Cosmetic physicians have been using BOTOX^® for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. In April 2002, BOTOX® gained FDA approval for treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows, called glabellar lines, in adults aged 18 to 65. Since its approval, BOTOX^® has been used for more than 13 million cosmetic procedures in the United States. Some are for the FDA-approved indication - to relax frown lines. However, BOTOX^® is also used "off label" for other wrinkles, such as forehead lines, crow's feet (lines around the eyes), lines around the mouth, chin dimpling and lines on the neck.  

BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause frown lines to form over time.  BOTOX^® blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscles can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. When properly performed, BOTOX^® treatment smoothes out frown lines and other facial wrinkles while preserving normal facial expressions, so a client does not look permanently surprised. It is most often used on forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to BOTOX^®. Since BOTOX^® doesn't work for all wrinkles, a consultation with a doctor is highly recommended.  

BOTOX^® generally takes three to seven days to take effect. The effects from BOTOX^® may last up to four months. Results may vary. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Headaches, which resolve in 24-48 hours, can occur, but this is rare. A small percentage of patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually resolves in three weeks. This development is usually caused by migration of the BOTOX^® and for this reason; the treated area should not be rubbed for 12 hours after injection or the patient should not lie down for three to four hours.

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease should not use BOTOX^®.  

COST

BOTOX^® injection cost can vary greatly according to geographic region, the time of year, how much an individual needs and wishes to get, the qualifications of the injector, and who is injecting the product.  When it comes to Cosmetic procedures, the "who" does matter, since it is not always the injectable that yields the great results, but rather the person injecting – the Injector! However, the higher the credential does not necessarily mean the more experienced the injector, better technique, or even better results. If you do seek Botox treatments, I recommend visiting a Board Certified clinician who purchases BOTOX^® directly from the manufacturer, Allergan. It is always important to inquire about the skill level of the injector and the years of experience.  

There are two different ways offices may price their BOTOX^® treatments. Some skin care centers advertise low prices for BOTOX^® on a "cost per area" basis, advertising prices of $200-$500 for one area, whereas, others quote on a "cost per unit" basis, from $8-$17 per unit.  

There may also be differences in pricing depending on who is injecting the product. For example, a nurse administering BOTOX^®in a mall on average may charge $9-$12 per unit or may charge $200-$300 per area (with 20-30 units), resulting in a total treatment price of $200 to $600 for a typical treatment for one or multiple areas. 

A dermatologist or plastic surgeon administering BOTOX^® at a medical office on average may cost $14-$17 per unit of BOTOX^® or may charge $300-$400 per area, resulting in a significantly higher total.  Yet, despite the discrepancy in pricing in this example, many physician practices may choose to have universal pricing amongst all injectors.  In some Plastic Surgery facilities, only the midlevel practitioners, such as the Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners, or the Registered Nurses may be the ones to perform the treatments since the physician may be consumed with surgical procedures.  

In today’s economy, there are several ways to obtain discounts on BOTOX^®. Some skin care centers such as at malls or Med spas are less expensive, but it is very crucial to check on the quality of service they provide, if the practitioners are Board Certified, and on the experience of the injectors.

Recently, there has been an emerging trend of “BOTOX^® Cosmetic parties,” in which several people gather at a physician’s house or another location to receive BOTOX^® injections at a lower cost. While prices for treatment may be somewhat lower at a BOTOX^® Cosmetic party than for treatment administered during a normal office visit, the situation may not be ideal. The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have both issued warnings against such “parties,” as they have reservations about the ability of the physician to provide a safe and sterile environment outside of their office. 

Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons may also advertise other discounts such as BOTOX® Banking, where a client will receive a discount on BOTOX^® if a specified amount of BOTOX^® units is purchased, which can be used over a certain period of time. 

Discounts may also be offered if combined with the purchase of other services, such as Dermal Fillers, or possibly with the referral of new customers. In addition, the manufacturer of BOTOX^® Cosmetic, Allergan, offers their own rebate and rewards program to new and existing clients.

In summary, the market is competitive out there with today’s economy. However, an exceptionally low BOTOX® Cosmetic price may not always be the better bargain. BOTOX^® Cosmetic price variables should be weighed against other factors such as the quality of the Cosmetic practice and the professional qualifications of the clinician. An exceptionally low BOTOX^® Cosmetic price can be indicative of questionable treatment. 

What are Pros and Cons?

The pros and cons section offers a quick, at-a-glance list of why or why not to have a certain procedure or try a given product.   Use this list to share and learn with others about what procedures and products you feel are the best or not-so-best.  Honest feedback from real people that have experienced the treatment or product themselves!