Many people are interested in the results Botox® can achieve, but have questions about Botox® pricing. They wonder whether the results are worth the cost. For most who have tried Botox® believe it is well worth it.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the factors that go into Botox® pricing. We will also provide information that may help you decide whether the price is worth it to you. When it comes to cosmetic treatments like Botox®, these choices are highly personal.
Botox® is one of the most common nonsurgical cosmetic procedures worldwide. Its appeal remains strong to both men and women who believe it is worth the cost. While you may already know some of the benefits of Botox®, there may be more you are not aware of. It helps to have all the facts when considering cost and weighing the benefits of your investment.
Before we get started, here’s a quick reminder that this information is a starting point in your research. It is not a substitute for care from a professional. The best way to know whether Botox® is right for you is by consulting with a licensed and trained medical professional.
Why is Botox® so Popular?
Botox® is a brand name of an injectable product that relaxes the muscles responsible for “expression lines,” resulting in smoother-looking skin. It’s made from the purified onabotulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A).
It took the cosmetic world by storm. Its popularity is due to its ability to deliver noticeable results without surgery. When administered in small, targeted doses, Botox® works by blocking the communication between nerves and muscles, preventing the muscles from contracting and thereby reducing wrinkles.
The brand Botox® is associated with results, safety, and quality. Ever since it was approved by the FDA in 2002 for cosmetic use, it has become more and more mainstream. Many don’t realize that Botox® was approved more than a decade before for medical use.
Over time, people outside the cosmetic professions started using the brand name “Botox” as a general term. Other products use purified neurotoxins in the same way. This brings us to one of the first factors in Botox® pricing. Other manufacturers have developed injectables that work similarly. Sometimes, “budget Botox® clinics” will use less expensive products, which may or may not have similar results to Botox® branded products. Many prefer Botox® for consistency and quality.
Botox® Pricing Charlotte NC
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that you familiarize yourself first with the average local rate for Botox® and other dermal fillers. Not only will this help you save money, it helps you avoid potentially shady providers who charge much less than the going rate. Chances are if the rates are too low, the provider may be skimping on quality of product, efficacy, or other best practices with regard to your safety and comfort.
The average cost of a Botox® treatment in North Carolina is approximately $515-$625, according to research by the AEDIT. Prices are influenced by several factors, from what correction is desired, how many areas are being treated, to the location of your provider. The price may vary depending on where you go, even when comparing providers who use authentic Botox®.
Each state has specific requirements for the professionals who administer the injections. In North Carolina, Botox® injections must be done by licensed medical professionals like physicians, nurses, PAs, NPs, and sometimes dentists. It’s much safer and more effective when injections are performed by highly trained medical professionals with extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the face. However, the training and licensing fees the injector invests in will impact the price.
In a handful of states with looser safety requirements than we have in North Carolina, you may find a broader range in prices, especially at the low end, since you may have anyone from aestheticians to medical doctors performing injections.
Other Factors in Botox® Pricing
Beyond the brand used (i.e., Botox vs. a less-known brand) and your provider’s state, other factors account for some of the price differences.
- Different providers may charge different costs per unit of Botox®. This may vary depending on the provider’s overhead costs and how much Botox® they use.
- The area or areas you want to treat directly impact the cost since some areas will require more units of Botox® to relax the muscles. So treating just the 11s will usually be cheaper than treating the forehead, 11s, and crow’s feet.
- The provider’s training, experience, and specialty can significantly impact the price. More experienced providers often charge more. As mentioned, states requiring highly trained professionals will typically have a higher base cost than other regions with lower standards.
- Some providers may charge a consultation fee, which may or may not be applied towards the procedure cost.
- Provider fees can vary by region. For example, Botox® procedures tend to be more expensive in larger cities or on the coasts.
Since Botox® is temporary, you will need future injections to maintain your results. Most people need an injection every three or four months. Some outliers may need a new dose after two months, while others may be able to go six months between injections. So much of this is individual metabolism, though many people find their results start lasting longer over time.
How the Treated Area Impacts Price
Beyond regional market differences, the treated area is one of the most significant price factors. Larger areas of the face with stronger muscles will require more units of Botox® than smaller areas with weaker muscles.
While there are differences in how many units an individual may need for their desired results, it helps to look at averages. AEDIT compiled a few average units per treated area to illustrate this:
- Forehead vertical lines often need 15 to 25 units, more or less
- 11’s vertical lines between the eyebrows often require 20 to 30 units (sometimes less)
- Crows feet may need 20 to 30 units (sometimes less)
Younger patients with minimal fine lines may not need as many units, while older patients with deeper expression lines may need a higher dose.
Nationwide, an average Botox® dose may use 30-40 units to treat the forehead and eye area. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost may be around $300 to $600. However, since there are so many variables, you will get the most accurate pricing by booking a consultation with an experienced professional injector.
If you live in or near Charlotte, NC, The Skin Center by CPS offers today’s most sought-after cosmetic injectables, including Botox®. Our skilled nurse injectors, NP’s, and PA’s can help you choose the best treatment options for your needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
