Botox Cosmetic Costs and Financing Options Explained

Wrinkle-relaxing treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic are the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures for both women and men, with more than 8.7 million procedures performed in 2022, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.¹

These non-invasive treatments have continued to rise in popularity in recent years, with a 73% increase since 2019.¹

Continue reading to learn more about this popular procedure, including average costs and financing options that may help you afford the treatment.

What Is BOTOX Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic is a cosmetic and medical injectable made from a purified version of the toxin created by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

While BOTOX Cosmetic was the first product to use the botulinum toxin, there are now other products derived from the botulinum toxin as well, including Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau®. Each product has slight differences that may make it more suitable for certain patients or uses.

How Much Does BOTOX Cosmetic Cost?

The national average cost* for BOTOX Cosmetic treatment in the U.S. is $420 according to CareCredit's 2023 Cost Study.²

This price 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 $18, and an average treatment area will require 30 to 40 units to achieve desired results.

The number of units used during a treatment will depend on the specific treatments performed. Common areas to receive BOTOX Cosmetic include:

• Frown lines (aka 11s or 11 lines): 10 to 20 units

• Crow’s feet: 12 to 24 units

• Forehead wrinkles: 12 to 20 units

Keep in mind that the total cost for a BOTOX Cosmetic procedure can range from $95 to $3,142 based on the area of treatment and the strength of the muscle, the number of units used, the cost per unit, the geographic location and the expertise of the practitioner.²

BOTOX Cosmetic cost by state/district

The cost of getting BOTOX Cosmetic can vary greatly from across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.²

Does Insurance Cover BOTOX Cosmetic?

Insurance won't cover BOTOX Cosmetic for aesthetic reasons, but 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.

How Does BOTOX Cosmetic Work?

When injected into a muscle, BOTOX Cosmetic works to block the nerve signals to the muscle, weakening or completely preventing muscle contraction.

What is BOTOX Cosmetic used to treat?

Some may be most familiar with BOTOX Cosmetic for softening fine lines and wrinkles on the face. But BOTOX Cosmetic may also be used to treat a number of different conditions and concerns:

• Chronic migraines

• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

• Muscle spasms

• Overactive bladder

Where on the body can BOTOX Cosmetic be used?

Because of its varied uses, BOTOX Cosmetic can be used from head to toe, including:

• Forehead

• Between the eyes and corners of the eyes

• Corners of the mouth

• Chin

• Jawline

• Neck

• Armpits

• Bladder

• Soles of the feet

What Are the Benefits of BOTOX Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic may be an attractive option to consider if you're looking for a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can provide temporary, subtle results. The injection amount and location can also be customized based on your desired results. Plus, this outpatient procedure doesn't require anesthesia or downtime.

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 a week. Results from BOTOX Cosmetic typically last three to four months but will vary based on the location on the body, the amount of BOTOX Cosmetic injected and the strength of the muscle being treated.

Financing BOTOX Cosmetic With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting BOTOX Cosmetic or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. 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, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.