options, costs, and potential outcomes, and determine whether PPP removal is worth it. The ultimate goal is achieving a healthier sense of self and body confidence through medical procedures or alternative means.

Read more: Costs Of Aesthetic Procedures: Is PPP Removal Worth It?

Tags

Related Posts