People come to a first botox consultation with two questions in mind: How much does it cost, and how long will it last? The honest answer depends on the brand, the dose, the area treated, and the injector’s technique. After more than a decade of performing botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic and therapeutic reasons, I’ve learned that durable, natural results come from matching the product and plan to the person, not the other way around. Consider this your grounded guide to the major brands, typical pricing structures, realistic longevity, and the nuances that actually move the needle.
What botox is really doing
Wrinkles from expression form because muscles repeatedly fold the skin. Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, quieting that repetitive contraction. When muscles relax, skin stops creasing so lines soften and future etching slows. That’s the essence of cosmetic botox therapy for forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, and the reason preventive botox and baby botox have become popular among people in their late 20s and 30s.
Cosmetic use is only part of the picture. Medical botox, the same class of botulinum toxin injections, helps with migraines, TMJ and masseter hypertrophy, hyperhidrosis, and cervical dystonia. The technique, dose, and goal shift, but the pharmacology is the same.
The major brands, explained in plain language
Botulinum toxin type A is the core ingredient in the most common options. Think of brands as different “formulations” of the same active molecule. They are not interchangeable unit for unit, and each has a character that shows up in the clinic.
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) set the standard. It’s reliable, widely studied, and blends predictably in saline. For most people, onset begins in about 3 to 5 days and peaks around day 10 to 14. In my hands, it produces a smooth softening without making the forehead look waxy when dosed appropriately. For beginners, it’s a straightforward choice and the reference point for unit counts in common areas.
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) diffuses a bit more, which can be helpful in larger muscles or broad areas like the forehead. It also tends to kick in faster, often within 48 to 72 hours. The unit numbers are higher because of how it is calibrated compared to Botox Cosmetic. A typical practical conversion is roughly 2.5 to 3 Dysport units for every 1 Botox unit, though injectors personalize that ratio by area. I reach for Dysport when I want a quicker start, slightly broader spread, or when a patient has historically preferred its “feel.”
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) has no accessory complexing proteins, so it is sometimes described as a “naked” toxin. In real life, that can mean slightly less risk of antibody formation for heavy, frequent users, though clinically significant resistance is rare in cosmetic dosing. Onset and longevity are comparable to Botox Cosmetic. I like it for people who prefer a minimalist ingredient list or those who have experienced diminishing effect with other brands and want to see if a switch helps.
Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) is a newer entrant for aesthetic use. It performs much like Botox Cosmetic in onset and duration, and some patients report a crisp effect in the glabella and forehead. It often prices competitively, and I’ve seen good consistency across repeat treatments.
All four are FDA approved for glabellar lines, and many providers use them off-label for crow’s feet, forehead lines, masseter slimming, lip flips, bunny lines, chin dimpling, and neck bands. The experiences above More help reflect how these products behave in typical cosmetic use, not promotional claims. Real performance still comes down to correct placement and dose.
How many units do typical areas need?
Unit counts vary with anatomy, strength of expression, and the aesthetic goal. Some people naturally frown harder, some have broader foreheads, some want a runway-smooth finish while others prefer a subtle botox softening that preserves motion. Below are common starting ranges for cosmetic botox injections in adults. They are not prescriptions, but they will help you sanity-check a plan during a botox consultation.
Frown lines (glabella) usually take 15 to 25 units of Botox or Xeomin or Jeuveau, or about 40 to 60 units of Dysport when adjusted for conversion. This area often benefits from a precise five-point pattern to tame the corrugator and procerus muscles. It is the workhorse treatment for “the 11s.”
Forehead lines vary more widely, 6 to 20 units depending on forehead height, frontalis strength, and whether the brows are already low. Too little and you won’t see much change, too much and brows can feel heavy. The injector should routinely check brow position and eyelid hooding before deciding.
Crow’s feet commonly need 6 to 12 units per side. Laughers with strong orbicularis oculi and etched lines often fall toward the higher end. A lighter touch works better for people with thin skin to avoid a flat look around the eyes.
Bunny lines on the nose are usually 2 to 6 units total. Chin dimpling may take 6 to 10 units. A lip flip, which relaxes the orbicularis oris to evert the upper lip slightly, is usually 4 to 8 units spread across a few microinjections. Neck bands (platysma) can range widely, 20 to 50 units across multiple points, and should be done by an injector comfortable with neck anatomy.
