Understanding the Costs of Aesthetic Treatments

Aesthetic treatments are more popular than ever—but why do prices vary so much? In this post, we break down key cost factors to empower readers to make confident, informed choices.

If you’re exploring aesthetic treatments, you may have noticed significant differences in pricing. That’s because a range of factors go into what you see on the price tag: the service type, provider expertise, brand name, technology, and more.

In this post, we’ll unpack the key elements that influence aesthetic pricing and share tips on how to budget wisely, maximize value, and stay safe.

What Goes Into the Aesthetic Treatments Price Tag?

Let’s look at some of the most important pricing considerations in the medical aesthetics space.

The Brand Name and Technology

The product or device brand plays a major role in cost. For example, neuromodulators like Botox and Xeomin or dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane come with different pricing based on popularity, performance, and name recognition. Treatments such as CoolSculpting, Halo Laser Treatment, and Vivace Microneedling often carry a higher price point due to brand prestige and results.

Technology matters, too. High-end laser, radiofrequency, and ultrasound devices cost more for providers to offer—especially when they involve disposable components (expendables) that must be used with each client.

FDA-approved or cleared treatments also typically cost more due to the rigorous safety and efficacy data required. For example, CoolSculpting Elite is FDA-cleared for multiple body areas, and Botox has more FDA-approved uses than any other neuromodulator.

Provider Licensure and Expertise 

Experience and credentials matter—and they affect the cost. Avoid providers offering prices that seem “too good to be true,” as they may lack appropriate licensure or training. Reputable providers typically stay within a consistent industry price range.

The two key elements that determine provider credibility are licensure and specialization.

Anthony Moschitto, Marketing Director at DermaTouch RN, emphasizes that “the use of licensed providers—like Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, PAs, and MDs—matters.”

“Secondly, not only do aesthetic service providers have to go through the medical training to acquire their license, but because this area of medicine isn’t an area of specialization, there is a large amount of training that has to occur before a provider can treat,” shares Moschitto. “This includes more specific knowledge of anatomy, understanding of products and devices, etc.”

This level of knowledge is baked into the cost of care. Skilled providers can charge more—and with good reason. You’re paying for their advanced training, safety standards, and experience.

“Additionally, the most successful providers typically have some type of mentor or many mentors who have helped them hone their skills. Continuing education is important, as well.”

Another key consideration? Physician oversight. “This is important to help institute standards for safe treatments and to serve as a resource for complications,” Moschitto adds.

Provider Location

Geography also impacts pricing. Urban clinics may charge more due to higher overhead or populartiy, while rural clinics may charge more due to lower demand and limited competition.

Likewise, boutique or high-end med spas tend to cost more than budget aesthetics chains—sometimes by hundreds of dollars per treatment.

Customization of Your Treatment Plan

There’s no one-size-fits-all in aesthetic medicine (and if a clinic says there is—run!). Your individualized plan may include consultations, facial mapping, dosing strategies, and a series of treatments—all of which affect pricing.

Provider’s Relationships with Manufacturers

Providers with strong relationships with manufacturers may be able to offer lower costs. Look for clinics that display certifications or annual status recognitions from major brands—this typically signals they’re sourcing products directly from the manufacturer.

Why does that matter?

There were several cases last year of complications from improperly sourced or counterfeit Botox.

Moschitto explains that these issues stemmed from providers using products from the gray market. When this happens, safety standards are not maintained, which can lead to complications. 

“This applies not only to injectables but also to equipment,” he says. “There are knock-off devices out there that do not have the safety measures the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) devices have, and there are also recertified devices being sold that may not be going through rigorous testing to ensure the device is operating at expected standards.”

Bottom line: If a deal looks suspiciously cheap, it could come at a cost to your health. Always confirm that your provider sources products and equipment safely and directly from the manufacturer. 

Cost Ranges by Treatment Type*

Neuromodulators: Botox ranges from $10 to $25 per unit, while Dysport typically ranges from $4 to $10 per unit (Dysport required more units per treatment to achieve similar results to Botox).  At DermaTouch RN:

• Botox starts at $10** per unit for members and $10.50** for nonmembers.
  
• Dysport starts at $3.60** per unit for members and $4.00** for nonmembers.
  **Minimum purchase required for lowest pricing.

Dermal Fillers: Typically range from $500 to $1200 per syringe. At DermaTouch RN: $550 to $780 per syringe.

Laser Treatments: Costs vary widely—from $200 to $4500 (or more) per session. At DermaTouch RN: Treatments like Halo, Moxi, BBL, CoolPeel, and Sciton Profractional range from $700 to $1400 per session or treatment area.

