Are you on the quest for smoother, more youthful skin without the expense and invasiveness of traditional plastic surgery procedures? If so, you’ve likely come across Botox but now are asking yourself, “how much is Botox per unit?”
Throughout this blog, we’ll discuss factors that influence how much Botox costs in NYC, from the number of units required to achieve desired outcomes to the expertise of the medical provider administering the treatment.
At Wall Street Dermatology, we recognize the significance of transparent and detailed information regarding Botox costs in NYC. Under the guidance of Dr. Julia Tzu, a distinguished triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologist, our practice equips you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your aesthetic enhancement goals.
Book an appointment at Wall Street Dermatology today for an initial consultation and learn more about Botox cost in NYC.
How Much Does Botox Cost in NYC?
In New York City, the cost per unit of Botox can range widely, typically falling between $20 and $35 per unit or between $500-650 per treatment area. Popular areas for cosmetic treatments usually include the forehead, glabella, crow’s feet, chin, or lips Jaw botox is usually more expensive and ranges between $1000-1400 per treatment.
Unlike many products that are priced by weight, Botox is typically priced either by the unit or by area of treatment. Furthermore, because Botox is not sold directly as a commodity and must be expertly injected by a licensed healthcare professional, pricing will vary widely depending on the expertise of the Botox doctor who is performing the injection. This is a crucial detail to understand when evaluating the cost of your prospective treatment.
The total cost of Botox injections will depend on either the total number of units used, which is usually determined by various factors like the treatment area, desired results, and specific brand of botulinum toxin used, or the number of treatment areas, which is determined by the patient’s overall aesthetic concerns. On average, a Botox treatment could require between 20 to 40 units, depending on the areas being treated and the desired outcome.
Understanding the most common pricing models will help you make a more informed decision about your New York City Botox treatment.
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Factors That Impact Botox Cost
Units of Botox
At some places, the cost of botox is determined by the number of units injected. As an example of unit pricing, the average price of a single unit of Allergan’s Botox® in NYC at a dermatologist’s office could range between $20 and $40 per unit. However, it’s critical to keep in mind that there are many different types of botulinum toxin, and the strength of each unit depends on the type of botulinum toxin used. Hence, comparing prices per unit without understanding the type of botulinum toxin being used is not a meaningful comparison.
Places that advertise a low cost per unit of “botox” could be using a botox brand in which each unit is weaker than another botox brand.
Injection sites are carefully plotted so that no area receives too much or too little solution, and a single treatment area may require 10-20 units of Botox to achieve your desired results. The cost of the units plus service fees determines the final price of each treatment.
Treatment Area
At some NYC Botox practices, the cost of Botox is determined by the number of treatment areas instead of the number of units injected. The exact number of units needed per treatment area depends on the location being treated, the degree of wrinkling, and the desired endpoint. However, the average dosages using Allergan’s Botox® for commonly treated areas are as follows:
- Forehead: 12-20 units
- Frown lines (Glabella): 16-20 units
- Crow’s Feet: 12-20 units
- Bunny lines: 4-12 units
Some areas, such as the face or jaw muscles, may be much more expensive because of the large amounts of Botox needed to treat these larger muscles.
Comparing cost by treatment area may offer a more standardized approach for consumers to understand and compare the cost of Botox cosmetic treatments, given that unit pricing is relative to the brand of Botox.
Type of Botulinum Toxin
The third factor in determining your botox cost is which kind of botulinum toxin you receive. For example, Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is derived from one type of botulinum toxin type A, while Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) is derived from another type of botulinum toxin type A. Both products work the same way and are administered via injection. Dysport® is a more diluted solution designed to spread further under the skin.
At first glance, Dysport® appears to be a cheaper alternative to Botox. However, Dysport® treatments typically require twice to three times as many units as Botox® to achieve the same results. To treat forehead lines with Dysport®, for instance, your dermatologist would administer 36-60 units.
Type of Medical Provider
The expertise and qualifications of the medical provider are crucial factors in Botox pricing in NYC. Dermatologists and cosmetic or plastic surgeons with advanced training and years of experience will charge higher rates compared to general physicians due to their higher level of expertise, experience, and proven track records.
