BOTOX® Basics: How Many Units of BOTOX Do I Need?

BOTOX before and after image from Dermatology Associates of Rochester

One of the most popular nonsurgical options available to help men and women treat and prevent wrinkles is BOTOX Cosmetic. It’s a highly customizable treatment, depending on your specific concerns and goals. This leaves many patients wondering, how many units of BOTOX do I need to look younger without looking unnatural or frozen? And that’s precisely why choosing a skilled injector for your BOTOX injections is so essential!

Are you curious how our injectors at our Rochester practice determine how many units of BOTOX are necessary to help you turn back the clock on the signs of aging, such as forehead lines and crow’s feet? While every patient is unique, keep reading for a general overview of how much BOTOX is injected per each facial area.

Instagraphic of "What Does BOTOX treat?"

Understanding How BOTOX Works

Before we delve into BOTOX dosage, let’s cover what BOTOX does and how it works its magic to reduce signs of facial aging. BOTOX contains botulinum toxin, which temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles to form. BOTOX can even prevent new wrinkles from forming by reducing muscle movement. It’s a highly popular solution for patients who want to minimize aging symptoms without undergoing a surgical procedure such as a facelift.

While some patients may experience minor side effects like bruising or swelling, studies show that BOTOX injections are very safe if administered by a licensed, experienced injector. The results of BOTOX and similar neuromodulators like Dysport® and XEOMIN® can last about 3 to 4 months. Neuromodulator DAXXIFY® lasts a bit longer at about 6 months.

How Is BOTOX Measured?

BOTOX is measured in units, with each syringe of BOTOX containing 50 or 100 units. Your injector will determine the correct number of units to administer based on your treatment areas and goals. Our practice charges a per-unit price, so the more BOTOX units injected, the more your procedure will cost.

Keep in mind that treatment with other neuromodulators will require different dosing.

How Many Units of BOTOX for the Forehead?

Horizontal forehead lines are among the first visible signs of aging, which is why the forehead is one of the most popular BOTOX treatment areas. These “worry lines” result from gradual collagen loss and repetitive movements like raising and lowering the eyebrows. BOTOX relaxes the frontalis muscle to smooth these forehead lines and help you appear more relaxed and refreshed.

Units of BOTOX: About 20

Before & After Neurotoxin Case 27 Front View in Rochester, NY
Before & After Forehead Line Treatment

How Many Units of BOTOX for 11 Lines?

Glabellar lines, also called the 11s or frown lines, are the vertical lines that form between your eyebrows after repeatedly squinting, frowning, and concentrating. Instead of looking sad or angry, you can smooth the skin between your eyebrows with BOTOX injections.

Units of BOTOX: About 20

In some cases, it’s best to treat forehead lines and glabellar lines together to prevent brow sagging. In this case, approximately 40 units of BOTOX will be used in total to cover both areas.

Before & After Neurotoxin Case 28 Front- glabella/nasalis View in Rochester, NY
Before & After Forehead, Glabellar & Nasalis (bunny line) Treatment

How Many Units of BOTOX for a Lip Flip?

Thanks to TikTok, the lip flip is in high demand. This trendy procedure relaxes the upper lip muscles, causing the lip to fashionably “flip” or curl outward. The goal of a lip flip is to give you a fuller yet natural-looking pout.

Units of BOTOX: 4 to 6

How Many Units of BOTOX for Crow’s Feet?

Years of squinting, laughing, sun damage, and the natural aging process can result in crow’s feet—the lines or “crinkles” that develop around the corners of your eyes. These lines are generally not as deep as forehead lines and require fewer units of BOTOX. Crow’s feet are usually treated by injecting 3 areas of the muscle framing the side of the eye.

Units of BOTOX: About 9 to 12

Before & After Neurotoxin Case 28 Front- crows feet View in Rochester, NY
Before & After Crow's Feet Treatment

How Many Units of BOTOX for Marionette Lines?

Wrinkles that form at the corners of your mouth and run down to your jawline are referred to as marionette lines. Small doses of BOTOX can typically smooth these lines to help refresh your lower facial features.

Units of BOTOX: 2 to 4

Why BOTOX Varies for Each Patient

Here at our practice, each BOTOX treatment is tailored to address your unique aging symptoms, facial characteristics, and treatment goals. Your different facial muscles require a specific BOTOX dosage in order to take effect by fully relaxing and easing wrinkle formation. A qualified injector can determine the appropriate dosage for the targeted muscles while being careful not to affect the surrounding facial features. Other factors that affect BOTOX dosage and influence how your face will react to BOTOX injections include your gender, the size and strength of your facial muscles, the severity of your aging symptoms, and your metabolism.

Schedule Your BOTOX Consultation

When you place your trust in the capable hands of a qualified injector, BOTOX helps you look younger and more vibrant. Remember, our rewards programs help you earn points toward discounts on BOTOX, Dysport, dermal fillers, and other treatments you choose. We invite you to request a consultation or call us at (585) 272-0700 to get started!

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