If you are considering a treatment to refresh your look, you have likely asked: “How much do Botox injections cost?” In Toronto and across Canada, the price is rarely a single flat rate. Instead, it depends on the product used, the number of units required, and the specific treatment areas you want to address.
BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is the most famous cosmetic treatment in the world. Produced by Allergan, it is a purified Botulinum toxin type A derived from Clostridium botulinum. While the word botulism can sound scary, Health Canada has approved these injections for decades because they use a highly controlled, localized active protein.
What is Botox and how does it work?
To understand the price, you must understand the science. BOTOX is a neuromodulator. Its primary job is to interfere with nerve signals sent to the muscles. Specifically, it blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.
When the muscle cannot receive the signal to move, the muscle contraction stops. This relaxation of the facial muscles allows the skin to smooth out, effectively treating dynamic wrinkles—the lines that appear when you make facial expressions.
Whether it is forehead lines, crow’s feet, or glabellar lines (the frown lines between the eyebrows), the neurotoxins work by targeting SNARE proteins to stop the movement that creates deep creases over time.
How much does it cost per unit?
In most clinics in North America, and specifically in Toronto, you will pay for units of Botox. A unit is a specific measure of the toxins extracts.
- Average Cost: In Canada, you can expect to pay between $10 and $17 per unit.
- Total Price: Your total cost is calculated by multiplying the price per unit by the number of units used.
For example, treating forehead wrinkles might require 20 units. If the clinic charges $12 per unit, your total for that area would be $240.
How many units will I need?
The number of units depends on your treatment plan. A medical professional will assess your muscle strength and the depth of your fine lines.
- Forehead lines: 10 to 30 units.
- Crow’s feet: 5 to 15 units per side.
- Glabellar lines (11s): 15 to 25 units.
- Bunny lines (on the nose): 5 to 10 units.
- Masseter muscle (jaw slimming): 20 to 50 units per side.
- Gummy smile: 2 to 4 units.
Men often require more units than women because their facial muscles are typically larger and stronger.
What other brands are available?
While many people use “Botox” as a general word for all injectables, there are several different types of Botulinum Toxin A on the market.
- Dysport®: Also known as abobotulinumtoxinA, Dysport tends to spread a bit more than Botox, which some injectors prefer for larger areas like the forehead.
- Xeomin®: This is a “naked” neurotoxin, meaning it doesn’t have the additive proteins found in Botox. It is often used if a patient stops responding to other products.
- DaxibotulinumtoxinA: A newer, long-lasting option.
- LetibotulinumtoxinA: Another recent addition to the aesthetic medicine market.
Using Botox for medical reasons
Botox isn’t just for facial wrinkles. It is a powerful tool for various muscle disorders and a recognized neurologic condition or two.
- Chronic Migraines: For those with a chronic daily headache, Botox can reduce headache symptoms by injecting specific points around the head and neck.
- Hyperhidrosis: This is the medical term for excessive sweating. Botox is highly effective for axillary hyperhidrosis (sweating in the axilla or armpit).
- Bruxism: Injecting the masseter helps stop teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
- Other uses: Health Canada also approves it for blepharospasm (eyelid twitching), cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms), spasticity, and overactive bladder (including urinary incontinence or detursor overactivity).
What happens during the treatment?
The process is quick and is often called a “lunchtime procedure” because it requires no surgery. Your Toronto BOTOX® specialist will identify the injection sites. Using a very fine needle, they will place the product directly into the muscle.
You might feel a small pinch, but it is generally well-tolerated. To prevent bruising, it is often recommended to avoid NSAIDs, Warfarin, and alcohol for a few days before your appointment. In some cases, such as deep muscle work, an EMG-guided injection might be used to ensure total precision.
Is Botox safe and what are the side effects?
When performed by a trained medical professional, Botox is very safe. However, like any medical treatment, there can be side effects.
- Common side effects: Temporary redness at the injection site, a mild headache, or slight bruising.
- Rare risks: Ptosis (a drooping eyelid), diplopia (double vision), or muscle weakness in nearby areas.
- Serious warnings: Postmarketing reports mention the distant spread of toxin effect, which can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or urinary retention. However, these are extremely rare when using authentic Allergan Canada products in a clinical setting.
In the event of an emergency, a botulinum antitoxin exists, but it is almost never required for cosmetic doses.
How long do the results last?
You won’t see results instantly. It usually takes 3 to 5 days to begin seeing a change, with the full effect visible after 14 days. This is when you can really appreciate the Before and After difference.
Most treatments last between 3 and 4 months. Over time, the body breaks down the protein, and muscular movement gradually returns. Many people choose to get treated prophylactically to prevent fine lines from turning into deep permanent wrinkles.
Botox vs. Fillers and other treatments
Botox is often used as part of a combination treatment. While Botox relaxes muscles, dermal fillers like Juvederm or other hyaluronic acid products add volume to the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers: Used for marionette lines, lip lines, and adding volume to cheeks.
- Full-face Dermal Fillers: Can be used alongside Botox for total rejuvenation.
- Other options: Clinics may also offer Lasers, SYLFIRM X, Tixel® 2, or SkinPen® Microneedling to improve skin elasticity and texture.
Why you should choose a specialist
It is tempting to look for the cheapest price in advertising, but the skill of the injector is more important than the cost per unit. An inexperienced injector might cause a “frozen” look, affecting your natural facial expressions, or worse, cause a gummy smile to look asymmetrical.
A Toronto BOTOX® specialist understands the complex anatomy of facial muscles. They follow strict disinfecting protocols and ensure the product is stored correctly.
Final thoughts on cost and value
The cost of Botox is an investment in your confidence. Whether you are using it for cosmetic uses, chronic migraines, or urinary incontinence, the value comes from the expertise of the person holding the needle.
Always check a clinic’s review history and ensure they are using authentic Allergan or Dysport® products. While the advertising might draw you in, the results—and your safety—are what matter most.
Contact us to book your consultation. To book an appointment, please submit your request through our website or send us an email. Due to ongoing health standards, we maintain the highest disinfecting protocols for every patient visit.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a meta-analysis of clinical data and randomized control trials. Individual results may vary. For those taking medication for medication overuse or heart conditions, please consult your doctor.
