Where to Get Prewedding Botox in Chicago, and Other Need-To-Knows
Wedding planning encompasses so many things, from scouring inspiration for florals to booking a venue to finding the dress. And, let's not forget beauty prep: Establishing a skincare regimen early on and booking treatments is essential to feeling your best on the big day. Botox in Chicago is a great option for preparing your skin and face. "Botox is an injectable drug that temporarily stops muscle movement, resulting in fewer wrinkles and tightened skin," says Julia Simone, a Chicago-based bridal makeup artist and cosmetic injector. (BTW, the term Botox is technically a brand name, and there are other brands you may hear about as well—namely Dysport and Xeomin. "All work great, and there is really no reason to use one over another other than personal preference," Simone notes.)
For big-day beauty, Simone recommends booking your Botox six weeks in advance. "Botox takes two weeks to fully kick in, and it lasts three months," she says. "Six weeks in advance is the sweet spot. That allows us time to make any tweaks if necessary, and it will be fully settled in by the wedding day." That said, she also recommends a Botox trial prior to your wedding appointment so you know what to expect.
Okay, so where does this all land in your budget? Botox is typically priced per unit, so the range varies greatly depending on how many units are used and how many areas are being treated. For upper face Botox, the standard starting dose is 20 units between the eyebrows, and the forehead alone can require 4 to 20 units. Prices for a Botox treatment can range from $150 to $1,500; Simone says patients should expect to spend about $400 for an upper-face Botox treatment. Below, we highlight a dozen salons, med spas and injectors offering the best Botox in Chicago.
- Julia Simone Beauty, Oak Brook
- Fulcrum Aesthetics, Lakeview
- The One Spa Chicago, River East
- SpaDerma, Wicker Park
- Images Med Spa, Hinsdale & Other Locations
- Northwestern Med Spa, Streeterville
- Elysium SurgiSpa, River North
- Illinois Dermatology Institute, Hyde Park
- The Confidence Bar, West Loop
- Cusp Dental, Lakeview
- Chicago Aesthetics Club, River North
- Cadella Aesthetics, Gold Coast
- ElleHomme Holistic Med Spa, Bucktown
Julia Simone Beauty, Oak Brook
A recent bride herself, Simone knows a thing or two about wedding beauty prep. The best part: She's also a wedding makeup artist. "My experience being a makeup artist first, and then becoming an injector, is what sets me apart," she says. "There are many skilled providers in aesthetics that have all the qualifications to inject, but they do not have the eye for beauty. My understanding of light and shadow via makeup has been extremely valuable in my aesthetics career." Though she travels for on-site makeup, Simone performs her facial aesthetic services at Desired Aesthetics in Oak Brook (it's worth the trip, trust us). "I treat my facial balancing consultations the same as my bridal makeup consultations: It's all about getting to know each other and building trust. I really hone in on what the patient values and what their goals are. Then I give them a treatment plan that will get them the best results based on their goals, budget and timeline."
600 W. 22nd St., Suite 220, Oak Brook, IL
Fulcrum Aesthetics, Lakeview
The first thing you notice about Fulcrum is the vibe: The chic studio, which opened in summer 2023, is all neutral hues and textural touches. But sit down for a service, and you'll see their treatments are equally top-of-the-line. Brittony Croasdell is the co-owner and go-to for Botox, with an incredible knowledge of facial balancing and dosing, and an eye for problem-solving. She does it all; for brides, she especially recommends Botox in the depressor anguli oris (DAO), which treats downturned smiles and will help ensure your big-day photog always catches you with a soft smile. The med spa offers a variety of bridal treatments and is run by a husband-wife team (Croasdell and her other half, plastic surgeon Dr. David Hill). Speaking of husbands—grooms, Fulcrum is also a go-to for Botox for men in Chicago.
1457 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL
The One Spa Chicago, River East
First things first: At The One, which opened in 2021, there's a Champagne vending machine in the lobby. It's all about the experience. "We have a plethora of state-of-the-art treatments situated in a sun-soaked, plant-rich environment to provide clients with a relaxing atmosphere," says operations manager Lucy Elbaridi. "Our philosophy is simple: We want to elevate the confidence our clients have in themselves. Our goal is not to chase after beauty trends or jump right into the request of a client if there may be a better treatment route; we spend careful time with each person to make sure we provide them with the best experience and outcome." Plus, The One's pricing is super competitive. While its typical pricing is $15 per unit, The One offers a buy-in-bulk option that cuts the price in half: "When you purchase the full 100-unit vial, we reduce the unit price to $7.50, so $750.00 gets you 100 units of Botox or Xeomin to use at your convenience," Elbaridi says.
432 E. Grand Ave., Suite D, Chicago, IL
SpaDerma, Wicker Park
With locations in Lincoln Park, West Loop, Lakeview, Wilmette and, most recently, Wicker Park, SpaDerma is one of the most convenient picks on our list, but it's the energy of the staff and stellar results that secure its spot. Here, Botox is injected exclusively by certified physician assistants, nurse practitioners or nurse injectors, and clients can expect to see results starting within 48 hours and the full effect of treatment within two weeks. Kick things off with a consultation and take advantage of the spa's promotional pricing for new patients.
Wicker Park: 1636 W. Division St., Chicago, IL
Images Med Spa, Hinsdale & Other Locations
At Images, it's all about the bride—and her tribe, of course. The med spa offers private Botox parties for brides and at least four bridesmaids or guests leading up to the wedding, in the spa or at their home. There's a major incentive: The bride gets 40 free units (with additional units at just $8 each), and her maids get $12 units; the typical cost at Images is $14 to $15 per unit. Add on B12 shots to make it a full spa day. After the wedding, you'll have made a lifelong connection. "Images Med Spa believes in the complete image," says marketing director Ali Tamashiro. "We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Our personalized treatment plans help clients achieve a healthy, glowing complexion that shines from within." With seven locations across the city and 'burbs, it's a perfect fit for brides across Chicagoland, and our pick for the best Botox in Chicago suburbs.
