How Much Does Botox Cost in NYC?
Botox injections are one of the most popular treatments for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face without the need for expensive and invasive surgery. When administered in the appropriate doses and at the correct anatomic sites by an experienced dermatologist, Botox treatments are a safe, fast, pain-free way to retain or regain a youthful appearance.
Derived from the botulinum toxin type A, botox works by blocking the nerves that cause muscles to contract, leading to lines and creases in the most frequently moved areas. Reducing the muscles’ ability to contract diminishes existing lines and wrinkles while simultaneously preventing new lines from forming. Patients usually enjoy the results of their treatment for up to 6 months.
It’s important to note that the word “botox” is commonly used to refer to a variety of different brands of botulinum toxins such as Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeaveau®, all of which have different strengths per unit. Without understanding the fundamental differences between the various “botoxes”, it is challenging for the average consumer to cross compare pricing per unit, and consumers may end up falling for places that offer the lowest price per unit, believing that all units are the same.
Botox is also a cost-effective alternative to invasive procedures, such as facelifts. On average, a facelift in NYC may cost from $10,000 to $80,000—or more—depending on the exact procedure you receive. Meanwhile, Botox treatments at Wall Street Dermatology range between $500 and $600 per treatment area.
Call Wall Street Dermatology today to get a more exact estimate for your botox cost in NYC.
Factors That Impact Botox Cost
Average Cost of Botox Per Unit
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 determine the final price of each treatment.
Treatment Area
At some practices, the price of botox is determined by the number of treatment areas instead of 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 line (Glabella)s: 16-20 units
- Crow’s Feet: 12-20 units
- Bunny lines: 4-12 units
Some areas such as the face such as 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 cost of botox 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.
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.
If you are interested in exploring botox in NYC, book a consultation with Dr. Tzu today. We’d love to help you discover how we can restore your skin’s natural beauty.