Body Contouring: CoolSculpting Elite ranges from $2000–$4000 per area. CoolTone ranges from $700–$1000 per area. At DermaTouch RN:

• CoolTone: $1800 per area for nonmembers, $1440 for members
  
• CoolSculpting Elite: $1999 per area for nonmembers, $1899 for members
  

Other Skin Rejuvenation: Treatments like Diamond Glow, chemical peels, and microneedling range from $100 to $1500+. Chemical peels tend to be more affordable, while RF microneedling sits at the higher end.

*All DermaTouch RN prices listed are based on the date this blog was published. Prices are subject to change. Refer here for current pricing.

Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better

It’s tempting to go with the lowest price—but that often comes with hidden risks:

• Unlicensed or underqualified providers
  
• Higher chance of poor results or complications
  
• Costly corrective procedures later
  
• Lower safety and sanitation standards
  

A quality provider will work with you to meet your goals, budget, and safety needs. At DermaTouch RN, we offer specials, packages, and customized plans to help you afford treatments over time.

Getting the Most Value from Your Investment

Here are some tips to help you get the most value for your investment when it comes to cosmetic and aesthetic treatments. 

Schedule a Consultation First

A consultation helps align your expectations, budget, and goals—and lets you assess the provider to ensure you feel comfortable working with them. 

During your initial treatment, Moschitto recommends:

• Communicating your timeline. Your provider needs to understands your timeline, especially if you have a big event or trip and want results before that. Many aesthetic treatments take multiple months for the best results, and some require multiple treatments for the best outcome.
• Requesting before and after photos. Get photos before your treatment and then return to the provider to review your results after the recommended period of time. The results from many aesthetic treatments occur over time, and we often do not notice them. Seeing where you started and where you finished is critical in helping you determine if you should continue with the treatment maintenance or consider other types of treatments.

Budget Wisely (link to blog on this topic)

When you embark on your aesthetic treatment journey, it’s essential that you budget wisely. Be sure you understand what’s included in the cost, and plan for:

• Full series of treatments
• Touch-up and maintenance treatments
• Complementary services to meet your goals and enhance your results

When it comes to maintenance costs, get clear on how often you will need to repeat the treatment. For example, Botox injections are generally required every three to four months to maintain results, and laser treatments usually require bi-annual to annual maintenance treatments, depending on the type of laser used. 

Related reading: How to Budget and Save for Med Spa Services

Look for Memberships or Packages

Programs like Alle (Allergan) and Aspire (Galderma) offer rewards and discounts on popular treatments. Alle, for example, provides points towards future treatments like Botox, Juvederm dermal fillers, CoolSculpting, and CoolTone. 

Many providers also offer loyalty programs or bundled services to help you save on your cosmetic treatments. At DermaTouch RN, we offer:

• Injectable discounts when purchasing packages
  
• Membership in The Aesthetic Club, which includes:
  
  • $125/month banked for future treatments
    
  • 25% off medical-grade skincare
    
  • Botox at $10/unit for 20+ units
    
  • $25 off each dermal filler syringe
    
  • $50 off DiamondGlow
    
  • 5% off each CoolSculpting Elite cycle
    
  • $1000 off each CoolTone treatment area

The DermaTouch RN Aesthtic Club is designed to support your aesthetic goals with a one-time $50 sign-up fee. From there, the Club is $125 per month that gets banked for you to use at any point in the future towards your treatments – that’s right, you don’t lose it! 

Consider Financing Options

It’s common for MedSpas and clinics to offer medical financing options to help you cover the cost of your aesthetic treatment plan. Many even offer some qualifying 0% APR options. 

At DermaTouch RN, we offer the following financing options:

• Cherry Payment Plans
• CareCredit
• Alle Payment Plans

With most financing options, you have to meet specific credit criteria set forth by the creditor to be approved for financing. 

There are also several pay in 4 interest-free payment options offered today that you can see if you qualify for to set up on your own. These services can sometimes help you cover the costs of aesthetics without having to pay for the total amount at once. A couple of examples*** include:

• Affirm
• Klarna

***DermaTouch RN is not affiliated in any way with these services. 

Schedule a Consultation with DermaTouch RN Today!

It’s best to prioritize quality over discounts when it comes to your face or body. However, it’s also possible to find reputable providers, like the team at DermaTouch RN, that offer reasonable pricing, innovative and top-of-the line services, and treatment plans to suit a variety of budgets. Our team is backed by extensive training and experience, with over 15 years in the industry.

Remember—you’re not just paying for a product; you’re investing in expert care, advanced training, and high-quality results.Schedule your consultation with the trusted team at DermaTouch RN today and receive a personalized plan tailored to your aesthetic goals. Book online 24/7!