Botox Cosmetic Cost and Treatment Guide

Wrinkle-relaxing treatments are the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures for both women and men, with more than 9.8 million procedures performed annually, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.¹

If you are looking to address fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead, eyes and mouth, neuromodulators like Botox® Cosmetic may be able to help.

What Is Botox Cosmetic?

Botox Cosmetic, or onabotulinumtoxinA, is an injectable treatment designed to temporarily relax the facial muscles that create wrinkles from expressions such as smiling or frowning. It works by blocking nerve signals to these muscles, preventing contractions and allowing the skin to appear smoother and lines to soften. As the muscles relax, wrinkles become less noticeable, giving the face a refreshed, rejuvenated look.

Approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox® has become one of the most trusted and widely used treatments for reducing the appearance of wrinkles.²

However, while most people think of Botox Cosmetic for just softening fine lines and wrinkles on the face, Botox can also be used to treat a number of different medical conditions and concerns:

• Chronic migraines
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Muscle spasms
• Overactive bladder
• Cervical dystonia
• Eye conditions like blepharospasm or strabismus
• Jaw pain from teeth grinding

Benefits

If you're looking to address fine lines and wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic may be an attractive option to consider as a minimally-invasive cosmetic treatment that can provide a natural, younger looking face.

Since Botox is temporary, it can also allow you to try out the smoothing and lifting effect before undergoing a surgical procedure like a blepharoplasty, a tip rhinoplasty or face lift.

Botox’s injection amount and location can be customized based on your desired results and can be paired with dermal fillers for smoothing and plumping effects. Plus, this outpatient procedure doesn't require anesthesia or downtime.

Botox Cosmetic vs. Dysport®

Dysport, also known as abobotulinumtoxinA, is a newer FDA-approved injectable option that works similarly to Botox by relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles from repeated facial movements.

Both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are popular neurotoxin injectables that can smooth fine lines and wrinkles. However there are key differences to keep in mind when determining which will be the best fit for your needs.

• Time of results: The results from Dysport injections typically appear sooner which may be beneficial if you want fast results. The results from Botox can take a few days longer but may be a better choice if you prefer gradual improvements.
• Area of results: Dysport is known to be better at diffusing over larger areas like smoothing fine lines and wrinkles over the forehead. In contrast, Botox is often preferred for more localized smoothing of crow’s feet or frown lines. 
• Dosaging: The number of Botox Cosmetic or Dysport units needed can vary based on each person’s facial structure, muscle strength and the specific areas being treated. Dysport is more diluted than Botox Cosmetic and typically requires more units to achieve the same effect. However its lower per-unit price often keeps the overall cost comparable.

Talk with your provider to discuss whether Botox or Dysport may best suit your needs. The products can also be used in combination to customize your results for different areas of the face.

How Much Does a Botox Cosmetic Treatment Cost?

The national average cost* for a Botox Cosmetic treatment is $420, but the cost ranges from $95 to $3,142.³

Average cost per unit of Botox Cosmetic

This cost is based on how many units of the product are used during a treatment. A single unit of Botox Cosmetic costs an average of $10 to $30, and an average treatment area will require 20 to 40 units to achieve desired results.⁴

The number of units used during a treatment will depend on the specific treatments performed. Here are the average number of units used for common treatment areas and the estimated cost:⁴

Average cost for Botox Cosmetic by state/district

The cost of getting Botox Cosmetic can vary greatly from across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.³

Does Insurance Cover Botox Cosmetic Treatments?

Like most cosmetic procedures, insurance won't cover Botox Cosmetic for aesthetic reasons. However some insurance policies may cover the cost of treatment if it is prescribed by a physician as being medically necessary to treat conditions like excessive sweating, migraines or an overactive bladder or jaw problems, such as TMJ or teeth grinding.

How Botox Cosmetic Works

When injected into a muscle, Botox Cosmetic works to block the nerve signals to the muscle, weakening or completely preventing muscle contraction. Without the muscle contractions, the tissue in the area relaxes, smoothing lines and wrinkles. If used regularly, the muscles will atrophy and require less in the future.

Where on the body can Botox Cosmetic be used?

Because of its varied uses, Botox Cosmetic can be used from head to toe, for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Botox Cosmetic can be used to address:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines and “11s”
• Crow’s feet
• “Bunny lines” on the nose bridge
• Chin dimpling
• Smoker lines on the lips
• Gummy smile
• Droopy eyebrows
• Downturned nasal tip
• Bulk jawline
• Pronounced platysmatal bands in the neck

Discuss your medical needs and aesthetic goals with a qualified Botox practitioner to help determine if Botox Cosmetic can help you achieve your desired results.

How Long Does Botox Cosmetic Last?

Many patients see results from Botox Cosmetic injections within a few days, but full results may take up to seven to ten days. Results from Botox Cosmetic typically last three to four months but will vary based on the location on the body, the amount of injected and the strength of the muscle being treated.

Scheduling Your First Botox Cosmetic Appointment

If you’re ready to explore neuromodulator injections such as Botox Cosmetic or Dysport, schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, medispa, cosmetic surgeon or other qualified injectable provider. During your consultation, you can discuss the results you hope to achieve, get answers to any questions you have about Botox Cosmetic or Dysport and create a treatment plan to help you feel more confident in your skin.

Financing Botox Cosmetic With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for Botox and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a cosmetic doctor or medical aesthetic provider near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Michael Niccole is the medical director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in Newport Beach, California, which he co-founded in 1982. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, nose and body and was voted OC Weekly’s Best Cosmetic Surgeon multiple times.

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.