People rarely come in asking for a specific number of Botox units. They point to a mirror and describe goals: soften the “angry 11s,” lift a heavy brow without looking surprised, stop the jaw clenching at night. The art lies in translating those goals into a safe, precise dosing plan. This guide walks through typical Botox cosmetic dosing by area, why ranges vary, and the judgment calls an experienced injector makes to deliver natural results.
I’ll reference units in Allergan sudbury botox Botox Cosmetic terms. If your clinic uses another neuromodulator, like Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, or Jeuveau, equivalence ratios and duration differ. Dose is only one piece of the outcome; injection technique, muscle mapping, dilution, and follow-through matter just as much.
What a “unit” means and why it’s not one-size-fits-all
A unit measures biological activity, not volume. Two providers can use the same units per area yet achieve different results because they place those units differently or use different dilutions. Muscles also vary widely. A petite 25-year-old with faint expression lines might need a fraction of the dose that a muscular 45-year-old needs for the same region. Men often require more units because they have stronger, thicker musculature, especially in the frontalis and corrugator complex.
Your starting point matters. First time Botox patients often respond well to conservative dosing, then build to a maintenance plan. Repeat patients who metabolize quickly or want a longer runway between visits may require more. Clinical guidelines provide ranges; personalization refines them.
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Forehead lines: the frontalis muscle
The forehead is a balancing act. Too little, and lines persist when you raise your brows. Too much, and brows can feel heavy. We also have to consider the interplay with the frown complex below, because the frontalis elevates the brow while the glabellar muscles pull it down.
Typical range: 6 to 20 units for soft, natural movement. In a small forehead with low-set brows, I may place 6 to 10 units in a spread of micro-droplets. In a stronger frontalis with pronounced horizontal lines, 12 to 20 units provides smoother skin with measured lift. I map injections higher than the mid-forehead in clients at risk of brow heaviness, and I keep a clean buffer zone above the brows to avoid a “flat” look.
Baby Botox or Micro Botox techniques, where tiny droplets are peppered more superficially, can soften fine lines with 4 to 8 units in select patients who want maximal motion and minimal risk of heaviness. Expect shorter duration with microdosing.
Frown lines: the “11s” between the brows
The corrugator and procerus muscles create vertical and diagonal creases that read as stern or fatigued. This area is a workhorse for Botox therapy because it responds predictably, often transforming the midface expression.
Typical range: 12 to 25 units divided among five to seven points. Light etch marks and a petite muscle bulk might do well at 12 to 16 units. Deep, resting 11s or strong scowl patterns often need 20 to 25 units. Men frequently land in the higher end. It’s safer to treat the glabella sufficiently than to compensate by overdosing the forehead, which risks brow drop.
With longstanding etched lines, Botox reduces motion and prevents further deepening, but may not erase grooves at rest. In those cases, adding dermal filler or resurfacing improves outcomes without chasing extra units.
Crow’s feet: lines at the outer eyes
The orbicularis oculi muscle fans around the eye. Targeting the lateral portion softens smile lines and crinkling. Good placement avoids lower eyelid weakness, and thoughtful dosing preserves a natural, warm smile.
Typical range: 8 to 12 units per side for moderate lines. Subtle softening and early fine lines can respond to 4 to 6 units per side. Someone with thin skin and lots of sun exposure may benefit from 10 to 12 units per side, plus skincare support like retinoids and sunscreen. Microdroplet techniques can help avoid “frozen” smiles in animated faces.
If under eye wrinkles bother you, be cautious. Botox directly under the eye risks lid laxity or puffiness in some patients. Often, collagen-stimulating treatments and skin care do more for that area than extra toxin.
Brow lift: opening the eyes without surgery
A chemical brow lift relies on selectively relaxing depressor muscles (corrugator, procerus, orbicularis) while preserving or lightly treating the frontalis. When done correctly, it creates a two to three millimeter lift that opens the eyes and smooths the arch.
Typical range: 2 to 6 additional units per side, layered into the tail of the brow and lateral orbicularis. The baseline glabella and forehead plan determines the final effect. Eyelid anatomy and brow position set limits. Overaggressive forehead dosing kills lift, and misplacement can cause brow asymmetry or a peaked “Spock” brow, which we correct with a tiny balancing drop.
