How Botox pricing works
The per-unit model
Each vial of botulinum toxin contains a set number of units. The physician injects what is needed to achieve the intended effect, and you pay for what is used. If the clinic charges a set rate per unit and your treatment requires 20 units, the math is simple.
At La Cle, first-time Botox starts at $10 per unit, which lets new patients get a proper medical assessment and a well-calibrated first treatment without a premium price tag.
Why your unit count differs from someone else's
Two patients treating forehead lines will not necessarily receive the same dose. Several things affect the number:
- Muscle strength: a stronger muscle needs more units to respond.
- Whether the lines are present at rest (static wrinkles) or only appear with movement.
- Facial anatomy and muscle architecture, which vary from person to person.
- The result you want: a very natural look with some movement preserved calls for a different dose than a smoother finish.
This is why a consultation is the only honest way to know your actual dose before treatment.
Common treatment areas and typical unit ranges
The ranges below are general guides. A physician can only confirm your dose after examining you.
Forehead lines
The forehead is often the first area patients ask about. Typical doses range from 10 to 20 units, depending on forehead height and how strongly the muscles contract.
Frown lines (the 11s)
The vertical lines between the brows respond well to Botox. Doses here generally fall between 15 and 25 units, depending on how deep the lines are.
Crow's feet
These appear when you smile or squint. The area around the eyes is delicate, and doses tend to run lower, roughly 10 to 15 units per side. Placement matters a lot here, and an experienced injector will preserve the natural movement of the eye area rather than flattening it.
Other areas
Botox also treats neck bands, chin dimpling, the upper lip, and excessive underarm sweating. Each has its own dosing considerations and medical factors. For a full overview of what is available, see La Cle's Botox treatment page.
Why the lowest price is not the right goal
It is tempting to search for the cheapest clinic. But with facial injections, two things matter more than the per-unit rate.
Who is doing the injecting
Botox injected in the wrong location or at the wrong dose can cause a drooping eyelid, an uneven brow, or a frozen expression that no one is going for. These outcomes do happen, and most of them cannot be reversed until the toxin wears off naturally, usually in three to four months.
Physician-led aesthetic medicine is not a marketing phrase. It is a clinical distinction. A physician reads the facial anatomy, anticipates how muscles interact, and adjusts the dose accordingly. At La Cle, every treatment plan is established by a physician from the start.
Honest dosing
Some clinics under-dose on purpose to advertise a lower total price. You get a partial result, come back for a touch-up, and the combined cost ends up higher than a properly dosed treatment would have been. Others over-inject to compensate for imprecise technique, and the result is a face that no longer moves naturally.
The real question is not how much it costs, but how many units you need, who is injecting them, and why.
What to ask at your consultation
A good consultation answers these questions before the first injection:
- How many units is the physician planning for each area, and why?
- What is the exact per-unit rate?
- Which brand of toxin is being used? Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin have different conversion factors.
- What happens if the result is uneven or insufficient after two weeks?
- Is a touch-up included?
If a clinic cannot answer these clearly before asking you to sign anything, that is worth noting.
What to expect at La Cle
La Cle is a physician-led medical aesthetic clinic at 204 Notre-Dame Street West, Suite 202, in Old Montreal. The approach is straightforward: treatments are designed around you, not around a standard protocol.
In practice, that means no injections without a prior evaluation. The physician reviews your facial anatomy, discusses what you are hoping to achieve, and determines the appropriate dose. The goal is a natural result, not an erased one.
For new patients, the first-time Botox offer starting at $10 per unit is a good way to get assessed properly, ask your questions, and start with a treatment that fits you.
Book a consultation online or call 438 226-0160.
Frequently asked questions
Is Botox pricing regulated in Montreal or Quebec?
No. Clinics set their own rates. Prices vary based on the type of practitioner, the brand of toxin, and the location. Comparing per-unit rates alone, without factoring in who is injecting and what dose is planned, is not a reliable way to choose a clinic.
How many units do I need for the forehead and crow's feet?
A common range is 10 to 20 units for the forehead and roughly 10 to 15 units per side for crow's feet. These numbers vary with your anatomy and the result you want. Only an in-person assessment can tell you what is right for you.
Does Botox hurt?
The needles used are very fine and the injections take only a few minutes. Most patients describe a brief pinching sensation. Some clinics apply a numbing cream beforehand, particularly for more sensitive areas.
How long does Botox last?
Generally three to five months. The duration depends on your metabolism, the area treated, and the dose you received. People who exercise intensively often find the toxin clears faster.
Can I get a natural result, without looking frozen?
Yes, and that is exactly what proper dosing by a physician is meant to achieve. A face that cannot move at all is usually the result of over-injection. The objective is to soften lines while keeping normal facial movement intact.
La Cle clinical team