Botox is a popular treatment to smooth out facial wrinkles and lines by temporarily relaxing facial muscles. The minimally invasive treatment, which takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, can produce results lasting about three to four months. Botox can provide dramatic results and refresh the face, but one of the most commonly asked questions about the treatment is how much does Botox cost? Since Botox requires long-term maintenance and regular injection to uphold the results, creating a budget and knowing what to expect regarding pricing is important.
Botox Basics
What is Botox?
Botox is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin treatment for both cosmetic and medical purposes. It treats specific facial muscles to temporarily paralyze them by blocking nerve-muscle communication, which softens the expression-related lines and wrinkles. The more facial expressions are made, the deeper etched lines and wrinkles become.
Although Botox is most commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck, the injectable can also treat excessive sweating, chronic migraines, an overactive bladder, stiff shoulders, and eye spasms.
What is a Botox unit?
A Botox unit is the amount of botulinum toxin (the active ingredient in Botox that gives it its wrinkle-reducing powers). Botox units are a way for your injector to measure precisely how much Botox they administer. The more units injected, the more muscle-relaxing capabilities Botox has.
Botox units are also how injectors price the treatment. Botox cost can equate to a per unit dollar amount or a range of units, ranging from $10 per unit up to $20 per unit. For example, to determine the Botox cost of treating crow’s feet, which typically requires 10 to 20 units per side, the per unit price is multiplied by the number of units used, which varies from person to person.
What is the average cost of Botox?
A consultation with your injector is critical so they can first assess the degree of lines, wrinkles, and treatment areas to determine how much Botox will cost. From there, you will know how many units are necessary to use and the average Botox cost. For cosmetic purposes, the Botox cost with insurance is not covered. But if Botox treatment is a medical need, some or all of the Botox cost with insurance may be covered, depending on your insurance.
At Charette Cosmetics, we offer Botox starting at $12 per unit. Remember that to maintain the results of Botox, you’ll need to repeat the treatment every three or four months.
What Factors Affect The Cost of Botox?
Several variables need to be considered when determining the cost of your Botox treatment. Here’s what influences the final price:
The number of units
Botox is measured per unit, and certain parts of the face require more units to achieve Botox’s wrinkle-relaxing effects. It’s important to discuss with your injector your goals and what look you are going for. Some people like to retain muscle movement, while others like a completely frozen look, which requires more units to be injected. The higher the unit number used, the higher the Botox cost.
The depth of your wrinkles and lines
More prominent lines and wrinkles you’ve sported for years can be harder to erase since they’re usually more deeply etched and require more product. Heavy set wrinkles typically require a higher unit dosage, and sometimes multiple treatment sessions, to reduce their size and depth, which will contribute to the overall Botox cost.
The treatment areas
Some injection sites are trickier to treat than others and require special training to achieve optimal results. You don’t want to go to just anyone, especially when seeking off-label treatment areas, so always consider the treatment area and who you choose to inject it.
Your injector’s expertise
Botox is like any other service; you pay for your injector’s expertise, skill, and understanding of facial anatomy. The more advanced an injector is, the higher their Botox prices.
Should I Choose the Cheapest Botox?
Choosing cheap Botox over quality Botox isn’t the path to wrinkle-reducing success. While you’ll want to consider your budget and ensure the Botox cost you are quoted fits within it, you also don’t want to skimp on expertise. Making a wise decision from the get-go and selecting a qualified injector will save you money in the long run since fixing botched Botox isn’t a cheap or easy treatment. Also, the potential risks of cheap Botox are not worth saving a few dollars. If you are quoted a Botox cost that seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you should stay away.
Are Certain Areas More Expensive to Treat than Others?
To obtain the full effects of Botox, some facial areas require more units than others, which can drive up the costs associated with treatment. That’s why it may cost you more to have a larger area or one with more active muscle than another part of the face. Again, the cost all depends on what the unit price is.
Areas typically requiring more units include the forehead, brows, masseter muscles (the jawline), and neck.