Bunny lines: scrunch lines on the nose
These diagonal wrinkles appear when you grin or laugh. They are harmless but easy to treat.
Typical range: 2 to 6 units per side placed along the upper nasal sidewall. I start very conservatively here, because diffusion into the levator muscles can subtly affect the smile.
Gummy smile and lip flip: smile refinement
For a gummy smile, we target the elevators of the upper lip so the lip doesn’t rise as high. For a lip flip, we treat the orbicularis oris at the vermilion border to evert the lip slightly, creating more show without filler.
Typical range for gummy smile: 2 to 6 units split between the two central elevator points. Range for lip flip: 4 to 8 units total, with microinjections at four points around the border. Expect increased sensitivity to straws or whistling for several days. The effect is subtle, lasts 6 to 8 weeks for the lip flip in many patients, and pairs nicely with a small filler touch for lasting shape.
Chin dimpling and pebble chin
A hyperactive mentalis muscle causes orange peel texture and a up-pushing chin shape. Relaxing it smooths the surface and lengthens the lower face subtly.
Typical range: 6 to 10 units centered in two to four points. I assess for lower lip competence and occlusion before treating. Heavy dosing risks a “lazy” lower lip or drooling in rare cases, so measured placement matters.
Jawline contour and masseter slimming
For a square jaw from hypertrophic masseter muscles, Botox can slim the lower face and ease jaw clenching, jaw pain, and teeth grinding. It does not treat bone size, but by reducing muscle bulk over a few months, the face looks slimmer and more tapered. This is also used for TMJ-related symptoms, though insurance rarely covers cosmetic dosing.
Typical range: 20 to 40 units per side for cosmetic jaw slimming, tailored to palpated muscle thickness. In bruxism or severe jaw clenching, I may start at 30 to 50 units per side with careful follow-up. Max effect on contour appears at 6 to 10 weeks, because muscle atrophy takes time. Expect maintenance every 4 to 6 months at first, then potentially longer intervals. Chewing fatigue is possible in the first weeks, especially with gum or tough meats.
Neck bands and “turkey neck” lines
Vertical platysma bands respond well to targeted Botox injections. For diffuse crepey skin or horizontal necklace lines, Botox offers limited improvement; consider energy devices or collagen-stimulating treatments in combination.
Typical range: 20 to 60 units spread across bands and a microgrid of the anterior neck. I prioritize safety by staying superficial and avoiding swallow muscles. If you notice voice changes or trouble swallowing after a neck session, contact your provider immediately. We start conservative, reassess at two weeks, and build only as needed.
Trapezius reduction and shoulder contour
Trapezius “trap tox” reduces bulk at the upper shoulders, creating a longer neck line and easing shoulder tension from overuse. It’s popular among patients who carry tension or prefer a slimmer upper back profile.
Typical range: 30 to 60 units per side, placed into the upper trapezius in a grid adjusted to anatomy. Relief of tightness can occur within days, with contour changes as the muscle relaxes. I screen for posture issues and offer stretches, since toxin doesn’t fix the root cause of poor ergonomics.
Hyperhidrosis: sweating in underarms, hands, and feet
Botox blocks sweat signals in the treated area, providing months of dryness. FDA approval exists for axillary hyperhidrosis. Palms and soles are off-label but commonly treated.
Typical range for underarms: about 50 units per axilla, placed superficially in a grid. Palms and soles commonly require 50 to 100 units per side. Expect numbness-like sensation or grip weakness for a few days in palms. Duration averages 4 to 6 months in the underarms, sometimes longer with repeat sessions.
Migraines and muscle tension
Botox for chronic migraine is a medical protocol with specific patterns and dosing distinct from cosmetic injections. For those with tension in the forehead, temples, or neck, cosmetic patterns can incidentally reduce headache frequency, but they are not a substitute for the full migraine protocol.
Typical cosmetic-related dosing: aligns with aesthetic goals in the forehead, glabella, and temporalis. If chronic migraine is a concern, ask about the PREEMPT protocol, which uses 155 to 195 units across multiple head and neck sites every 12 weeks.
