You’ve probably heard of Botox before and you may have even considered it for correcting your lines and wrinkles. Many factors contribute to your total Botox cost for a treatment, including what areas are being treated, how the Botox is priced (unit vs area)  and the experience of your injector. We are breaking down the most frequently asked questions about Botox cost. That way, you can decide if it is right for you.

What is Botox?

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a quick, non-surgical injection that temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, resulting in a desirable, smooth appearance. Providers use Botox to both prevent the formation of wrinkles and to correct existing fine lines and wrinkles. Popular treatment areas include crow’s feet, frown lines (glabella), forehead lines, nose or ”bunny” lines, lip or “smokers” lines, chin, neck (platysmal) bands, and more.

Why Should I Get Botox?

Using skin care such as Sunscreen, Growth Factors, Retinoids and Antioxidants can help prevent aging and improve the appearance of your fine lines and wrinkles. However, they cannot compare to the effectiveness of Botox, especially for the deeper lines that can form. By reducing your muscle movement in key areas, you are able to stop the wrinkle from forming and deepening in the first place. Botox treatment paired with a high-quality skincare routine will provide you with the best results. You can learn more about Botox and if you may be a candidate on our Botox page.

How Much Botox Will I Need?

Injectors measure Botox in units. The number of units needed depends on the area you are treating, the results you want, and the strength of your muscles in the treatment area. For example, here are the Botox cost ranges for a few of our most popular treatment areas:

• Frown Lines (Glabella): 14-20 Units
• Crows Feet: 6-20 Units
• Forehead: 4-20 Units
• “Lip Flip”: 2-4 Units

It is important to work with a skilled injector for your treatment. Too few units will not give you the results you need. Too many units will give you the “frozen” look that many patients fear. The good news is that Dr. Mona is a national trainer for Allergan (the maker of Botox) and Mona Dermatology is one of the top injectable practices in the country (administering over 30,000 units per year).

Botox Cost by Unit vs. Botox Cost By Area

To ensure you are getting the most fair pricing and best value for your Botox, it is a good idea to have your treatment done at an office that prices their Botox by the unit. Some practices will charge you by the area, based on an average amount needed. The problem with this pricing model is that if you are receiving fewer units than are needed on average, you are actually overpaying for your Botox. Be aware of Botox that has been highly discounted. It may be overdiluted and will not target specific muscles as accurately. While it may cost you less per unit, you are likely receiving less of the Botox in each unit and will need more units as a result. Also, remember that you are not only paying for the Botox when you are paying for your units. You are also paying for the experience of your injector. A highly-skilled provider is likely to charge more per unit than one who is just starting out. If the Botox price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Calculating Your Botox Cost

To estimate how much your Botox treatment will cost you, multiply the total number of units needed by the cost per unit. Currently, the list price for Botox at Mona Dermatology is $14/unit. For example, a patient has decided after their consultation [link] that they will need 20 units of Botox:

(20 units of Botox)  x  ($14 per unit)  =  Total Cost

How Much Will My Botox Cost Per Year?

The length of time that your Botox will last before wearing off can vary from one person to another. In general, most patients will need another treatment in about 3-6 months. If you are unsure if Botox is right for you, it may be best to start with one or two areas that bother you the most. This will help you learn more about the treatment from experience and build a relationship with your injector. To learn more about Botox cost and if Botox is right for you, schedule a consultation.