A reputable medical provider ensures precise Botox injections, each tailored to the client’s unique facial structure. They also offer comprehensive consultations to fully understand and meet the client’s aesthetic aspirations and ensure that there are no medical contraindications for treatment. This approach greatly enhances the safety, value, and effectiveness of the cosmetic procedure and decreases the likelihood of undesirable outcomes.
Follow-Up Treatments
The longevity of Botox results varies, typically lasting 3 months, necessitating periodic follow-up treatments. The frequency of these sessions and the amount of Botox required during each visit significantly influence the overall cost.
Regular clients might benefit from customized wrinkle treatment plans and possibly loyalty discounts. It’s important for clients to budget for these recurring treatments to maintain their youthful appearance, making this an integral part of the overall cost consideration for Botox in NYC.
Does Insurance Cover Botox Injections?
Generally, health insurance does not cover Botox injections when they are performed for cosmetic purposes. Coverage is typically provided only for treatments deemed medically necessary, such as certain neurological conditions. Patients should consult with their insurance providers to understand their policy’s specifics on treatments like Botox.
Specific to Wall Street Dermatology, the practice accepts various health insurance plans for medical dermatology services. However, treatments considered cosmetic, including Botox injections for wrinkle reduction or facial slimming, are not covered by health insurance and require full payment by the patient.
Botox vs. Fillers
Depending on the above factors, botox treatments cost between $500 to $600 per area and treatment session. So, if you receive treatments in two areas of the face during one session, the session may cost between $1000 to $1200. If your treatment plan requires these two areas to be treated across three total sessions, your entire course of treatment would cost between $3000 and $3600.
The results last for three months on average, so, in this scenario, a year of treatments would be between $4000 and $4800. Additionally, injections in the masseter muscle—the rectangular muscle near the back of the jaw—cost more than $1000 per treatment.
Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers—such as Juvederm and Restylane—are the most popular alternative to botox. Filler treatments involve injecting a silky-smooth hyaluronic acid-infused gel under the skin in certain areas to plump the area, smooth away wrinkles, and contour the face.
The cost of these fillers varies widely, depending on the exact product used, where it’s placed, and the volume injected. We recommend a starting budget of $1100. However, contouring the cheeks alone can cost between $1000 and $4000. Other areas of the face, such as nasolabial folds and lips, may cost between $1000 and $2000. Receiving all three of these treatments could cost up to $4000.
Treatments like Juvederm and Restylane last between 6 and 12 months, depending on your age and the state of your skin. A year’s worth of treatments in the above scenario could cost between $3000 and $6000, or more.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Botox yields visible results within a few days, continuously improving for up to 2 weeks to reveal the total enhancement. On average, results last between 2 and 4 months. However, they can last up to 6 months, depending on your age and the state of your skin before treatment.
After the treatment begins to wear off, you’ll notice your fine lines and wrinkles start to reappear. This means it’s time for another treatment to retain smooth, youthful-looking skin.
Is Botox Worth It?
Botox is simple, minimally invasive, and nearly painless. It requires no anesthetic, and the procedure lasts only a few minutes. It requires no downtime, and you can return to work or home immediately afterward. However, we recommend avoiding rubbing the injection site and strenuous activity for 24 hours to achieve the best results.
Results appear within days and last up to 3 months, at which point you’ll need another treatment to maintain a smooth, youthful appearance. The cost of each treatment session begins between $500 and $600, increasing based on the treatment area, the type of botulinum toxin administered, or the number of botox units needed for the treatment.
Botox blocks the nerves that cause muscle movements leading to lines and creases in the skin, preventing these muscles from contracting. It smooths away everything from crow’s feet to frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and bunny lines that form at the top of your nose. Botox works best for mild to moderate wrinkles and lines.
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive, efficient, and durable treatment for signs of aging, botox is likely worth the cost.
Schedule a Consultation with Wall Street Dermatology
At Wall Street Dermatology, safety and the quality of aesthetic outcomes are of paramount importance. Dr. Julia Tzu is a triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologist who has been practicing in New York City—and beyond—for more than a decade.
Dr. Tzu has a keen eye for aesthetics, an appreciation for natural-looking results, and—most importantly—a sophisticated understanding of surgical muscular anatomy. This knowledge, combined with expert injection techniques, ensures you receive the best possible botox results with few side effects.
Book an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Tzu today and explore the benefits of Botox in NYC. We’d love to help you discover how we can restore your skin’s natural beauty.