If you’re getting BOTOX for the first time—or are thinking about it—then you probably have lots of questions about the process. One question that most people research before getting the treatment is, “How much does BOTOX cost?” Here, we break it down for you: How much is BOTOX per unit and per session? And how does the cost of BOTOX compare to other kinds of botulinum treatments?
What Is BOTOX?
BOTOX is the brand name of an injectable treatment derived from botulinum toxin A. This toxin paralyzes nerves and the muscles controlled by those nerves.
For the treatment of facial fine lines and wrinkles, the toxin is isolated, purified, and injected beneath the skin in tiny, carefully measured doses. With this delivery method, it has the effect of paralyzing the muscle contractions that contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles. This lets the skin over those facial muscles smooth out, which reduces or even erases fine lines and wrinkles in that area.
How Much Does BOTOX Cost?
At the time of writing, the average cost of a BOTOX session is about $500, according to the plastic surgery website RealSelf.com. The cost of a session can be as high as $1,530.
How Much is BOTOX Per Unit?
According to RealSelf.com, average BOTOX costs per unit of BOTOX are between $10 and $15 BOTOX. Att the time of writing, a unit of BOTOX at Savannah Plastic Surgery and The Skin Institute & Laser Center costs $12.
Why Does the Cost of BOTOX Vary So Much?
When you pay for a session of BOTOX, you’re not just paying for the BOTOX itself. There are other factors that go into determining BOTOX prices.
1. Location
The average cost of BOTOX varies depending on where you have your treatments. It tends to be more expensive in cities. The local cost of living is an important factor too. For instance, in New York City the average treatment cost is $798. In Salt Lake City, Utah it’s $281.
2. Practitioner
BOTOX practitioners have different skills and qualifications, and this can also affect the cost of BOTOX injections. Getting BOTOX from a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist usually costs more than BOTOX from a general practitioner or physician’s assistant, for example.
How Much Does a Session of BOTOX Cost?
The cost of BOTOX is determined by how many units you need, and the amount of BOTOX you need depends on several factors, relating to your starting point and your desired results:
Treatment areas: The number of treatment areas you want to include in your session, plus, the particular treatment areas you’re interested in. Some treatment areas need more BOTOX units than others.
Wrinkle depth: The depth of the wrinkles being treated. The deeper your wrinkles are, the more BOTOX may be needed to reduce them.
Treatment intensity: The intensity of the treatment effect you want. If you want a low-level effect that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, you won’t need as much BOTOX as if you want to erase the lines altogether.
How Many Units of BOTOX Do I Need?
BOTOX treatment sessions typically use the following numbers of units:
- Forehead lines: 10 to 20 units
- Glabella lines: 15 to 20 units
- Crow’s feet: 10 to 12 units per eye
Your own personal BOTOX needs will depend on treatment areas, wrinkle depth, and treatment intensity. An appointment with an experienced BOTOX practitioner can give you a good idea of your BOTOX needs and costs. Schedule a complimentary consultation today!
Cost of a BOTOX Session
Using the above figures, you can calculate the cost of a BOTOX session by multiplying the unit cost by the number of units needed.
For instance, if the unit cost is $12,
a forehead lines treatment would cost between $120 and $240.
a glabella lines treatment would cost between $180 and $240.
a crow’s feet treatment would cost between $120 and $144.
The total cost of all three sessions would be between $420 and $624.
How Much Is BOTOX Compared to Other Botulinum Injectables?
There are two other brands of botulinum injectables available. These are Dysport and Xeomin. Generally, BOTOX is the more expensive brand, in terms of per-unit costs. The average cost of BOTOX ranges from $10 to $15 per unit, while Dysport’s average cost is $4 to $8 per unit, and Xeomin is in between the two: around $9 to $10 per unit.
While BOTOX costs more per unit than other Botulinum injectables, there is not as great a difference in total session costs. This is because BOTOX is a more concentrated formula. There’s more Botulinum toxin in a unit of BOTOX than in a unit of Dysport, for example. So while BOTOX costs more per unit, you don’t need to use as many units to get a similar level of effectiveness.
According to RealSelf.com, the average cost of botulinum injectables is:
- BOTOX: $575 (Unit cost: $10 to $15)
- Dysport: $450 (Unit cost: $4 to $8)
- Xeomin: $425 (Unit cost: $9 to $10)
One thing that’s important to note is that while all three of these injectables are derived from botulinum toxin A, they have slightly different formulations. In addition, they are used to treat different combinations of treatment areas. This can also account for the differences in session costs for these injectables.
How Much Does BOTOX Cost at Savannah Plastic Surgery and The Skin Institute & Laser Center?
At the time of writing, the cost of BOTOX our Skin Institute & Laser Center is $12 per unit. Your total costs for a BOTOX treatment might work out to the following:
A forehead lines treatment may cost between $110 and $220.
A glabella lines treatment may cost between $165 and $220.
A crow’s feet treatment may cost between $110 and $132.
The total cost of all three sessions could be between $385 and $572, depending on how many units you need.
Important: The above calculations are an estimate of the cost of a BOTOX treatment. Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aestheticians to learn how much you can expect to pay for your specific desires and needs.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of BOTOX Treatment?
BOTOX treatments for the face are cosmetic procedures, meaning they are elective treatments that aren’t covered by insurance.
Although insurance won’t cover the cost of BOTOX facial treatments, you do have some options when it comes to paying for BOTOX at Savannah Plastic Surgery. We partner with Alpheon®, PatientFi®, and Care Credit® to offer financing, and we accept checks, cash, and all credit cards. To learn more about your payment options, please visit our Financing page.
Interested in BOTOX Treatment at Savannah Plastic Surgery and The Skin Institute & Laser Center? Call Today to Learn More!
Now that you know how much BOTOX costs, you’re one step closer to making your decision! When you’re ready for a consultation at Savannah Plastic Surgery, we’re ready to see you for this fast and effective facial rejuvenation treatment.