Under eye wrinkles, eye bags, and hooded lids
This is where judgment matters most. Botox for under eye wrinkles is limited by risk of lower lid weakening. True eye bags reflect fat or fluid, not just muscle movement. Hooded eyes are often due to brow position, eyelid skin redundancy, or levator changes. A small lateral brow lift and conservative crow’s feet dosing can make the eyes look more open, but Botox cannot remove excess skin or fat. For droopy eyelids after Botox, prompt evaluation is critical; apraclonidine drops can temporarily help lift the lid while the toxin effect wanes.
Body contouring with Botox: calves and beyond
Calf reduction via neuromodulator is off-label but practiced in select patients with muscular hypertrophy who want a slimmer lower leg. The dosing is higher and the anatomy demands experience.
Typical range: 50 to 100 units per calf, sometimes more, staged over sessions. Patients should understand that heavy athletic performance can be affected. For double chin and submental fullness, botulinum toxin is not the primary tool; fat-dissolving injections or devices perform better there. Botox may complement by treating platysma pull in a neck lift plan, not as a fat treatment.
Preventative, Baby, and Micro Botox
Preventative Botox aims to reduce repeated folding before permanent creases set in, often in the late 20s to early 30s. Baby Botox uses smaller unit counts to preserve movement, with touch-ups a bit more often. Micro Botox spreads very low doses superficially to refine texture and pore appearance. These approaches are good for subtle Botox cosmetic results, but they wear off sooner. The payoff is control and a natural look; the trade-off is more frequent visits.
What affects how many units you need
An injector weighs muscle strength, face shape, skin thickness, asymmetries, and goals. A weightlifter with a square face may need double the glabella dose of a smaller frame client. A heavy brow calls for lighter forehead dosing and stronger glabella control to maintain lift. Sun damage and dermal thinning limit how smooth Botox alone can make forehead lines; combining with medical-grade skincare or resurfacing yields better outcomes.
Metabolism varies. Some patients break down neuromodulators faster and see Botox results fade around eight to ten weeks, while others still enjoy a softened look at four months. Higher units can extend duration slightly, but there’s a ceiling; technique and muscle biology dominate.
Safety, side effects, and downtime
Botox injections are quick, with minimal downtime. Most people return to work the same day. Small bumps at injection sites settle within minutes to hours. Bruising appears in about 5 to 10 percent of cases, more in patients on aspirin, fish oil, or blood thinners. Headache can occur after forehead treatment and usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
Risks include brow or eyelid ptosis, asymmetry, smile changes, chewing fatigue, or neck weakness, all dependent on placement and dose. Vascular events are exceedingly rare with neuromodulators compared to fillers. If you experience vision changes, difficulty swallowing, or slurred speech after treatment, call your provider immediately. Board-certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and experienced Botox nurse injectors mitigate risk with anatomy knowledge and conservative, layered dosing.
How long Botox lasts and maintenance timing
On average, Botox for the face lasts about three to four months. Crow’s feet and lips may wear off sooner at two to three months. Masseter and trapezius treatments often last four to six months due to larger muscles and dosing. Hyperhidrosis control persists four to six months in axillae, sometimes longer with repeated sessions.
Maintenance is personal. Some prefer a standing schedule every 12 weeks to stay consistently smooth. Others wait for movement to return, then book. A simple way to plan is to assess in a mirror at week ten. If lines are returning at rest, you likely waited too long. If movement returns but lines are still absent at rest, you can afford to wait a touch longer.
Botox vs filler, and when to combine
Botox for wrinkles treats dynamic lines from muscle movement. Dermal fillers address volume loss, static lines, and contour deficits. A common pairing is Botox for forehead lines and glabella with filler for deep nasolabial folds or cheeks. For chin dimpling and a retrusive chin, a few units of Botox smooth the texture while a hyaluronic acid filler defines projection. For brow lift goals, Botox sets the foundation; skin tightening devices or blepharoplasty address excess skin when necessary. The best Botox results often come from a thoughtful combination, not higher unit counts alone.
Cost and value: what drives the price
Clinics set Botox price by unit or by area. Per unit pricing in many US markets ranges roughly from 10 to 20 dollars, depending on location, experience, and product specials. An “area” price usually approximates typical unit ranges, for example, a forehead and glabella package that covers 20 to 40 units. Beware of deals that seem too cheap; diluted product, inexperienced technique, or non-Botox counterfeit risks are local botox clinics not worth the savings. Affordable Botox should still be authentic, refrigerated, and reconstituted per manufacturer guidance by a certified provider.
