Publish Time: 2024-03-20 Origin: Site
Botulinum Toxin , FYI, is the brand name for an FDA-approved drug called botulinum toxin (aka a nerve-blocking drug, more on this below) that temporarily "freezes" muscles in your face to help smooth out frown lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines.
Botulinum Toxin works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to your facial muscles, which prevents them from contracting. "By reducing those contractions, the skin above the muscle stays smooth," says plastic surgeon David Shafer, MD.
It sounds intense, but rest assured: Botulinum Toxin only works on the little area where it's injected, so it's not like a single injection will shut down the nerve signals in your entire face or body.
The wholesale cost of Botulinum Toxin paid by aesthetic practitioners is different from the retail price of Botulinum Toxin charged to patients. Whereas wholesale costs are usually expressed per vial, retail costs are typically calculated per procedure and can vary based on the procedure type, the amount of Botulinum Toxin needed, and other factors.
According to Dermax, Botulinum Toxin manufacturer, the wholesale acquisition cost of Botulinum Toxin Therapeutic is currently $1,244 per 200-unit vial. Botulinum Toxin Therapeutic is indicated to treat medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and chronic migraine.
Botulinum Toxin Cosmetic typically comes in 100-unit vials and therefore costs less per vial than Botulinum Toxin Therapeutic. Pricing varies by supplier and volume ordered but generally ranges from about $350 per vial to about $700 per vial.
Though similar in formulation to Botulinum Toxin Therapeutic, Botulinum Toxin Cosmetic is indicated for the treatment of cosmetic complaints like frown lines and crows’ feet (fine lines and wrinkles around the corners of the eyes).
Retail costs for cosmetic procedures involving Botulinum Toxin injection are set by providers and expressed as a flat rate per procedure.
In reality, they’re determined by the number of units of Botulinum Toxin required to achieve the desired results. Botulinum Toxin treatments typically cost $10 to $15 per unit, so a procedure requiring 20 units of Botulinum Toxin would cost $200 to $300.
Additionally, retail Botulinum Toxin pricing may be inflated by the fact that the contents of a Botulinum Toxin vial must be used within hours of opening. When a provider isn’t able to use an entire vial before it spoils, they must absorb the cost of the unused portion.
FDA-approved, Botulinum Toxin is used by many members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and can also reduce tension headaches and excessive sweating, and alter the shape of one’s face. Botulinum Toxin achieves results by blocking chemical signals from nerves to muscles. This causes the muscles near the injection site to temporarily “freeze” or relax. Without being able to contract the treated facial muscles, patients notice fewer lines and wrinkles in their skin.
Some common Botulinum Toxin procedures and their approximate costs:
Glabellar lines (frown lines): $300 to $500, depending on whether treatment includes the nearby areas of the forehead
Crows’ feet (both sides): $300 to $400
Neck lift: $700 to $1,000
Chin dimpling: $200 to $400
Square jaw: $800 to $1,200
When exploring the average cost of Botulinum Toxin per unit, you may be left wondering if it’s worth it. While this is an entirely personal decision, for many, the average price of Botulinum Toxin is worth it.
Yes, Botulinum Toxin can be pricey, but compared to other beauty treatments, it’s one of the more affordable options.
In addition, it can do a lot to help with aging, ultimately enhancing your self-esteem, which is a priceless benefit. And for those with medical conditions, Botulinum Toxin can be a nearly painless solution to provide them with relief.
In addition, any side effects of Botulinum Toxin are often mild, and unwanted effects are often a result of the injector and not the Botulinum Toxin itself. For this reason, it’s important to do your research about your provider and engage in a consultation to ensure it’s a match.
What you’ll pay for Botulinum Toxin treatment depends on where on your body you’re getting it, how many units you’ll need, the type of medical professional injecting it, and where you live.
Your total cost also depends on how often you return for maintenance injections. You may be able to take advantage of manufacturer promotions or a package deal from certain providers. Health insurance may cover or partly cover Botulinum Toxin for medical reasons but not for aesthetic preferences.