Complete 2026 Pricing Guide — Cost by Treatment Area, Per Unit, and by Location
Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, with over 9 million treatments performed annually. But one of the most common questions patients ask is: "How much does Botox cost?"
The answer depends on several factors — the treatment area, how many units you need, where you live, and who performs the injection. In this guide, we break down Botox pricing in detail so you know exactly what to expect in 2026.
Most providers charge by the unit, which gives patients the most transparent pricing. Some practices offer flat-rate "per area" pricing, which can be simpler but may not reflect the exact number of units used.
The cost of Botox varies significantly depending on which area you're treating, because different facial muscles require different amounts of product. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Treatment Area | Units Needed | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead lines (horizontal lines) | 10 – 30 units | $120 – $450 | $250 |
| Frown lines / Glabella (between eyebrows) | 20 – 25 units | $240 – $375 | $300 |
| Crow's feet (around eyes) | 10 – 15 units per side | $240 – $450 | $350 |
| Brow lift (eyebrow shaping) | 4 – 8 units | $50 – $120 | $80 |
| Bunny lines (nose wrinkles) | 5 – 10 units | $60 – $150 | $100 |
| Lip flip (upper lip) | 4 – 8 units | $50 – $120 | $80 |
| Chin dimpling (pebble chin) | 4 – 8 units | $50 – $120 | $80 |
| Neck bands (platysmal bands) | 20 – 50 units | $240 – $750 | $450 |
| Full upper face (forehead + glabella + crow's feet) | 40 – 60 units | $500 – $800 | $650 |
| Treatment Area | Units Needed | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masseter / Jaw slimming | 25 – 50 units per side | $500 – $1,500 | Also treats TMJ/bruxism |
| Underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) | 50 units per side | $1,000 – $1,500 | May be covered by insurance |
| Chronic migraines | 155 – 195 units | $1,500 – $3,000 | Often covered by insurance |
| Scalp sweating | 100 – 200 units | $1,000 – $2,500 | Off-label use |
How to estimate your cost: Multiply the number of units by your provider's per-unit price. For example, if your provider charges $12/unit and you need 25 units for frown lines, your cost would be approximately $300.
The per unit cost of Botox is the most transparent way to understand pricing. In 2026, the national average ranges from $10 to $15 per unit, though prices can vary widely:
| Pricing Tier | Cost Per Unit | Where You'll Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8 – $10 | Rural areas, promotional pricing, medspa chains, Groupon deals |
| Average | $10 – $14 | Most medspas, dermatology clinics, aesthetic practices |
| Premium | $14 – $18 | High-end practices, board-certified plastic surgeons, major cities |
| Ultra-Premium | $18 – $25+ | Celebrity injectors, Beverly Hills/Manhattan, renowned specialists |
Beware of prices that seem too low: Botox priced significantly below market rate ($5-$7/unit) may indicate diluted product, expired vials, or counterfeit Botox. Always verify that your provider uses authentic, FDA-approved Botox purchased directly from Allergan. Genuine Botox comes in sealed 50-unit or 100-unit vials with a holographic label.
Geographic location is one of the biggest factors in Botox pricing. Higher cost-of-living areas and markets with strong demand for cosmetic treatments tend to have higher prices.
| Region / City | Avg. Cost Per Unit | Full Upper Face (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $15 – $22 | $700 – $1,200 |
| Los Angeles / Beverly Hills | $14 – $20 | $650 – $1,100 |
| Miami / South Florida | $12 – $18 | $550 – $900 |
| Chicago | $12 – $16 | $550 – $850 |
| Dallas / Houston | $10 – $14 | $450 – $750 |
| Atlanta | $10 – $14 | $450 – $750 |
| Denver | $11 – $15 | $500 – $800 |
| Seattle | $12 – $16 | $550 – $850 |
| Las Vegas | $10 – $14 | $450 – $750 |
| Boston | $13 – $18 | $600 – $950 |
| Rural / Smaller Markets | $8 – $12 | $350 – $600 |
Find aesthetic training programs in your area: View all training locations
Since Botox results last 3-4 months, most patients need 3-4 treatments per year to maintain their results. Here's what that looks like annually:
Long-term savings tip: Many patients find that after 1-2 years of consistent Botox treatment, their muscles weaken enough that they need fewer units and can extend the interval between sessions. This can reduce annual costs by 15-25% over time.
Botox isn't the only neurotoxin on the market. Here's how its pricing compares to the alternatives:
| Product | Cost Per Unit | Units for Forehead | Forehead Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) | $10 – $15 | 10-30 | $120 – $450 | 3-4 months |
| Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) | $4 – $6 | 25-75 | $100 – $450 | 3-4 months |
| Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) | $10 – $14 | 10-30 | $120 – $420 | 3-4 months |
| Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA) | $8 – $12 | 10-30 | $100 – $360 | 3-4 months |
| Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA) | $12 – $18 | 10-30 | $150 – $540 | 6-9 months |
Key takeaway: While Dysport appears cheaper per unit, it requires 2.5-3x more units than Botox, so the total treatment cost is usually very similar. Daxxify costs more per session but can last up to twice as long, potentially offering better value for patients who want fewer office visits.
