The Real Cost of Botox in NYC
Why "Per Unit" Pricing is a Trap (And Why We Use a Flat Fee)
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
If you are researching the cost of Botox in NYC, you have likely encountered a confusing array of numbers. Some clinics advertise "$15 per unit." Others offer memberships. Others hide their prices entirely.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we believe medical aesthetics should be transparent, not a negotiation.
The truth is, the "low price per unit" model used by many New York med spas is often a sales tactic designed to get you in the door, only to hit you with a much higher bill once you are in the chair. Worse, there is an incentive to give you more Botox units than you need, producing unnatural results.
Here is the honest breakdown of what Botox actually costs in Manhattan, and why we use a Flat-Fee Pricing Model to protect our patients.
The "Per Unit" Myth: Why $15/Unit Isn't Cheap
| Pricing Model | The Pitch | The Reality |
|---|---|---|
| "Cheap" Med Spa (Per Unit Model) |
"$12 - $15 per unit" |
Unpredictable Bill. If you need 50 units (common for forehead + glabella), your bill jumps to $700+. Plus, you often face pressure to buy more units or tip. |
| The DLG Expert Difference (Flat Fee Model) |
"Flat Fee per Area" |
Transparent & Stable. Starts at $750 for the first area. Additional areas are just $200 each. Includes full correction, anatomy exam, and pain management. No counting units. |
The DLG Difference: Flat-Fee Pricing for Perfection
We do things differently. The Dermatology and Laser Group charges a flat fee based on the area treated, not the number of drops in the syringe. And you are personally treated by a nationally-renowned Botox expert, Dr. Arash Akhavan.
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First Area: $750
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Additional Areas: $200 each
- As an added bonus- areas requiring small amounts of Botox, such as for lip flip, for gummy smile, or in the chin area, are included free of charge!
Why is this better for you?
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Alignment of Goals: We are not incentivized to over-inject you. Our only goal is an artistic, natural result. Whether you need 20 units, 40 units, or 80 units to achieve that look, the price is the same.
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No "Dosage Anxiety": You never have to worry that we are "skimping" on product to save money, or "overloading" it to make money. He simply uses the exact amount your anatomy dictates.
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Predictability: You know exactly what you will pay before you walk in.
Why "Bargain" Botox Can Cost You More
When it comes to your face, the "cost" isn't just the price tag—it's the risk.
In NYC, you can find Groupon deals for Botox administered by nurse injectors or general practitioners. While the upfront cost is lower, the long-term cost of correcting a bad job is high.
Common issues with "Discount" Botox include:
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Diluted Product: Some unethical clinics over-dilute the Botox with saline to make it stretch further. This leads to results that wear off in 6 weeks instead of 3-4 months.
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The "Spocked" Look: Poor placement can cause eyebrows to shoot up unnaturally.
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Heavy Brows: Over-dosing the forehead can cause the brows to drop, making you look tired or angry.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, every single injection is performed by Dr. Arash Akhavan, a Top Doctor, Castle Connolly award winner, and Mount Sinai faculty member who trains other physicians. You are paying for 17+ years of anatomical expertise, ensuring your result is undetectable.
What Does the Price Include?
When you book a Botox treatment at our Midtown office, your $750 fee includes more than just the vial:
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Comprehensive Anatomy Exam: We map your unique muscle movement before treating.
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Pain Management: We use the specialized TSK "Invisible Needle" from Japan (the thinnest in the world) and offer prescription-strength numbing for a near-painless experience.
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Premium Product: We use authentic Botox Cosmetic®, Xeomin®, or our favorite, Daxxify® (the long-lasting peptide alternative).
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The "Natural" Guarantee: Our signature Micro-Droplet technique ensures you maintain facial expression while softening lines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Cost
Do you charge a consultation fee? We charge a consultation fee of $250, but this is fully credited towards the cost of your Botox treatment. This means if you proceed with the procedure (which most patients do immediately after their exam), the consultation effectively becomes free. This policy ensures that Dr. Akhavan can dedicate his full attention and expertise to patients who are serious about achieving the best results.
Is Daxxify more expensive than Botox? At The Dermatology and Laser Group, Daxxify costs the exact same price as standard Botox. We believe you shouldn't have to pay a premium for better technology. Because Daxxify is peptide-powered to last up to 6 months (longer than the 3-4 months of standard Botox), it offers significantly better value per year. This combination of longevity and fair pricing has made it the absolute favorite choice for both our patients and Dr. Akhavan.
How often do I need to pay for maintenance? Most of our patients visit us just 2 to 3 times a year to maintain their results. Because we use full-correction dosages (not watered-down "micro-doses" that wear off in weeks) and long-lasting products like Daxxify, you can enjoy your results longer and spend less time in the doctor's office.
Invest in Your Face, Don't Bargain With It
Your face is your calling card. The difference between a $12/unit Groupon injection and a faculty-level dermatologist's treatment is visible to everyone you meet.
Don't risk a frozen forehead, or even worse- droopy eyelids, to save a few dollars. Choose the transparent, safety-focused option.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Botox, Daxxify, Face and Neck