The truth about BOTOX® Cosmetic
Posted: Tuesday, June 07, 2005
by Dr Michel Siegel
Facial Center of Plastic Surgery
The truth about BOTOX® Cosmetic
bargin BOTOX® cosmetic? | what is BOTOX® cosmetic | how it BOTOX® cosmetic measured | BOTOX® cosmetic injections
Millions of people are using BOTOX® cosmetic to turn back the signs if time, and more and more people, among them not plastic surgeons or even physicians, are offering the procedure.
First of all, what exactly is BOTOX® cosmetic?
BOTOX® cosmetic is a natural, purified protein which, in very low safe doses, relaxes the overactive muscle that causes frown lines and wrinkles to form. Treatment is simple and non-surgical and can smooth away the persistent facial lines that have developed over time. It is quick and easy way to achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
How is BOTOX® cosmetic Measured?
BOTOX® cosmetic is measured in units. Each bottle of BOTOX® cosmetic that a doctor receives contains 100 units of BOTOX® cosmetic as freeze-dried powder which must be diluted with saline-water added- in order to be injected. For maximum benefit, it is recommended that a patient receive a minimum of 25-50 units between the eyebrows to smooth frown lines, 25-35 units for forehead lines, and 10-15 units for each eye area (crow’s feet), to achieve results that last 90-120 days.
Cost per UNIT vs. cost per AREA?
Many BOTOX® cosmetic providers advertise their cost based on cost per area, designating prices for the frown lines, the forehead, or the eye area. With this type “per area" pricing, there is no way of knowing how many actual BOTOX® cosmetic units you are receiving. Therefore, in addition to shopping for a physician with expertise in administering your BOTOX® cosmetic treatment, you should also be shopping for cost per unit.
For example, two separate Doctors advertising for BOTOX® cosmetic for the frown lines. One charges $200.00 the other one charges $400.00 for the same treatment area. Instinct will tell you to go with the first one-it is cheaper!-Well it is really not. The Doctor charging $200.00 has most likely diluted your BOTOX® cosmetic to a lower concentration-You are paying for more WATER! The more expensive, as it would appear, doctor is actually giving you the right dose for a lower price per unit of BOTOX® cosmetic.
Assuming both Doctors gave the same size syringe of BOTOX® cosmetic, the $200.00 syringe has probably only 10 units of BOTOS- a suboptimal dose-of BOTOX® cosmetic , and you re paying around $20.00 for each unit. The doctor charging you $400.00 for the treatment is actually giving you the right dose-about 35 units of BOTOX® cosmetic Cosmetic- at a lower price-about $15.00 per unit. What does this mean? That you are actually getting the right dose that will last you more than double the time of the $200.00 treatment, and the right results at a lower price per unit.
BOTOX® cosmetic injections are an investment. When searching for the best value for your dollar, do not be misled by the cheapest price. Some practitioners might be diluting (adding too much water) to your treatment, causing the treatment not to last as long or have less effective results. Sure the initial cost is lower, but what savings are you incurring when the treatment you just received is not giving you the right results and you will have to go back for several “touch ups" or re-treatments every several weeks. If you look at your long term result the right treatment twice a year at $400.00 each is $800.00 for the year, or $67.00 per month. The person paying $200.00 for the same treatment will have an effect for about two months. To get the same effect as the first person, a re-treatment or touch up is needed every 2 months, at total cost of $1200.00 for the year, or $100.00 per month.
Do your homework you have heard the expression “You Get What You Pay For." When it comes to BOTOX® cosmetic , when you pay less, you may be getting less- a short lived result and a deflected expectation of what BOTOX® cosmetic is supposed to achieve for you. So if you are thinking about BOTOX® cosmetic keep your self wrinkle free and “in the know".
Dr. Michel Siegel is Board Certified and a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a member of the BOTOX® cosmetic Physician Network-an honor given only to those physicians who posses the highest level of expertise on their filed. For a complete list of procedures offered by Dr. Siegel please call our office at 832-358-3223 or visit our website at www.houstonfaces.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)This artical was very inlightening, thanks!
As an injector, I would like every client or potential client to read this article. It succinctly says what every client needs to know!
I had been wondering what Botox Units were as that is what determines the pricing and this article explained this and more very well!This is such a great and informative article (and even though its been 3 yrs)-thanks for writing it!
this gave me the excact info. i was looking for.
I so agree with this article. I started to get botox at $100 per area, and let me tell you it lasted less than three months with still a lot of movement in my problem areas. Then I went back to the basics price per unit. Yes I paid $550 instead of $300, but it will last 6 months not barely three. In the end I am actually saving. GREAT INFO thanks for writting. BTW does the same go for Raddiece?? Ive got 2 vials of 1.5cc this past year and i dont see the results anymore.
I am an injector and I do not dilute my Botox and I only charge $150 per 20 units. YES less than $8 per unit. I am not a Doctor but I am a healthcare provide CNP. My Botox last 4 months, I just do not need to be a millioner to live happy and that is the difference between me and them. Do not get fooled by this article. How about this docotr tell us the profit on a bottle of botox.. how much does he buy the bottle for and how much does he sell it for..?? I know..but you guys need to know.
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