Why I'm Moving Beyond Per-Unit Tox Pricing

Why the way I approach neurotoxin treatment is evolving at treat.

After more than 20 years in aesthetics, I continue to refine the way I approach skin, facial aging, and treatment. My recent advanced training reinforced something I've believed for a long time: the best results come from understanding the face as a whole, rather than simply treating individual lines.

Every face has its own anatomy, muscle strength, movement patterns, and expressions. Understanding how those elements work together is essential to creating results that look balanced, natural, and distinctly yours.

This philosophy is guiding the next evolution of neurotoxin treatments at treat.

It's Not About the Number of Units

When treating with Botox®, Dysport®, or Jeuveau®, the goal isn't to use the fewest units possible. It's to use the appropriate dose, in the appropriate muscles, for the appropriate reasons. Underdosing doesn't necessarily create a more natural result. It can lead to less effective treatment, continued unwanted muscle activity, and results that don't last as long as intended.

Proper dosing doesn't mean a frozen appearance. It means using a carefully considered amount of product to achieve effective, lasting results while respecting the balance of your facial anatomy. The goal is to soften unwanted movement, allowing the skin to appear smoother and more rested without unnecessarily compromising natural expression.

It's not about more or less. It's about what's appropriate for your face.

Treating the Face, Not Just the Wrinkle.

Your facial muscles don't work independently. They work together, with some lifting, others pulling downward, and many influencing the movement of surrounding areas. The forehead is a perfect example. Treating forehead lines without considering the muscles responsible for frowning and brow position can change how the brows sit and move.

That's why my assessment goes beyond the area that initially concerns you. I evaluate how your face moves, where muscles work together or oppose one another, and how treatment in one area may influence another. Sometimes achieving a balanced, natural result means treating multiple muscle groups rather than focusing on a single wrinkle.

The goal isn't to change your expressions. It's to soften the movements contributing to unwanted lines while maintaining facial harmony.

The Right Dose. The Right Timing.

Dose matters, as does allowing treatment enough time to work and understanding when

it's appropriate to repeat it. Neurotoxin results typically last three to four months, although duration varies depending on the individual, treatment area, and dose. An inadequate dose can lead to incomplete muscle relaxation and results that wear off sooner than expected.

My approach is to establish an effective dose from the beginning and develop a consistent treatment schedule based on your individual response. For many clients, that means approximately three treatments per year rather than frequent visits for small adjustments or repeated touch-ups.

I also believe in allowing treatment to fully develop before evaluating the outcome. New clients are offered a two-week review to assess their response and make informed decisions about future treatments.

Effective treatment isn't about chasing movement every few weeks. It's about thoughtful dosing, predictable results, and a plan that makes sense over time.

Why I'm Moving Away From Per-Unit Pricing

Beginning November 1, treat. is transitioning to treatment-area pricing.

This change reflects the way I believe neurotoxin should be approached.

When treatment is priced by the unit, the conversation can easily shift toward how many units are being used rather than what is needed to achieve the intended result.

I want the focus to remain on your anatomy, your goals, and the treatment plan I recommend.

With treatment-area pricing, I'll assess your facial movement, recommend the appropriate product and dose, and explain the areas we're treating.

You'll know the total investment before we begin.

The dose remains individualized. The pricing simply allows us to focus on the treatment rather than the number of units in the syringe.

Maintenance pricing is available for clients returning within three to four months of their previous treatment, with standard pricing applying after four months. Additional areas, such as a lip flip, gummy smile, or bunny lines, can be incorporated into an existing appointment, while treatments for jaw tension, masseter enlargement, and excessive underarm sweating are individually assessed and priced.

For clients interested in a more comprehensive evaluation, I also offer a 30-minute consultation that includes a written treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

An Approach That Continues to Evolve

One of the things I value most about this field is that there is always more to learn. My recent advanced training has brought a renewed focus to the details of facial anatomy, movement, dosing, and treatment planning, reinforcing the importance of approaching each face individually and being intentional about every treatment decision.

After more than two decades in aesthetics, I'm still learning, questioning, and refining my approach. I believe that's exactly how it should be. What remains constant is my commitment to understanding your skin, respecting your anatomy, and recommending treatments that make sense for you.

Your face is individual. Your treatment should be, too.

Christina Ammon, LPN, LE

Founder, treat. Skin & Body