Cosmetic Botox — for wrinkles, crow's feet, forehead lines — is not covered by insurance. It is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.
However, medical Botox may be covered by insurance for FDA-approved therapeutic uses:
| Condition | Typical Units | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic migraines (15+ headache days/month) | 155-195 units | Commonly covered after other treatments fail |
| Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) | 50-100 units per area | Often covered with prior authorization |
| Cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms) | Varies | Usually covered as medically necessary |
| Overactive bladder | 100-200 units | Usually covered after oral medications fail |
| Spasticity (upper/lower limb) | Varies | Usually covered |
| TMJ / Bruxism | 25-50 units per side | Coverage varies — some plans cover with documentation |
How to get insurance coverage for Botox: You'll need a medical diagnosis from a qualified provider, documentation that other treatments have been tried first (step therapy), prior authorization from your insurance company, and treatment by an in-network provider. The process can take 2-4 weeks.
Many practices offer discounted pricing when you treat multiple areas or purchase a treatment package (e.g., prepay for 3 sessions). This can save 10-20% compared to single-visit pricing.
Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau deliver comparable results to Botox and may be priced lower in your market. Ask your provider about alternatives.
Many practices run promotions during slower months (January, August) or around holidays. Follow your provider on social media to catch deals.
The cheapest Botox isn't always the best value. Poorly injected Botox can lead to uneven results, droopy eyelids, or a "frozen" look — requiring correction that costs more than doing it right the first time. Choose your injector based on training, experience, and results, not just price.
If you're a healthcare professional considering adding Botox to your practice, understanding the business side is just as important as the clinical technique.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100-unit vial of Botox | $350 – $700 | $3.50-$7.00 per unit wholesale |
| Syringes & needles | $1 – $4 | Per treatment consumables |
| Topical anesthetic | $2 – $5 | Per treatment |
| Total cost per treatment | $75 – $200 | For a typical 20-40 unit treatment |
With a typical treatment costing $75-$200 in product and consumables and charging patients $300-$600 per session, practitioners can achieve 60-75% profit margins on Botox treatments. A practitioner performing 8-10 Botox treatments per day can generate significant revenue for a practice.
CME-accredited hands-on Botox training with live patients, expert faculty, and certification. Learn proper injection techniques, dosing, complication management, and practice business strategies.
View Botox Training ProgramsBotox typically costs $10-$15 per unit, with most cosmetic treatments requiring 20-60 units total. A single treatment area like the forehead costs $200-$400, while a full upper face treatment (forehead + crow's feet + frown lines) runs $500-$800. Prices vary by geographic location, provider experience, and practice type.
The average retail price of Botox is $10-$15 per unit in 2026. Prices range from $8 per unit in rural areas to $20+ per unit in premium metropolitan practices in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Botox for the forehead typically costs $200-$400 per session. The forehead requires 10-30 units depending on the size of the area and muscle strength. At $12-$15 per unit, most patients pay $150-$400 for forehead Botox alone.
Masseter Botox (jaw slimming/TMJ) typically costs $400-$800 per session. The masseter muscles require 25-50 units per side (50-100 units total), making it one of the more expensive treatment areas. At $10-$15 per unit, total cost ranges from $500-$1,500.
Insurance does not cover cosmetic Botox. However, medical Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, and sometimes TMJ/bruxism — and insurance may cover treatment for these conditions with documentation and prior authorization.
It depends on the area: forehead lines (10-30 units), frown lines (20-25 units), crow's feet (10-15 units per side), bunny lines (5-10 units), lip flip (4-8 units), masseter/jaw (25-50 units per side). A full upper face treatment typically uses 40-60 units total.
Dysport costs less per unit ($4-$6 vs. $10-$15 for Botox), but requires approximately 2.5-3x more units. When calculated by treatment area, the total cost is very similar — typically within 10-15% of each other.
Botox lasts 3-4 months, so most patients schedule 3-4 treatments per year. With consistent treatment over time, some patients can extend intervals to 4-6 months. Annual cost is typically $1,200-$3,000 depending on areas treated.
Compare cost, results, and duration of lip enhancement options.
CME-accredited hands-on training with live patients.
Salary, certification, and how to become an aesthetic nurse.
Aesthetic.Education | The Next Step in Medical Learning
AE Medical promotes training for Physicians, Nurses, Dentists and other certified healthcare professionals. Aesthetic Education is a powerful resource to improve your practice and generate revenue.
Get updates on new courses, special offers, and industry news