Understanding the cost of Botox treatment
Botox continues to gain popularity with women and men in the Essex Fells area. Small wonder, since this rejuvenation technique is non-surgical and minimally invasive, requires little or no downtime, and is very effective for softening facial lines and wrinkles. Naturally there is temptation to price shop, but Dr. Jeanine Downie of image Dermatology® in Montclair, NJ cautions patients to understand exactly what impacts the cost of Botox, so that they may make informed decisions on treatment.
Factors that impact cost
Botox is administered by the “unit.” A doctor purchases a vial of Botox which contains 100 units, in the form of a freeze-dried powder. The powder is diluted in a sterile saline solution for injection.
The cost of Botox treatment is typically based on the number of units needed. That’s determined by the area of the face being treated, the number of areas being treated at one injection session, and the severity of the wrinkles. For example, 25 to 50 units might be required to smooth furrows between the eyebrows, while crow’s feet may call for 15 units or less per eye.
Your geographic region also influences cost. Naturally, prices for cosmetic dermatology services vary with cost of living and average income, as does the expense of just about everything else.
Factors that affect safety and results, as well as cost
Botox has had a good track record for safety and effectiveness since its approval by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002. However, your results and wellbeing depend in large part on two things – the skill of the injector and the product.
Botox is a controlled drug, so a doctor must prescribe it. However, in many practices treatment is administered by a nurse or other assistant. At image Dermatology® Dr. Downie, a Board certified dermatologist, handles Botox injections personally. This is real medicine, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly, at a mall kiosk or girls night out party. Dr. Downie’s experience in this method dates back to 1994, and she has a long list of very satisfied Botox patients, including herself!
Remember when your mother told you, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?” That applies to the cost of Botox treatment, too. If you find an unusually low price, ask to see the label from the original vial. Is it genuine Botox, or a knock-off product? Is it outdated? A board certified doctor from this area was actually caught using Botox that was meant for lab animals only. One cannot be careful enough—that particular doctor went to jail.
Other considerations
Your personal physiology plays a big role in how long results last. Botox typically lasts 3-4 months. Aftercare also contributes to lasting refinement. That helps to control the frequency and cost of follow-up treatments. You get unhurried aftercare instructions and your questions are fully answered before you leave image Dermatology®.
Did you know that Botox is also considered a preventive treatment? By beginning care in your 20s or 30s, you won’t even develop wrinkles that might cost much more to treat later in life.
Dr. Downie believes that all patients deserve to look as young and refreshed as they feel. Allergan’s Brilliant Distinction rewards program brings additional value to the cost of Botox treatment, and image Dermatology® offers a number of financing options.
Call (973) 509-6900 to schedule a Botox consultation with Dr. Downie.