Masseter botox for jaw clenching or contouring typically starts at 20 to 30 units per side with Botox or equivalent, then adjusts over subsequent sessions. This is a deeper, more powerful muscle. The goal is relief of clenching pain for TMJ, slimming for masseter hypertrophy, or both, without chewing weakness.
I consider baby botox simply a lighter dose strategy within those ranges, often half to two-thirds, to preserve more movement and reduce risk of heaviness in beginners. It’s a good on-ramp if you’re cautious.
What drives longevity
You’ll hear simple numbers, like 3 to 4 months across the board. That’s not wrong, but it leaves out variables that matter. Here’s what really determines how long botox results last.
Dose matters most. Higher, well-placed doses tend to last longer, especially in strong muscles. The trade-off is more relaxation and potentially less movement. Someone who needs to look animated for work may prefer slightly shorter longevity with preserved motion.
Muscle strength and baseline lines play a role. A heavy frowner may metabolize the effect faster or simply need more units to hit the same duration. Very fine, early lines vanish more quickly and tend to hold longer at lower doses.
Metabolism, activity, and genetics matter at the margins. Endurance athletes and people with high metabolic rates sometimes report shorter duration by a few weeks. It’s not universal, but I hear it enough to consider it when planning.
Product differences are subtle. In real life, most patients see similar longevity across brands if the dose is adjusted appropriately. Some report Dysport feels like it kicks in faster and fades a touch earlier, others disagree. Xeomin and Jeuveau often mirror Botox Cosmetic for duration.
Repeat treatments can extend the curve. When you treat consistently, the targeted muscles get deconditioned a bit, so lines soften more and the interval between touch-ups can stretch. People who start in their 20s and 30s with light preventive botox typically maintain smoother skin with fewer etched lines over time.
For cosmetic areas, count on about 3 to 4 months for most people, with masseter and hyperhidrosis botox often lasting 4 to 6 months or longer. Migraine protocols usually aim for a 12-week cycle.
Prices, units, and what “a good deal” really looks like
Botox cost is presented in two main ways. Per unit pricing is straightforward and common in medical practices. Per area pricing is more common in med spas or for package deals. Neither is inherently better, but transparency matters.
Typical per-unit prices for Botox Cosmetic or its peers in the United States land around 10 to 20 dollars per unit, with geographic variation and injector experience baked in. Large metropolitan areas with high overhead cluster toward the higher end. Dysport per unit looks cheaper until you factor in the conversion ratio. Xeomin and Jeuveau sometimes run promotions that lower the price briefly.
If the glabella takes 20 units, forehead 10, and crow’s feet 20 total, you might need 50 units for a conservative full upper face. At 13 to 16 dollars per unit, that’s 650 to 800 dollars. If your muscles are stronger or your goal is a smoother finish, the count can climb to 60 or 70 units. That’s the core math behind botox price quotes.
Watch for the pitfalls behind “affordable botox” marketing. Deeply discounted events may pack too many appointments into a short window, which can lead to rushed assessments and cookie-cutter dosing. Product should come from legitimate U.S. distributors, kept cold during shipping, and used within appropriate time after reconstitution. A certified botox injector will be able to explain reconstitution volumes, hand you the vial if you ask to see it, and document your botox dosage by area.
Do not chase the lowest number if it means compromising on sterile technique, anatomy knowledge, or follow-up care. Injections are simple, but they are not trivial. The best botox is the one you don’t notice, except for the compliments.
The appointment flow that sets you up for success
A solid botox appointment begins with a detailed conversation. I ask what bothers you most when you look in the mirror or on video calls. I watch your expression at rest and in motion. I check brow position, eyelid heaviness, asymmetries, and skin quality. If masseter clenching or neck bands are on the table, I palpate those muscles while you bite down or flex. The point is to map your anatomy so we can build a rational botox treatment plan, not just count units.
Photos help, even if you are not ready to post botox before and after images anywhere. They let you track subtle changes and fine-tune at future visits. Expect a discussion of botox risks and common botox side effects before any injection. Bruising is the most frequent nuisance. Headaches can occur, especially after a first treatment. Eyelid or brow heaviness happens when the frontalis is overdosed or injections are placed too low, particularly in those with low-set brows. Most side effects are temporary and manageable, and a safe botox treatment should include clear aftercare instructions and a reachable provider.
Once we’re aligned, the procedure itself is quick. We cleanse, sometimes use ice or a topical numbing cream for sensitive spots, then place a series of small injections. The needles are tiny, and most people describe the sensation as a pinprick with brief pressure. You walk out within minutes, with only a few small red marks that fade within an hour or two. There is no significant downtime, though I recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, saunas, and head-down yoga for the first day, and postponing facials or massages that apply pressure to treated areas for 24 to 48 hours.
