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Treatment guide

Botox: Cost, How Long It Lasts and What to Expect

Botox Cosmetic is a prescription injection that relaxes the muscles behind certain facial lines. In the US the average physician fee for a neuromodulator treatment was $435 in 2023, and results last about 3 to 4 months.

What it costs

$435

US average physician fee for a neuromodulator injection (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxxify), 2023 [2]

Many med spas price by the unit instead, so the total depends on how many units each area needs. Ask for a written quote with the unit count before you book.

What Botox is approved for

Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is approved in the US for adults, to temporarily improve the look of four kinds of moderate to severe lines:

  • Frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)
  • Crow's feet at the sides of the eyes (lateral canthal lines)
  • Forehead lines
  • Vertical neck bands (platysma bands)

Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau and Daxxify are other neuromodulators that work in a similar way. Each has its own label and approved areas. [1]

How long it lasts

For frown lines, the label puts the effect at about 3 to 4 months, after which the muscles gradually move again and lines return. The standard dose for frown lines is 20 units, split across 5 injection points. Most people book repeat treatments a few times a year. [1]

Side effects and risks

The most common side effects in the label's studies were a drooping eyelid (3% of people treated for frown lines), eyelid swelling (1% for crow's feet), and headache (9%) or a drooping brow (2%) for forehead lines.

The label also carries a boxed warning: the toxin's effect can spread beyond the injection site and cause problems swallowing or breathing, which can be life threatening. Get medical help straight away if that happens after a treatment. [1]

How to choose a provider

  • Check who will inject you and their licence. Botox is a prescription drug, so a medical provider should assess you first.
  • Ask which product they use and whether it is bought from the US distributor.
  • Ask how many units they plan for each area, and what a touch-up costs.
  • Look at reviews over time, not just the star rating. The lists below weigh ratings by review count.

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Questions

How much does Botox cost?

The US average physician fee for a neuromodulator treatment was $435 in 2023, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Prices vary by city, by provider and by the number of units used.

How long does Botox last?

About 3 to 4 months for frown lines, according to the Botox Cosmetic label.

Is Botox safe?

It is FDA approved for specific facial lines. Common side effects include a drooping eyelid or brow and headache. The label also warns that, rarely, the effect can spread and cause swallowing or breathing problems.

Sources

  1. Botox Cosmetic prescribing information (AbbVie, revised 10/2024)
  2. 2023 average surgeon/physician fees (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 22, 2026. Talk to a licensed provider about your own situation.

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