18 W. First St., Lower Level, Hinsdale, IL
Northwestern Med Spa, Streeterville
Botox may be a primarily aesthetic treatment, but it is still a medical procedure—so why not go somewhere with the highest medical reputation? Northwestern Med Spa is exactly that, located inside one of the nation's top hospitals. "Northwestern is a go-to for Chicago Botox because you can trust us," says Kayla Seeger. "Our providers are all highly educated and experienced professionals, and our practice is overseen by two board-certified plastic surgeons." Though they offer Botox in all the common areas such as glabella, masseter and crow's feet, there are some lesser-known options as well: Injectors can treat the neck to reduce horizontal neck bands, the decolletage to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, the trapezius muscles to promote the look of a longer neck, hands, scalp and more. "We strive to restore and encourage the confidence of every single client," Seeger adds. "We believe in helping our clients feel confident by restoring and maintaining their natural beauty."
Streeterville: 676 N. St. Clair St., Suite 1575, Chicago, IL
River North: 3 E. Huron St., 3rd Fl., Chicago, IL
Elysium SurgiSpa, River North
Founder Dr. Mick Singh has firmly established himself as one of the top plastic surgeons in the area, but clients don't have to go all the way when it comes to invasive treatments. His zen spa in River North is also a trusted go-to for injectables like Botox. Singh promotes harmony, balance and beauty as a whole experience—in everything from the tranquil vibe of his office to the services he provides and tweaks he makes to a client's facial aesthetics. Look out for promotions and specials; Elysium offers introductory pricing for Botox at $10 per unit.
520 W. Erie St., Suite 110, Chicago, IL
Illinois Dermatology Institute, Hyde Park
Though dozens of boutique salons and med spas have cropped up for Botox in Chicago over the past few years, many dermatologists also offer the treatment. Think of it like going to the doctor: Your health comes first at IDI, where the team is made up of board-certified dermatologists and skincare professionals and each visit starts with a thorough consultation. More than a dozen locations across the city and suburbs make this a convenient resource. And, while you're there, schedule a regular derm check-up; there's no better time than the present!
1304 E. 47th St., Suite 200, Chicago, IL
The Confidence Bar, West Loop
"Injecting confidence" is the motto at this West Loop spa—and that's exactly what brides are looking for on their wedding day. It's a boutique medical spa and a world-class training facility for new and veteran injectors. "Our values are homegrown and represented by the koru, a Maori motif based on an unfurling silver fern frond," shares The Confidence Bar team. "Koru symbolizes renewal, strength and peace." The team specializes in combining neuromodulators (i.e., Botox) and facial fillers to achieve full facial balancing; this year, the spa will add even more skincare services to its menu.
1142 W. Madison St., Suite 306, Chicago, IL
Cusp Dental, Lakeview
Botox is most commonly thought of as a treatment for the forehead and eye area, but injections in other areas can treat all parts of the face. Being that your smile is one of the most important things you'll need on the wedding day, balancing it with Botox is a fabulous idea. For this, we're turning to a dentist: They know the muscles around the face and mouth better than just about anyone. At Cusp Dental, the team offers masseter botox in Chicago and treatments that address asymmetrical or gummy smiles. (Psst, dental botox is also great for treating things like lockjaw and teeth grinding, which is heavily caused by stress; it may be just the thing you need while wedding planning!)
3917 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL
Chicago Aesthetics Club, River North
A play on words punning the famous Chicago Athletic Club, CAC is a cool downtown boutique for Botox treatments in Chicago. Its founder, Dr. Sri Sullivan, is among the best Botox doctors in Chicago; she specializes in masseter Botox and has established herself as a master of the lip flip treatment, which gives the upper lip a subtly fuller look but is less invasive (and more affordable) than lip filler. CAC aims to help clients look like their natural selves, enhanced.
645 N. Michigan Ave., #1005, Chicago, IL
Cadella Aesthetics, Gold Coast
The range of services offered at Cadella is lengthy; the swanky spot offers everything from laser hair removal to microneedling to body contouring. The spa's Botox services, too, run the gamut: It offers aesthetic Botox but also injections for medical purposes, and is a go-to for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chronic migraines and masseter Botox in Chicago. "Cadella prioritizes a minimalist approach, emphasizing that 'less is more,'" shares a rep for the brand. "We consider the health of the skin and the natural aging process, taking into account long-term results and formulating plans tailored to individual needs. Your long-term aesthetic goals should be thoughtful, sustainable and geared toward achieving lasting results rather than quick fixes." An expansive new location in Northbrook makes Cadella a must-visit for North Shore brides as well. Pricing starts at $16 per unit.
34 E. Oak St., Suite 6, Chicago, IL
ElleHomme Holistic Med Spa, Bucktown
At ElleHomme, beauty starts within: The staff is dedicated to enhancing clients' inner well-being in addition to their aesthetic exteriors. A first-time consultation will help determine each patient's needs, and there is a laundry list of Botox treatment areas on offer, from the common forehead, crow's feet and "11s" (frown lines from brow furrowing) to the lesser-known mantalis (chin dimple) and depressor anguli oris muscles, which contribute to downturned smiles. ElleHomme is also a go-to for the Botox brow lift in Chicago. Botox at ElleHomme is competitively priced at $15/unit, and clients can pre-buy units via a variety of promotional packages.
1917 N. Damen Ave., #4503, Chicago, IL