What “natural” actually means
Natural looking botox is not the same as “no movement.” The goal in most professional botox injections is to soften harsh lines while keeping your ability to express yourself. That means strategically relaxing the muscles that create wrinkles, not freezing the forehead into a billboard. If you present on stage or need animated brows for your job, we can leave more frontalis activity and focus on the frown complex and crow’s feet. If your brows are naturally low, we lift them subtly by treating the depressors and keeping the elevators active at the right dose.
A subtle botox plan usually starts lighter, then adds a touch-up at two weeks if needed. I prefer this approach for beginners because it keeps you in control and avoids that overtreated look that scares people off.
How to compare brands for your specific goals
If speed matters, Dysport’s faster onset can be attractive when you have an event coming up within the week. If you want a conservative, proven baseline, Botox Cosmetic remains a steady choice. If you’ve been getting routine botox injections for years or you worry about antibodies, Xeomin’s accessory-protein-free profile is a sensible experiment. If you value price promos and a crisp aesthetic effect, Jeuveau can fit well.
Here’s a compact way to think about it without a dense chart:
- Onset: Dysport often feels fastest, then Botox Cosmetic or Jeuveau, with Xeomin similar. Spread: Dysport can diffuse a bit broader, which is good or bad depending on the target. Longevity: Similar across brands when properly dosed, roughly 3 to 4 months. Price: Varies by clinic and geography; Jeuveau and Xeomin sometimes run competitive specials; Dysport unit cost appears lower but requires more units.
That last point is key when comparing botox deals. Always ask about the product used, units planned, and the injector’s rationale.
Therapeutic uses that change the math
Therapeutic botox for migraines, hyperhidrosis, TMJ, and neck muscle spasm follows different dosing maps, and insurance may cover parts of it when criteria are met. Migraine protocols often span 31 or more injection sites across the scalp, temples, forehead, and neck, repeated every 12 weeks. Hyperhidrosis botox for underarms can quiet sweating for 4 to 6 months or longer, improving quality of life in a way topical antiperspirants cannot. Palms and soles are treatable too, though injections are more uncomfortable and require experienced technique.
Masseter botox for jaw clenching reduces muscle bulk gradually over two or three sessions. The change in face shape tends to look most noticeable around month three, then matures with maintenance every 4 to 6 months. If you grind heavily at night, a night guard plus botox works better than either alone.
These therapeutic protocols often use higher total units than a standard cosmetic visit, so the botox price conversation shifts. If insurance does not apply, discuss package pricing or phased plans with your botox provider.
Safety, side effects, and realistic precautions
Is botox safe? For appropriately selected adults and in the hands of a trained injector, yes. The safety profile is strong across millions of procedures, but it is still a medication with specific risks. Temporary bruising, mild swelling, and headaches are the most common annoyances. Asymmetry can happen, and usually is correctable with a small adjustment after the two-week mark. Rarely, diffusion to a nearby muscle can induce eyelid ptosis or a heavy brow. This wears off as the toxin’s effect fades. Avoiding manipulation of the area right after injections and choosing a skilled provider reduce these risks.
Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain neuromuscular disorders, and known allergy to components of the formulation. If you have a bleeding disorder, are on blood thinners, or have a history of keloids, tell your injector before scheduling. A careful medical history is part of safe practice, even for what seems like a routine botox treatment.
For post botox care, the biggest points are simple: keep your head upright for a few hours, avoid aggressive rubbing, hold off on intense workouts until the next day, and skip facials for 24 to 48 hours. Makeup is fine after the small injection points close, usually within an hour. If something feels off, contact your clinic. Good practices build follow-up into the plan, with a check around the two-week mark to review botox results and tweak if needed.
How to choose a provider without guesswork
You want a certified botox injector who sees faces all day, not once a month. Training and taste both matter. Ask to see a range of botox before and after photos that match your age, gender, and features. A skilled injector will point out why they placed units where they did, not just show a pretty picture. Look for a botox clinic that schedules enough time for a proper exam and explanation, not a churn of five-minute appointments.
Geography shapes your search, so it’s natural to start with “botox injections near me.” Proximity is helpful, but the clinic’s approach and reliability are more important. If a practice is transparent about product sourcing, discusses botox near me botox guidelines and aftercare clearly, and welcomes questions about dosing, you’re in the right lane.
