GROUPON GUIDE TO CHICAGO

How Much Does Botox Cost & How Does it Work?

BY: Groupon Editors |

You probably know the basics of Botox injections, especially that they're designed to smooth wrinkles. But you might be wondering things like "how much does Botox cost" or "how long does it take for Botox to work"? This guide will take you step by step through the process—just click one of the links below to get started:

What is Botox?

Put simply, Botox is a medication injected into muscles in order to temporarily smooth crow's-feet around the eyes and frown lines on the forehead. It contains a highly purified botulinum-toxin protein.

How much does Botox cost?

Cost varies, as some clinics choose to charge per unit and others per area. The average price is about $20 per unit, and a single treatment might use anywhere from 20 to 60 units per area. Expect to pay about $500 to $800 per session on average.

That said, if you use our site, you could find deals on Botox near you for as low as $7 per unit, and between $120 to $600 per session.

Where can I find Botox deals near me?

If you're looking for Botox deals near you, just click one of the boxes below;

How does Botox work?

Whenever you frown, laugh, or squint, certain facial muscles contract, creating lines on the face. Botox temporarily reduces this muscle activity by paralyzing these facial muscles, which helps to visibly smooth crow's feet lines and frown lines.

How long does it take for Botox to work? How long does Botox last?

Botox is known as a lunchtime procedure—the actual injections take only 10 minutes. That said, results generally don't show up for 24–48 hours. Faces look noticeably smoother within a week, with optimal results showing up after a month. In the manufacturer's clinical studies:

67.9% of people had mild or no crow's-feet on the 30th day after treatment
80% of people had significantly softened frown lines. The effects typically wear off in three to four months.

What are the Botox injection sites?

As noted above, the most common Botox injection sites are around the eyes and on the forehead. For a visual breakdown of injection sites, and for information regarding the number of units needed for each area, check out our Guide to Botox Injections for the Face.

Can Botox treat migraines?

Botox may be best known as a miracle wrinkler-eraser, but since 2010, it's also been an FDA-approved treatment for those suffering from chronic migraines. For more information, read our article on How Botox Can Help a Headache.

Can Botox treat sweating?

Botox has also been used as an effective treatment for excessive sweating. When injected in the underarms, palms, or feet, the substance helps deactivate sweat glands in much the same way it hampers muscle contractions. For more information, see our Guide to Botox and Sweating.

Am I eligible for Botox?

Most adults are eligible for Botox (the manufacturer doesn't recommend it for anyone younger than 18). Do not get Botox if you:

Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or to any other botulinum toxin product (Dysport, Xeomin, etc.)
Have an infection at the injection site
Have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
Are being treated for urinary incontinence or cannot empty your bladder on your own and aren't routinely catheterizing
Are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if Botox can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.

If you have other conditions, it is best to consult with your doctor before getting Botox.

Dysport vs Botox: What's the difference?

Since Botox made its first appearance in the med-spa world, a number of similar treatments have also become available. These include Dysport, another Botulinum toxin type A injectable, as well as dermal fillers (which use hyaluronic acid to plump skin) such as Juvéderm, Restylane, and Perlane. The decision to choose between Botox vs Dysport depends largely on the results you're hoping to achieve. For more information, check out the following guides:

What are the side effects of Botox?

When injected properly, Botox injections don't require a lot of downtime. Patients can typically resume all their normal activities immediately after a treatment.

That's not to say the injections are completely risk-free, however. Mild redness, bruising, and swelling can crop up in the days following a treatment, and more serious complications aren't unheard of.

Contrary to popular belief, the bacteria that causes botulism, clostridium botulinum, is not part of the treatment, nor are six of the seven neurotoxins it secretes. The only substance used in Botox injections, botulinum toxin A, is carefully extracted, purified, and standardized into FDA-approved doses. Plus, the dosage is so small, it can't get beyond the muscle tissue it's injected into, meaning there's little if any chance for Botox to reach the bloodstream.

What are people saying about Botox?

Check out what some of our customers had to say about their Botox experience:

"Carrie, the nurse who did the injections was awesome. Painless and passionate about her job. the office was gorgeous and clean." – from Claudia P.'s review of Chicago Institute of Plastic Surgery

"I had 25 units of Botox done by Dr. Goldberg on my forehead and frown lines. Few days later I could see the result with which I was very happy! [...] I have done Botox few times before with other specialists, after which my face would resemble a doll [...] However, after procedure with Dr. Goldberg, I am still able to lift my eyebrows and frown without forming any wrinkles." – from Dinara D.'s review of Alexander Golberg Physician PC in New York.

"This is my 8th time doing Botox like treatments and I have to say this treatment has had the very best results of all. I must mention the staff is cheerful and enthusiastic, a pleasure." – from K. S.'s review of Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center in Los Angeles