People Are Getting Botox in Bulk to Save Money—But Is It Actually Worthwhile?

Beauty treatments aren’t cheap, so deciding where to splurge and where to save money can be tricky. But when it comes to your face, especially with treatments like neuromodulators (such as Botox) and fillers, provider expertise should always take priority over cost—and that type of experience usually comes with a higher price tag. No one wants to end up with botched cosmetic work, which can happen if you cut corners with a less skilled provider or opt for a too-good-to-be-true Groupon deal.

Recently, however, I've heard friends express frustration over having to pay for an entire vial of Botox (which is often how neuromodulators are priced) when they only needed a small amount for the "natural look" they were after. That got me thinking: Would injecting more Botox in a single session actually make it last longer, and if so, would it cost more or less than going in for frequent touch-ups? Could it lead to facial atrophy? And is there a better approach to scheduling your injections for the best value? To find out if getting Botox in bulk is the best way to approach injectables, I reached out to three board-certified experts to break it all down.

How Long Does Neurotoxin Last?

According to board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, M.D., Botox is metabolized by the body over time, typically lasting around four to five months. It’s gradually broken down by enzymatic activity where the nerves and muscles interact. So increasing the amount used can give prolonged results, says Dr. Zalka. “But the way Botox is metabolized physiologically remains the same.” This means that while higher doses may extend the time between treatments, they do not change how the body processes the neurotoxin.

For patients who feel their Botox wears off quickly, Dr. Zalka often suggests increasing the dosage slightly. “Injecting a bit more product can help extend the effect,” she says, noting that the adjustment is typically an increase of five to 10 units per area, depending on factors like age, skin type, and muscle activity.

Another way to extend Botox’s effects is by adjusting its concentration rather than simply increasing the total units injected. “The choice of how concentrated or diluted the Botox solution is depends on [the] injector,” Dr. Zalka explains. A more concentrated solution can deliver stronger, longer-lasting results in targeted areas, while a more diluted solution spreads more evenly for a softer, more natural look. This technique allows providers to fine-tune treatments based on the patient’s goals. Still, Dr. Zalka emphasizes that regardless of the approach, "with any neurotoxin, the longest realistic duration of effect is around five or six months.”

What Factors Impact Neurotoxin Longevity?

Beyond dosage and concentration, placement and muscle activity play a major role in Botox’s longevity and how it looks. Different facial muscles metabolize neurotoxin at different rates, meaning strategic placement is often more effective than simply increasing the overall dosage. If a patient notices the neurotoxin wears off faster in a specific area, like the crow’s feet, a few additional targeted units in that area may work better than a uniform increase, explains Dr. Zalka.

Similarly, certain facial expressions allow for more Botox without looking unnatural, while others require a lighter touch. “In areas like the frown lines, a higher dose can effectively relax the muscles without looking frozen because that expression is naturally forceful,” explains facial plastic surgeon Prem Tripathi, M.D., M.P.H. However, in more dynamic areas like the forehead, where muscle movement is more fluid and expressive, a lighter approach prevents an overly stiff or frozen appearance. “That’s why I always err on the lower end there,” he says. This is important to remember when considering getting Botox in bulk.

More Neurotoxin, More Risk?

While a higher dosage of neurotoxin can enhance longevity, it also reduces movement even more and can lead to less natural-looking results. “I always temper that decision by asking the patient about their aesthetic goals," says Dr. Zalka. If the objective is to maintain some muscle movement and expressiveness, she makes very tiny incremental changes—typically just a few more units spread across the treatment field, rather than significantly increasing the dose.

Plastic surgeon Rukmini Rednam, M.D., F.A.C.S., shares a similar sentiment: “I know that some neurotoxin companies recommend increasing the number of units to get longer-lasting results. However, in my practice, I prefer a natural, smooth look where facial expressions remain present, so I don’t see many patients asking for extra units in a single session. Rather, they would like to come more often to maintain their results.” This highlights a key consideration—while more Botox can prolong the time between treatments, it can also lead to a more frozen appearance, which may not align with the patient’s desired look.

Using too much neurotoxin in one area over time can also lead to changes in facial structure. “Loss of muscle tone from repeated injections can result in eyelid or eyebrow drooping, facial asymmetry, skin thinning, and a puffy mid-face,” warns Dr. Rednam. This can happen with consistent use over the years, but the risk may be higher for those who continually increase their dose at each session, as excessive relaxation of facial muscles may cause them to weaken and atrophy. She also notes that higher doses may increase the risk of product migration, as a larger volume of neurotoxin can spread beyond the intended injection site.

The Cost Factor

Dr. Zalka cautions that even a small increase in dosage can significantly impact the cost of your neurotoxin injections, making it important to discuss the trade-offs during a consultation, especially if you're looking to maximize your results for the cost. “Some patients prefer to spend less and come in more frequently, while others invest more per session to extend their results,” she explains.

While using higher doses per session could theoretically mean fewer visits since the effects might last longer, that doesn’t always translate to cost savings. “More Botox means a higher cost per visit,” notes Dr. Zalka. “So if someone wants to visit their Botox professional less frequently to save money, that may not be the case if more Botox is being used per session, leading to an overall higher expenditure.” Essentially, you might end up paying the same amount—only one option has a higher price less frequently, or a lower price more frequently.