For men, dose and placement often differ because male facial muscles are bulkier. If you’re searching for botox for men, ask the provider how they adapt their technique to masculine features. The goal is refreshed without feminizing the brow or flattening expression. The same principle applies to botox for women who want a precise lift without arching the brows too high. Subtlety takes judgment.
Building a maintenance rhythm that fits your life
Routine botox injections work best on a 12 to 16 week rhythm for most cosmetic areas. Some stretch to 20 weeks once they reach steady state, others prefer a tidy calendar every three months. The sweet spot balances cost, convenience, and how much motion you like between visits.
If you are new, plan a two-visit ramp. First appointment with conservative dosing, then a two-week check for a small touch up if needed. Once you have a settled map, schedule repeat botox treatments before the effect fully wears off to prevent old lines from reasserting. This approach is especially effective for etched forehead lines and deep crow’s feet.
If you have a special event, count backward. Because peak effect often lands around day 10 to 14, aim your botox appointment two to three weeks before photos. Don’t experiment with a brand switch right before a wedding or big presentation. Consistency is your friend under the spotlight.
A practical comparison in everyday terms
People often ask for a bottom-line comparison that blends cost, feel, and staying power without a dense spreadsheet. This captures the reality in clinic language:
- Botox Cosmetic: The reference standard with predictable results. Onset in 3 to 5 days, peak at two weeks, durability around 3 to 4 months. Pricing per unit is often mid to high depending on location and injector experience. A safe starting point for first time botox patients. Dysport: Faster onset and wider spread can be useful for broad areas or dynamic frowners. Requires more units for comparable effect, so don’t judge on unit price alone. Many regulars love its quick “settle in” feeling. Xeomin: Clean formulation without accessory proteins. On par with Botox Cosmetic for onset and longevity. Good option if you prefer minimal additives or have noticed waning effect after years on a different brand. Jeuveau: Aesthetic-focused formulation that tends to mirror Botox Cosmetic for effect and duration, sometimes offered at aggressive promotional pricing. Consistent if your injector is familiar with its handling.
Any of these can deliver natural, trusted botox results in the right hands. If you’re unsure, choose by the injector rather than the label. The quality of placement, the conversation about your goals, and the aftercare support shape your experience far more than the brand alone.
When alternatives make more sense
Botox vs fillers is a common fork in the road. If the line appears mostly with movement, botox tackles the cause. If the line is etched at rest because the skin has folded for years, a tiny line of hyaluronic acid filler may be better, sometimes combined with botox to prevent the fold from returning. For midface volume loss, fillers and bio-stimulators, not botulinum toxin, carry the load. For texture issues and fine etched lines spread across the face, consider resurfacing lasers, microneedling, or skincare with retinoids and peptides to complement wrinkle botox.
There are also non-injectable botox alternatives for sweat, like prescription antiperspirants and iontophoresis for hands and feet, or oral medications that reduce sweating systemically. Each has trade-offs in efficacy and side effects. For migraines, neuromodulators are part of a broader arsenal that includes CGRP inhibitors and lifestyle changes.
Putting it together for your first visit
If you’re a beginner, keep it simple. Focus on the one area that bothers you most, usually the frown lines or crow’s feet. Share photos of how you look by day’s end or under harsh lighting, because that’s when dynamic lines tend to pop. Ask your botox specialist how they will keep your expression natural and what their plan is if you feel heavy or asymmetric. Book your botox touch up window before you leave so you’re not chasing your injector’s calendar later.
The first 24 hours should be quiet. You’ll likely feel nothing more than a mild tension headache or a sense that your forehead is “different” as the muscles begin to relax. Most people wake up on day three, catch themselves in the mirror, and notice a calmer brow. By week two, the full effect arrives. That rhythm becomes familiar, and soon you’ll know exactly when to set the next botox appointment to stay ahead of returning lines.
Final thoughts rooted in practice
The best way to compare botox brands, cost, and longevity is to match them to your anatomy, your goals, and your calendar. Units are not currency across products, so judge value by planned outcome, not by a single number. Longevity is meaningful, but the quality of the result and how it fits your face matters more than squeezing out an extra week.
Whether you prefer preventive botox with feather-light dosing or a more assertive plan for forehead lines, the process should feel collaborative. Ask questions. Expect a clear map of units, areas, and aftercare. Look for a trusted botox provider who documents your plan and refines it when you return. That’s how you turn a first treatment into a comfortable, long-term routine that keeps you looking like you, just a more rested version.