Figuring Your Botox Cost
You've heard it before. Taking care of your skin (using retinol, vitamins C and E, and sunscreen) will keep your skin wrinkle free longer. But did you know? Botox can keep your wrinkles from deepening too!
Most people use Botox to correct their forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet. But studies have shown that Botox increases the elasticity and pliability of skin (stretch & recoil)! It works beautifully to reduce your wrinkles!
So how much Botox will you need? Botox is measured in units. Each muscle requires a certain number of units and this amount varies depending on the depth of the wrinkle being treated and the kind of results you want.
- Too few units can leave you with a poor result.
- Too many can give you a frozen look.
Your injector reconstitutes Botox with normal saline (salt water). Allergan, the manufacturer, recommends 4 units of Botox for each 0.1 ml of normal saline. When the price is deeply discounted, it can be from over dilution - meaning with each injection you're getting fewer units of Botox than you should be.
To determine your Botox cost, you have to know how much Botox will be used.
Multiply the cost per unit x the number of units of Botox needed.
Listed below are the most common Botox treatment areas and an approximation of the units required for each assuming a rate of $10 per unit. Generally, the more medical qualifications of the injector, the higher the Botox cost per unit. For example, doctors will charge more per unit to inject Botox than medical estheticians will.
Men usually need more units of Botox than women because their muscles are bigger.
Frown Lines / glabellar lines (between your eyebrows) 20 - 30 units = $200 - $300
Crows feet 20 - 30 units = $200 - $300
Forehead lines 16 - 30 units = $160 - $300
All three of the above areas could be treated for anywhere from $560 - $900.
Remember, Botox results last about 3 months, sometimes longer, but this varies. When you first start using Botox, it may wear off in less than 3 months. After you've used Botox for a while, the results should last longer.
If you find that your Botox wears off quicker than you expected, talk to your injector to find out why.
- Was the Botox too diluted?
- Were too few units used?
- Was the Botox old?
- Are you resistant to Botox (Botox resistance doesn't happen often!)?
If you're new to Botox, it's a good idea to start with lower doses to ensure your muscles aren't overtreated (which can cause a "frozen" look). After 2 weeks, your provider should evaluate the effectiveness of the injections. If you want less movement, more injections can be done at that appointment.
You'll get the best value for your dollar by following these 4 simple rules:
1. Pay by the unit, not the area. - This way you only pay for the amount you use.
2. Follow your injector's advice. Don't skimp. - Too little Botox can mean uneven areas or an unnatural look.
3. Start with the areas that bother you most - BIG improvement in one area will improve your appearance more than a little improvement in 3 areas.
4. There is no such thing as bargain Botox - If the price is too good to be true, BEWARE.
If you have the time and money or are willing to save for Botox, it is worth it.
No face cream can freeze wrinkles or give quick results the way that Botox can.
If you have more questions, try reading these:
Not sure Botox is what your skin needs? Read our post, You’ve decided to do some skin rejuvenation, but how do you decide what to work on first?
If you have any questions about skincare or medical beauty, email amy {at} masterpieceskinrestoration {dot} com. Thanks for reading!
Amy Takken, RN
Amy Takken is a registered nurse with 20+ years of experience helping people improve their health. Her in-depth skincare articles have been featured on Nazarian Plastic Surgery and The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery. She's also been quoted on Dermascope.com.
Amy loves research and constantly watches for new products and treatments to help you improve your skin’s health – because healthy skin is beautiful! To reach Amy, visit our contact page.
Masterpiece Skin Restoration is your online resource for all things medical aesthetics, skincare, beauty, and wellness. We keep you up to date on leading edge technology and the services available to help you restore your natural beauty.
We have all the information you need to restore your skin.
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References:
https://www.drvitenas.com/blog/new-users-guide-botox-cosmetic
http://www.skinacea.com/facials/botox/botox-cost.html#.WmVKGq6nHIV - Skinacea - Botox: Is It Worth the Money?
https://www.medestheticsmag.com/botulinum-toxin-increases-skin-elasticity-and-pliability
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150521121041.htm Pliability, elasticity of skin increase following wrinkle treatment with Botox
Disclaimer:
The Information provided on our website is not medical advice and should not be viewed as such. By law, only a medical doctor can diagnose or give medical advice. As a registered nurse, my goal is to educate, so I provide information on skin care, skin care products, and skin care treatments. If you have any condition that concerns you, please see a medical doctor. While most skin conditions are benign, some - like melanoma - can be deadly. If there is any doubt, please, please consult your physician. Thank you!