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Why is Botox Expensive
By far, the most popular cosmetic treatment in the U.S. is Botox injections. Botox is the botulinum toxin manufactured by Allergan that acts as a neuromodulator to weaken target muscles that create unwanted facial wrinkles. In our industry, Botox is not a poison, but more accurately, it is a protein. One reason why Botox is so popular is its effectiveness, and it is super safe. Its effects are temporary, and there is absolutely no risk of permanent damage.
That is why you are seeing so many providers offering Botox. Nurses, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners are just examples of providers who inject Botox besides surgeons and doctors. Even among doctors, you will find specialists that generally don’t offer cosmetic treatments now offering Botox (such as primary care physicians, OB-Gyn docs, etc.). Because it is so popular and so many different businesses are offering it, Botox has unfortunately become commoditized. It’s almost ubiquitous for people to now choose providers on a price basis.
Cost Factors for Botox
When you research Botox prices, the key thing is the price per unit. Botox is administered in units. Not in mL or cc. Different facial wrinkles require different amounts of units. Furthermore, different places may have slightly different recommendations on the units they recommend. For example, 10 units for the forehead wrinkles will achieve nice relaxation, but some places may recommend 20 units.
Price per unit will vary from market to market but generally ranges anywhere between $10 to $15 per unit. $9 is considered the low end and $15 the high end. I think $10 is probably reasonable at a med spa, whereas $15 may be more acceptable if that doctor is world-famous and treats movie stars. I will probably be concerned if you find a place that offers $6-$9 per unit. At that price, I may be suspect of the quality of the Botox (and its concentration).
One Alternative to Botox: Dysport
A second popular botulinum toxin is Dysport. It is manufactured by Galderma (rather than Allergan) and acts the same way as Allergan’sAllergan’s Botox. The difference lies in the proteins surrounding the core botulinum, which affects Dysport’s results. Studies have shown a suggestion that Dysport may be quicker in onset and lasts longer, but these were not statistically significant. Meaning we can’t say Dysport is better than Botox. They’re both equally effective products, and some patients may like Dysport’s effect more.
A common misconception we hear is “”Dysport is cheaper.””
Dysport’s price will range between $3-$6 per unit, but you have to realize Dysport does not have a one to one relation with Botox dosage. In other words, for every unit of Botox, you need about 3 units of Dysport to have similar performance. So a 10 unit Botox means you will need 30 units of Dysport.
While there may be practices who market their Dysport as “”cheaper, “”you will likely find many practices do what we do, and that is price the Dysport so that there is no difference. You will pay the same for 10 units of Botox as for 30 units of Dysport. The goal is the end result. Now, if you’re lucky enough that Dysport lasts longer than Botox, than Dysport may make more sense because you’re getting more bang for your buck. I suppose that’s one way to conclude Dysport is cheaper.
Another Alternative to Botox: Xeomin
A third popular Botulism toxin-based treatment is called XEOMIN. A special botulinum formulation that’s specifically for the treatment of glabellar lines, Xeomin is used specifically to treat moderate to severe facial lines and folds. These are the frown lines that form between the eyebrows. Xeomin can treat moderate to severe lines, softening their appearance or even removing them altogether. If you want to treat crow’s feet or forehead lines, BOTOX will be your go-to, as XEOMIN isn’t designed for these kinds of lines. If you want to treat frown lines, both XEOMIN and BOTOX are suitable. Which is right for you depends on factors such as cost and treatment availability.
Conclusions
Regardless of the price, I think the most critical question you should ask when choosing a business to get Botox is, “will you get a good result?” Though Botox and Dysport are super safe, your results can be affected by the injector’s skill set. An experienced injector will more reliably achieve superior results while minimizing complications. In my opinion, getting a good result is much more important than saving a few bucks.
So, How Much Will We Charge per unit for Botox?
Here’s the short answer: $11 per unit.
However, there’s a lot more to the services we provide here at Glow than just the price of the product! I fully understand that price is important! I always have the “budget” discussion with my patients in their consultations. I want to make sure you are getting the very best treatment at the very best price point.
You are buying a medical treatment, NOT just a product!
But in all honesty, the “price” question boils down to my experience and expertise that has gone into mastering aesthetic medicine over the last twenty years – as well as the price of Botox. Botox and Dysport are TOOLS in my tool kit to provide you with the best possible results, and my skill and expertise are what you are buying. I do endeavor to keep my prices competitive, and we do offer promotions from time to time.
Ultimately, it’s totally fine to talk about and consider the price. I want my patients to be entirely in love with their results, and sometimes, the price can play a role in that. However, if that is your only concern, there is no adequate perception of the value beyond the product itself.