When comparing cost, ask how many units are included, which neuromodulator is used, and whether follow-up tweaks are covered. The best Botox is the one that meets your goals with the fewest trade-offs, not necessarily the one with the highest or lowest unit count.
What to expect at your first visit
A thorough consultation maps your expression patterns at rest and with movement. I assess brow position, eyelid platform show, chin projection, smile dynamics, and any facial asymmetry. Photos document a baseline for honest Botox before and after comparisons. We discuss your history, including migraines, jaw clenching, prior toxin experiences, and any upcoming events.
Injection takes 10 to 20 minutes. You might feel quick pinches or pressure. Makeup can go back on after a few hours if the skin looks settled. I advise avoiding strenuous exercise, facials, and laying face-down for 4 to 6 hours. Results start in 2 to 5 days, peak at 10 to 14 days. That is the right time for a follow-up to evaluate symmetry and function. If a tweak is needed, it is usually a small add-on.
Area-by-area reference ranges
These are typical cosmetic dosing ranges I use as a starting point, adjusted for sex, muscle strength, and aesthetic goals:
- Forehead lines (frontalis): 6 to 20 units Frown lines (glabella complex): 12 to 25 units Crow’s feet (lateral canthus): 8 to 12 units per side Bunny lines (nasalis): 2 to 6 units per side Brow lift support: 2 to 6 units per side Lip flip: 4 to 8 units total Gummy smile: 2 to 6 units total Chin dimpling (mentalis): 6 to 10 units Masseter slimming or TMJ: 20 to 50 units per side Platysma bands/neck: 20 to 60 units total Trapezius reduction: 30 to 60 units per side Underarm sweating: about 50 units per side Palms/soles sweating: 50 to 100 units per side
Ranges reflect typical Botox cosmetic injection plans, not prescriptions. Off-label uses, like calf reduction or under eye injections, require added caution and experience.
Getting natural results that age well
Natural Botox results come from moderation and precision. The goal is to soften unnecessary contraction while keeping expression. That means allowing some movement in the upper forehead to avoid a heavy brow, controlling the glabella enough to stop scowl lines from etching, and leaving a hint of smile lines so you still look like you. If your injector asks you to frown, smile, squint, and raise your brows repeatedly during mapping, that is a good sign.
Skincare and lifestyle matter. Daily sunscreen, a retinoid, and smart hydration amplify results from Botox for anti aging. Treating oily skin and large pores with topical retinoids, acids, or energy-based treatments can smooth texture beyond what toxin alone achieves. If acne scars or dermal thinning are present, pair Botox with remodeling procedures like microneedling RF, fractional lasers, or biostimulatory fillers.
When Botox may not be the best tool
If your main concern is sagging skin or significant volume loss, Botox is not a skin tightening or lifting solution by itself. It can create a brow lift or reduce platysma pull, but it cannot replace volume or remove excess skin. For droopy eyelids from skin redundancy, blepharoplasty or energy-based tightening may do more than any dose of toxin. For double chin fullness, fat reduction methods outperform neuromodulators. If headaches are your primary concern and they are not chronic migraine, posture, stress management, physical therapy, or trigger avoidance may serve you better than facial toxin.
A quick checklist before you book
- Define the look you want in plain terms, like “softer lines but still move” or “slimmer jaw when I clench.” Share medical history, medications, and any past reactions to Botox or other neuromodulators. Ask how many units are recommended per area, and why. Clarity beats package jargon. Plan your timing, especially for events. Book two to three weeks ahead to allow for settling and minor adjustments. Commit to follow-up. Small tweaks at two weeks often make the difference between good and great.
Bottom line on units
The number of units you need depends on your anatomy, muscle strength, and goals. Most people land within familiar ranges — 12 to 25 units for frown lines, 6 to 20 units for forehead, 8 to 12 units per side for crow’s feet — but the right dose for you is the one that balances movement and smoothness in your face, not your neighbor’s. Choose a certified provider who listens, maps carefully, and treats conservatively for first time Botox, then adjusts based on how your face responds. That is how you get subtle Botox that looks like you on your best day, every day, with steady maintenance and minimal downtime.