Benjamin Bassichis, MD

We charge Botox Cosmetic by the area. The three most common areas are the crow's feet, forehead, and the lines in-between the brows (glabella). I typically use approximately 60 units for those 3 areas and charge $575. So in our practice we charge about $10/unit.  I personally do all of my own injections and have treated over 2000 patients last year with Botox.  I have considered raising prices over the past few years, but in today's financial turmoil, even though surgical prices have risen in my practice, Botox and other injectible prices have remained the same for the past 4 years.

I tell my patients that it is not the total price that is important, but how many units are used.  For instance, if a patient goes to a spa and pays $150 per area, that may sound like a great deal.  However, when the patient ask how long the treatment is supposed to last, the spa responds "2 months".   I have seen that many of those less expensive treatments often consist of around 10 units (and therefore carrying a "non-deal" $15 cost per unit!).  So, what initially looks like a great bargain, is in fact just a treatment with an inadequate amount of Botox.  Always ask your injector how many units they are using, so you can determine what price/unit you are getting. Experienced injectors know that there is no such thing as a standard amount of units, as everyone's facial anatomy and muscular strengths are variable, even from one side of the face to the other.  

As the only Facial Plastic Surgeon in North Texas to have Diamond status with Allergan, we have found that in today's economic environment, patients want value as well as quality. Understand that when you go to a non-physician med-spa for injectible treatments, there are more hands in the "cookie jar" diluting the price for your treatment.  For example, the med-spa that is owned by a non-physician, with a nurse injector, is the hardest model to stay competitive in today's world.  In that scenario, the patient is paying for the cost of the Botox; PLUS the cost of the nurse to inject the product; PLUS the fee for the medical director to sign off on the nurse doing the injections; AND the profit for the medspa.  By going to a physician, the patient can cut out 2 of the middle-people.  The chances of getting more product for the same price is greater by going to a doctor's office for your treatment.    

Another factor to consider, more high volume practices have more patient incentives from Allergan and the other manufacturers.  My patient's receive rebates from the company, instant savings at the checkout, and regular reminders about upcoming treatments and specials that are sponsored by Allergan.  This program is only available to the nation's busiest, most successful practices.    

I always tell my patients that you get what you pay for. However, you need to advocate for yourself and understand what you are getting for your dollars. Ensure that your injector is experienced and properly trained; that you are getting FDA approved Botox Cosmetic from Allergan; and know how many units you receive. As well, a physician's office should maintain a medical record of your treatments so you can optimize and customize your Botox to achieve the best effect and value. Good Luck!