Am I Overpaying for Botox?

asked 3 years ago by choyce2020 in Stockton, CA
Latest answer by Anifat Balogun, MD
Question viewed 658 times

I have good skin. I stay out of the sun and use Dr. Brandt's skincare line faithfully. My plastic surgeon injects me with Botox every 3 to 4 months. Each time I go, I am charged with different amounts, although he treats on the same areas: my forehead, my 11 lines and the sides of my eyes. I have paid from $750-$1,100 per visit. He tells me he is giving me a 10% discount. Shouldn't I require less Botox instead of more b/c if I go to him every 3-4 mos?

10 answers to Am I Overpaying for Botox?

Botox fees reflect both product cost and injector experience

There is probably no more diificult subject to get a handle on than Botox fees. In general, you need to know what you are paying per unit in order to make comparisons. And, as Dr. Lupo pointed out, you would not necessarily get the same amount each time. Comparing the skill and experience of your injector is more difficult, and it is not a good idea in my opinion to shop for the lowest per unit price. Some practices have loyalty incentives, so to know whether you are really getting a 10%... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Botox pricing

I think the key is that you have a provider with expertise to give you results you are happy with. The price you are being charged when you come in for your follow-up treatments depends on areas your surgeon focuses on, based on your feedback and what he/she thinks will help get you great results. If it is helpful to you, you may want to keep track of how many units of Botox you are receiving per treatment session, how much you paid, and how long the treatment lasts. Since you have been... more

Anifat Balogun, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

These fees are slightly high but reasonable.

HI. If you are happy with your results, stay with your doctor. Go every 4 months. You are paying for the artful injection as well as the material. At RealSelf, we are constantly answering questions about Botox gone wrong.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Botox comparison shopping

Comparison shopping for Botox is not exactly like shopping for a TV in different stores. The t v sets are a fixed and known commodity made by one manufacturer while the treatments are rarely if ever the same. But you can be an informed consumer. In your case for $1100 you probably received some where in the range of 50 units. You can do the math with a 10% discount. If you consult with another practitioner ask about the exact same treatment and what the fee is per unit. Also how many... more

Barry H. Dolich, MD
Bronx Plastic Surgeon

Botox injections

The duration of Botox effects varies. You may want to wait until you first begin to notice the effects wearing off before returning for more Botox if you are concerned that your treatments do not appear to be long lasting. If you are satisfied with the results of the work of your plastic surgeon, I would advise you to stick with him. For reference, you ought to keep a record of how many units of Botox are injected into each site during your visits. Good luck.

Bryan K. Chen, MD
San Diego Dermatologist

Probably Reasonable for New York

You might ask whether you are being charged per unit or by the area. Generally, women come out better with units and men by treatment area. This is because males stronger musculature requires more units. The variance in price most likely is that your plastic surgeon is using more or less units in the different areas you are having corrected. You eventually will need less units in areas that have repeatedly undergone treatment so your cost will go down. Of course, there is a... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

It really is dependent on the individual, but usually doing Botox regularly over time requires less

Thanks for your question. The best way to find out what you're paying and if it is fair, is to ask how many units you received in each area at the individual office visits. Then, find out what the price is per unit, compare it to what you paid, and then see if the 10% discount was included. Generally, a forehead will take around 20 units, the 11 lines will take 20 units, and the crows feet will take around 12-24 units (average 18). The total average would be around 58 units, and if they... more

Don Mehrabi, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologist

Sometimes you don't always get what you pay for with Botox

Dear Choyce You will definitely pay more for a more experienced physician or surgeon injector. In many cases, the extra skill and knowledge makes a huge difference in the quality of the service. I don't agree that with repeat treatments, you require less BOTOX. As we have gotten better at getting more aesthetically pleasing results with BOTOX and not simply treating to the point of paralysis, these results don't seem to last longer and longer. Much of this is how you feel about... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Hard to say

It is difficult to second guess other doctor's work. In general, the price charged reflects not only the cost of the Botox, but the overhead of the business. That is why things are much more expensive in New York than here in New Orleans. The price likely varies becasue the doctor thinks you need different amounts depending on the recovery of the muscles. Best idea is to discuss openly with your doctor your concerns. In my practice, you'd be getting over 50 units and as much as 75 units.... more

Mary Lupo, MD
New Orleans Dermatologist

If you are happy with the result - stay with the doctor

Doctors are free to charge whatever they want. Often, discount botox places are unreliable for quality of injector and what they say is injected. If you are happy with your result stay with your doctor.