What's Inside
- 1The fear data — and why it's valid
- 2Baby Botox explained (micro-dosing vs standard)
- 3Red flags: 6 reasons to walk away
- 4Hot Girl Math — why cheap Botox costs more
- 5The II-Score breakdown
- 6Your consultation script — 5 questions to ask
- 7Before & after checklist
Free Patient Resource
This guide was built by independent advocates for aesthetic medicine patients, not clinic owners. Our mission is to provide transparency across the broader aesthetic market, starting with the most common entry point: Botox.
Chapter 01
The Fear Is Valid
The frozen face isn't a punchline — it's the #1 fear patients have walking into their first appointment. And the data backs it up.
Top Patient Complaints
"Patients don't fear the price. They fear looking wrong.
Chapter 02
What Baby Botox Actually Is
Baby Botox isn't a product — it's a philosophy. Micro-dosing uses smaller, strategically placed amounts to soften lines while preserving natural expression.
- Concentrated placement
- Full muscle immobilization
- Dramatic line reduction
- Higher frozen face risk
- Scattered micro-placement
- Natural movement preserved
- Subtle softening effect
- Undetectable — nobody knows
The three words that define a great result:
Nobody should be able to tell. They should just think you look well-rested.
Start low. You can always add more — you can never take it back.
Your face should still move. Expressiveness is the whole point.
Chapter 03
Red Flags
Walk away immediately if you see any of these.
No upfront per-unit pricing
Legitimate providers give you the price before you sit down. 'It depends on your consultation' is a trap that ends in an oversized bill.
Suggesting 40+ units for a first visit
Conservative injectors start low. Anyone pushing high volume on a first-timer is optimizing for their revenue, not your face.
Pressure to book same-day
Reputable providers give you time to think. High-pressure tactics are a red flag in any medical context.
No follow-up policy
Good injectors offer a 2-week check-in. No follow-up means no accountability if something goes wrong.
Reviews mention 'frozen' or 'droopy'
Patient language never lies. Read the actual words, not just the star rating.
Can't confirm who's actually injecting you
A medical director on paper doesn't mean a qualified professional is in the room with you.
Chapter 04
Hot Girl Math
Why the cheapest Botox is the most expensive option. The market varies by 40%+ across clinics in the same city. The danger isn't above that range — it's below it.
Average Per-Unit Pricing by City
Chapter 05
The II-Score
Most directories rank providers by who paid the most for placement. The II-Score is a 0–100 merit-based algorithm for aesthetic providers. Nobody pays for a higher score.
Natural Results
We analyze real review language. Providers whose patients say 'natural,' 'subtle,' and 'conservative' score highest. 'Frozen' and 'overdone' trigger automatic flags.
Fair Pricing
Every provider's per-unit cost is compared to their city average. Pricing transparency is rewarded — 'call for consultation' is penalized.
Patient Trust
Verified review count over time. Consistent long-term satisfaction — not a recent star burst.
Credentials
Cross-referenced against the federal NPI database. Every injector. No exceptions.
Transparency
Do they show real pricing? Real photos? A clear service list? Openness is scored.
What is NPI verification?
The National Provider Identifier is a federal registry of every licensed US healthcare provider. We verify every injector before they appear in results.
Chapter 06
Your Consultation Script
5 questions that separate good injectors from great ones.
Can we start with a conservative dose?
A great injector agrees without hesitation. You can always add more at your 2-week follow-up — you can never take it back.
How many units do you typically recommend here?
They should give you a specific range. Vague answers like 'it depends' without numbers are a red flag.
Can I see before/afters of your most natural results?
Ask specifically for subtle results — not their most dramatic transformations. Watch their reaction when you ask.
Can I have your NPI number?
Any legitimate licensed provider gives you this without hesitation. It's public information. Reluctance is a red flag.
What's your follow-up policy?
You want a specific answer: 'Come back in 2 weeks, we'll assess.' Not a vague 'we'll figure it out if needed.'