How much does Botox cost?
How much does Botox cost?
$200 – $800 average cost per facial treatment
$10 – $20 average cost per unit
Average Botox cost
Botox costs $200 to $800 per treatment area on average. Botox prices range from $100 to $5,000, depending on the location and desired result. The average cost of Botox is $10 to $20 per unit, with most areas needing 20 to 40 units. Botox forehead injections cost $150 to $600.
| National Average Cost | $500 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $5,000 |
| Average Range | $200 to $800 |
What is Botox, and what does it do?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin, an injectable FDA-approved neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles and prevents them from contracting. When injected into the face, this temporary muscle paralysis smooths the skin and prevents or reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other conditions treatable with Botox include:
Chronic migraine
Crossed eyes
Excessive sweating
Overactive bladder
Upper limb stiffness
While Botox has become the most used name for botulinum toxin, it is only one brand of the drug. Other brands for this injectable nerve blocker include Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin Aesthetic.
Botox produces the most successful results when used to treat dynamic wrinkles like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet that deepen when the face moves. However, Botox can also be an effective treatment to reduce static wrinkles that are visible when the face is at rest.
Botox price per unit
Botox costs $10 to $20 per unit on average, but prices can reach $35 per unit at a highly rated doctor in a major city. The most common areas treated for cosmetic results are the horizonal forehead lines, vertical lines between the eyebrows, and the lateral canthal lines ("crow's feet").
More units produces a more dramatic line-reducing, muscle-freezing effect.
Fewer units gives subtle results and allows more muscle movement.
| Treatment area | Average cost | Average number of units |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead (horizontal frown lines) |
$150 – $600 | 15 – 30 |
| Glabellar lines (lines between eyebrows or "elevens") |
$200 – $600 | 20 – 30 |
| Lateral canthal lines (crow's feet at 10 to 20 units per side) |
$200 – $800 | 20 – 40 |
| All three main facial areas (forehead, glabellar, & crow's feet) |
$600 – $1,300+ | 60 – 65+ |
| Brow | $200– $800 | 20 – 40 |
| Nose | $200 – $600 | 20 – 30 |
| Chin | $100 – $500 | 10 – 25 |
| Jawline | $200 – $600 | 20 – 30 |
| Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) |
$800 – $4,000 | 80 – 200 |
| Calf (for slimming effect) |
$800 – $4,000 | 80 – 200 |
The FDA-approved dosage for the 3 main facial areas combined — crow's feet, forehead, and "elevens"— is 64 units. However, the number of units needed varies depending on the face, the depth of the wrinkles in those areas, and the desired effect.
Factors that influence the cost of Botox
The major factors affecting the cost of Botox treatment include:
Size of area treated – Most facial areas need 20 to 40 units of Botox. Treatments for larger areas like the arms and legs can take up to 200 units and cost much more.
Geographic location – Getting Botox treatment in a large metropolitan area like New York or Los Angeles with a high cost of living will cost more than treatments done in a smaller town.
Type of professional – Botox prices vary depending on the training and experience level of the practitioner. A seasoned, board-certified dermatologist typically charges more than a medical spa with trained technicians. Laws regarding what type of practitioner can give Botox injections vary by state.
Consultation fee – Some doctors charge an initial consultation fee, while others include this fee in the treatment cost.
Discounts & promotions – Since Botox treatments are temporary, some medical spas or facilities offer discounts or package deals for maintenance appointments.
Check for loyalty or rewards programs offered directly through the manufacturer to reduce the cost of ongoing maintenance treatments.
Botox FAQs
Does Botox hurt?
Botox treatments don't hurt much, and patients feel a slight stinging during each injection. However, the pain is brief, and most people find the results are worth the minor temporary discomfort. Some patients use a numbing cream prior to their appointment to lessen or avoid the pain altogether.
Apply an ice pack afterward if necessary to reduce the short-term soreness.
Is Botox worth the cost?
Botox is worth the cost if you are looking for a minimally invasive anti-aging solution and don't mind ongoing treatments to maintain the results. Botox creates quick, noticeable results with little to no downtime that makes it more convenient than plastic surgery.
Am I a good candidate for Botox?
Almost anyone is a good candidate for Botox. Still, there are some situations in which doctors advise against Botox treatments.
Some contraindications for Botox injections include:
Younger than 18 years old
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Skin infections
Chronic illnesses
Keloidal or raised scarring
Bleeding disorders
Neuromuscular disorders like ALS or myasthenia gravis
Body dysmorphia
Known allergy to botulinum toxin
Before getting Botox injections, tell your practitioner if you are taking any medications, as some medications may increase the risk of complications from the injections.
How long does Botox last?
Botox results last 3 to 5 months on average. For longer-lasting results, schedule maintenance treatments about every 4 months.
Schedule the treatment 1 to 2 weeks before an event. The visible results of Botox take 3 to 5 days to appear. The extra days will also allow enough time for any temporary bruising or redness from the treatment to heal.
Does insurance cover Botox?
Insurance doesn't cover Botox for cosmetic purposes. Insurance plans like Medicare may cover Botox if the doctor prescribes it to treat a medical condition. Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines, neck spasms, limb spasticity, cervical dystonia, and eye twitching.
Questions to ask before getting Botox
Ask questions like these to confirm if Botox is right for you and if the practitioner has proper training:
How long have you been licensed to administer Botox?
What's your specialization, and how many years have you been giving Botox treatments?
Can you show me before and after photos or client testimonials?
Which areas would improve the most from a Botox treatment?
Can you explain the consultation and treatment process to me in detail?
How long does it take for the treatment to show visible results?
What are the potential side effects?
How long do the results typically last?
Do any of my medications increase the risk of complications?
How often should I come back for treatments to maintain the results?
What complications, if any, have you experienced with other patients?
How should I prepare for the appointment?
Is there any downtime after the injections?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.