Dr. Tripathi adds that some injectors charge by area rather than by unit, which can simplify the process. Charging by area eliminates back-and-forth discussions about the exact amount needed, allowing the clinician to rely on their expertise and evidence-based dosing rather than patients making decisions based on cost alone. This approach allows the injector to focus on achieving the best aesthetic outcome without the patient feeling pressured to choose between a lower dose that might wear off too quickly or a higher dose that could lead to an overly frozen look.

Can Using More Neurotoxin Lead to Resistance?

If you're considering getting Botox in bulk, it's reasonable to worry about neurotoxin resistance. While it's true that excessive Botox use can weaken muscles over time, this doesn’t mean the body will stop responding to the injections. Dr. Zalka offers reassurance. “In my 25-plus years of practice, I have never seen a patient become resistant to the treatment. I think most dermatologists would agree that this isn’t a common issue, regardless of how much Botox is used or how frequently a patient receives it. While it’s a theoretical concern, I have yet to see it manifest in any meaningful way.”

Dr. Tripathi adds that while resistance is rare, it is more likely in patients receiving very frequent treatments, typically before the prior dose has fully worn off, such as every six to eight weeks, or those using significantly higher doses for medical conditions like chronic migraines or muscle spasticity. “Most studies indicate that when Botox is discontinued, muscles regain their normal size and function,” he explains. “But for many patients, some level of muscle atrophy is actually the goal, as it helps soften wrinkles and refine facial contours.”

Ultimately, while neurotoxin resistance remains largely theoretical, the long-term effects of overuse—such as muscle weakening and structural changes—are more tangible risks. This distinction is important for those considering higher doses to extend results. More Botox does not necessarily mean a better or longer-lasting outcome, and excessive use can have unintended consequences on facial structure over time.

How Much Neurotoxin Can Be Safely Used in One Session?

Experts agree that neurotoxins must be carefully dosed based on individual needs rather than a strict upper limit. The focus isn’t necessarily on using “too much” Botox, but rather on determining the appropriate amount for each patient. “This depends on muscle strength and the desired outcome,” explains Dr. Rednam. “While there are general dosing guidelines, experienced injectors customize the number of units injected based on the patient’s needs.”

For reference, the maximum recommended amount is 400 units per three-month period, though for cosmetic use, most professionals don’t exceed 200 units in a single session across all treated areas rather than per individual area. However, there’s no clear-cut formula for how higher doses affect longevity. “We do not know the exact point where increasing the number of units no longer provides longer-lasting results,” adds Dr. Rednam. “Neurotoxins can behave differently in different environments. Some people metabolize the medication very quickly, while others may process it much more slowly despite receiving the same number of units.”

Are There Better Ways to Extend Neurotoxin Results?

Instead of increasing the dose, there are several ways to maintain the smoothing and wrinkle-reducing effects of neurotoxins more effectively:

• First off, stick to an injection timetable, and notice when your results start to wear off. “To maintain optimal results, I recommend that patients keep a routine schedule,” says Dr. Zalka. “Like a haircut, it’s best to maintain rather than trying to correct once it’s fully worn off.”
• Don't forget about skincare to prolong the health and feel of your skin. “Using SPF, moisturizing, and a high-quality skincare routine can enhance Botox results,” says Dr. Rednam. Dr. Tripathi adds that “patients should already be using vitamin C, SPF, and retinoids to amplify results.” Vitamin C brightens skin and smooths texture, SPF shields against UV damage that can break down Botox faster, and retinoids boost collagen to keep skin firm. Together, they help extend Botox results by keeping skin healthy, softening fine lines, and maintaining that fresh, lifted, A-list look.
• Watch for external factors. “Heavy exercise can increase metabolism and break down Botox faster,” notes Dr. Zalka. “Limiting intense workouts may help results last longer.”
• Supplement with zinc. While studies are inconclusive, some research suggests that taking zinc supplements may help prolong Botox effects, explains Dr. Zalka.

New Neurotoxin Options

Beyond traditional Botox, newer alternatives are emerging that may offer longer-lasting effects. “When I started my practice, Botox was the only neurotoxin available. Now we have multiple choices,” says Dr. Zalka. One of the latest, Daxxify, claims a longer duration and quicker onset. “It’s still new, and there aren’t many conclusive head-to-head studies comparing Daxxify to its competitors,” she adds. “It’s unclear if this is the product we all should be switching to, but competition drives innovation.”

So, Is Getting Botox In Bulk Worthwhile?

Ultimately, finding the right Botox dosage is about balancing longevity, desired facial movement, and cost. The key is working with an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy and aesthetics. As Dr. Zalka puts it, “Botox isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. Each patient should receive a personalized approach.” A skilled injector will consider not just the number of units but also how and where they’re injected to get the best results. Some patients want a softer, more natural look with movement, while others prefer a longer-lasting, more defined, Love Island UK-esque effect. In the end, it's all about personal preference.

For those frustrated that their neurotoxin eventually wears off, Dr. Zalka offers a different perspective: “One of the key draws of Botox is that it isn’t permanent. Its safety lies in the fact that the body naturally breaks it down over time. If you don’t love your results, you’re not stuck with them forever.”

Dr. Alicia Zalka

Dr. Alicia Zalka, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and the founder of Surface Deep.

Dr. Rukmini Rednam

Dr. Rukmini Rednam, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Prem Tripathi

Dr. Prem Tripathi, M.D., M.P.H. is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and the founder of Bay Hills Plastic Surgery in Alamo, California.