Botox or Botulinum Toxin is an injectable neurotoxin that relaxes the nerves and muscles to correct the wrinkles, crow’s feet, the frown lines and even hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
The current popular and leading brand of the injectable is the Botox Cosmetic, manufactured and regulated by a pharmaceutical called Allergan. Botox is also an aesthetic procedure approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).,
Average Cost of Botox
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the Botox price varies and depends on the volume of the vials used or the area to be treated.
Based on the information provided by ASAPS, the national average for a Botox injection is around $326 to $376 per area which does not include the miscellaneous fees such as surgical facility, pre-treatment, medical tests, and other fees charged by the provider.
The overall cost of the injection is charged either at a flat rate or per unit. In terms of per unit, the overall cost of the treatment will depend on the total volume or a total number of units used in the procedure. But service charged at a flat rate depends on the area to be treated. The most expensive area is around the underarm for treating hyperhidrosis.
The average Botox price is around $8.50 to $18 per unit and the price reduces as the quantity increases. The average flat rate is around $200 to $540 per area and the cost may vary depending on the extent of the area. Meanwhile, the hyperhidrosis treatment costs about $650 to $1,400.
What are Included
Pre-treatment covers the consultation to determine the current health condition of the patient and to estimate the required volume of Botox for the procedure. Even without anesthesia, the procedure is not painful and dangerous but some patients prefer to have a topical anesthesia to reduce the pain sensitivity within the area.
The Botox injection is a relatively safe procedure and the process takes only about 10 to 15 minutes per area.
The result of the procedure is very noticeable within 24 to 48 hours after the treatment and it is expected to last for 3 to 6 months. Also, the maximum cumulative dose should not exceed 400 units and there should be at least a 3-month interval between procedures.
Meanwhile, post-treatment follow-ups are solely for review or checking of the effect of the procedure which is free of charge. In some cases, touches-up are required to optimize the result which can yield additional fees.
Shopping for Botox Injection
The names listed below are provided by Allergan to assist the consumers in looking for professionals who have experience using their brands. A search tool is available at the website to look for Botox injection providers around your area. The price reflected below may vary over time and still depends on other factors such as miscellaneous fees.
| Name | Price Per Unit | Details |
| Body AZ Aesthetic Med Spa | $8.50 to $9.50 | Free consultation. |
| Symmetry Medicine | $15 per unit for one area | A minimum cost per treatment is $300 with a range of 1 to 20 units. |
| $14 per unit for one to two areas | Average Cost of $350 with a range of 21 to 29 units. | |
| $14 per unit for two to three areas | Average Cost of $505 with a range of 30 to 39 units. | |
| $13 per unit for two to three areas | Average Cost of $570 with a range of 40 to 49 units. | |
| $12 per unit for three areas | Average Cost of $600 with more than 50 units. | |
| Dermacare Medical | $12.5 | Post-treatment touches up costs around $30 to $50. The cost of Botox injection is around $200 to $250 per area with a range of 15 to 20 units. The rebate program is available for a $20 rebate on the follow-up treatments. |
| Smooth Med | $18 | § There is a base fee of $50. |
| § Glabella or the area between brows: 24 units or $432. | ||
| § Horizontal forehead lines: 20 units or $360 | ||
| § Brow lift: 4 units or $72 | ||
| § Bunny lines or the wrinkles on top of the nose: 5 units or $90 | ||
| § Around the mouth: 7 units or $126 | ||
| § Neck bands: 10 units or $180 per band | ||
| § Crow’s feet: 10 units or $180 per sides | ||
| § Hyperhidrosis treatment costs around $1,400. | ||
| § Botox Light treatment: 30 units or $540 | ||
| Naficy | $10 | For patients with more than 50 units |
| $12 | For patients with 30 to 49 units | |
| $14 | For patients with 1 to 29 units | |
| The Stella Center | $300 to $500 per area | |
| M.D. Renewal Laser and Skin Care Center | $300+ | For one area only. |
| $570+ | For two areas only. | |
| $810+ | For three areas only. |
Factors Affecting the Cost of Botox
Volume and Target Area
The number of Botox varies from one area to another which has a direct effect on how much does Botox cost. For example, to remove crow’s feet, it requires at least 5 to 15 units per side while 10 to 30 units for the forehead lines. Therefore, each of the areas has a different volume of Botox necessary to correct the appearance which factors in the overall cost.
Experience of the Professional
Even though the procedure seems easy, it is still a medical procedure and requires a trained professional to administer the Botox solution. The credentials and experience of the doctors are critical regardless how much does Botox cost in their shop. Remember that a legit procedure is much safer and guarantees the end result which directly protects your investment.
Rebate Programs, Coupons, and Discounts
Some service providers offer financing options to make the procedure affordable. The Botox Cosmetic product is eligible for the Brilliant Distinctions Program that helps the members through savings, rebates, bonus points, and other perks. But there are also some providers with their own rebate program that gives a discount on the next procedure by 10% to 25%. Coupons are available in forms of discount, promo or free service for loyal customers. Also, a large volume of Botox used in the treatment, there is a possibility to avail discounted price of the Botox per unit.
Insurance
Botox is considered as an elective procedure which means that the insurance does not cover the cost. But in case of treating medical conditions, an insurance can cover the cost of the treatment but make sure to consult your doctor regarding the coverage. Botox injections can also be used to treat conditions such as excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis), migraine and muscle spasticity.
Dangerous Side Effects
The patient should also be aware of some serious side effects that might occur after the procedure. Some of the side effects to look out for are listed below and based on the Botox Cosmetic Medication Guide.
- Problems with breathing or swallowing
- Spread of toxin effects
- Loss of strength or weakening of the muscles
- Double or blurry visions
- Change in the voice or dysphonia
- Dysarthria
- Loss of bladder control
If you are experiencing the following side effects after the procedure, it is necessary to immediately seek help from your doctor to avoid further damage to your body or to endanger your life. The side effects show within hours or up to weeks after the procedure.