It is not makeup.
But it’s not makeup. You can’t wipe it off if it goes wrong.
Be your own advocate. Learn. Ask questions. Know what’s going into your face and who’s putting it there.
Watch the original reelOriginally shared 2026-04-29.
Concern 17 / In the mirror
what is this going to cost?
The Mirror Moment
what is this going to cost?
02 / The part you might not say out loud
The Fear Is Real
Will the number change once I am in the chair?
The proposed treatment and total cost should be clear before you decide. If the plan changes, ask for the revised total before proceeding.
03 / Melanie Petro, MD
The Surgeon’s POV
Pick the right prick.
Just because you can hold a syringe 💉 and push it doesn’t mean you should. It’s not a hammer- every face is not the same. Not even close. There is nothing “simple” about injecting and it has nothing to do with the product- it’s the hands holding it.
From my original Ikigai writing. “Pick the Right Prick” is also the title of my January 2024 email.
Ask what is going into your face.
But it’s not makeup. You can’t wipe it off if it goes wrong.
Be your own advocate. Learn. Ask questions. Know what’s going into your face and who’s putting it there.
Melanie Petro, MD · From my Instagram, 2026-04-29
Compare the full plan.
A unit price does not tell you the product, total dose, injector’s qualifications or full cost. Ask about all four. Different neuromodulators do not use interchangeable units.
For a series, ask about the complete series. For surgery, ask what is included in the surgeon, facility, anesthesia and follow-up charges.
Open the pricing page04 / The practical part
The Petro Rx
- The Game Plan:
Choose a plan you understand, including alternatives and the option to wait.
- The Recovery Reality:
Recovery has a cost in time, too. Discuss work, care responsibilities and any help you may need.
- The Timeline:
Ask when a treatment might need repeating and whether the recommendation is one visit, a series or ongoing maintenance.
- The Bottom Line:
- Large area
- $250–$350
- Small area
- $75–$150
Large areas include the forehead, between the brows, crow’s feet and neck. These are per-area ranges; the complete cost is discussed before treatment.
Filler, skin treatments and surgery have separate pricing. Ask for the full quote for your plan.
05 / Real life, in my own words
Real & Raw
A few questions.
The things people ask.
Why is your Botox not $3 a unit?
Large-area tox is $250–$350 per area; small-area tox is $75–$150. Ask which product is proposed and the total cost of your plan. Different products do not have interchangeable units.
Will I be upsold in the chair?
The proposed treatment and complete price should be explained before you decide. If the plan changes, ask for the revised total before proceeding.
Do you have specials or a loyalty program?
Ask the office about current offers and manufacturer-program eligibility. An archived email or Instagram promotion is not a current price or offer.
Do you offer financing?
Ask the office for current financing options and eligibility. Review the terms, interest and complete amount payable before choosing financing.
