When thinking about receiving a Botox procedure cost is a major factor for most patients. When it comes to a procedure as complicated as the Botox injection though, you really don’t want to risk disfigurement. The three major factors in determining cost for this procedure are doctor qualifications, doctor experience, and geographic region.

Doctor Qualification and Experience

These are two areas where you don’t want to skimp. Giving Botox injections at the proper sites, appropriate depth and just the right volume or amount is critical for the outcome you want. If someone tells you that this is easy, don’t get your injections done by them. It really does require experience and knowledge to place these injections properly.

Unfortunately this means that you can’t shop around all that much. Definitely check price variations between doctors of relatively similar experience and professional standing. You might find enough variation to push you one way or another, but probably not. Definitely do not go bargain shopping when it comes to health and you face.

Pricing by Geographic Region

The above graphic shows that the average cost per Botox injection in the U.S. is $378. The chart also shows the average deviation from the national average by region – West, Midwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and South. The thing to remember about pricing variation by geography is that it will often vary quite a bit within only a few hundred miles.

For instance, in Manhattan it will be easy to pay $500 or more for the procedure, whereas outside the city a bit you can probably find a good doc for under $400. Again, a procedure in L.A. or Hollywood is going to cost a bundle more than in Sacramento. The thing is it probably isn’t worth the time and travel expense.

Financing Plastic Surgery

There are many doctors and several private lenders who will finance your cosmetic procedure for you. This may or may not be a good option for you. Remember that you will be paying interest on a loan for a procedure that has unpredictable and short-term results.

When trying to find a bargain when it comes to a medical procedure you are usually out of luck. There are a limited number of skilled and qualified professionals who are able to consistently achieve the results you want. If Botox injections are outside of your discretionary spending budget, look for a quality doctor who will help you finance the procedure.