Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments used to fight wrinkles. It temporarily relaxes facial muscles to soften wrinkles and fine lines.
To get the best results, it’s important to understand Botox units and how they work. The number of units needed varies from person to person and depends on the area being treated. So, how many units do you need for Botox?
This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Botox unit dosages for different treatment areas. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Botox units and how does Botox work?
A Botox unit is a way to measure the strength of botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox injections. Botox works by blocking nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract. When the muscles relax, wrinkles caused by muscle movement soften.
BOTOX, Dysport, XEOMIN, and DAXXIFY are all brand names for botulinum toxin products, sometimes called neuromodulators.
Common Treatment Areas and Recommended Botox Units
The number of units you’ll need will depend on the area you’re having treated, the severity of the wrinkles, and the strength of your facial muscles. Here are a few common treatment areas and the typical number of Botox units injected there:
Forehead Lines
Most people need somewhere in the range of 10 to 30 units to treat forehead lines, although some sources recommend around 20 units. Treating forehead lines can sometimes affect the position of your eyebrows, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about the risk of brow ptosis, or drooping. They may recommend treating glabellar lines at the same time.
Glabellar Lines (Frown Lines or “11s”)
Glabellar lines are caused by the contraction of the procerus and corrugator muscles. Most people need 15 to 25 units of Botox to treat them, with some sources recommending around 20 units. Treating these lines can lift the brow slightly, and your provider may recommend treating the forehead lines at the same time to get the best results.
Crow’s Feet (Eye Wrinkles)
Crow’s feet are wrinkles around the eyes that are injected into the orbicularis oculi muscle. You’ll typically need 5 to 15 units per side, although some sources recommend 9 to 12 units. It’s important to be cautious, as too much Botox in this area can affect the position of your lower eyelid. For that reason, your provider may start with a lower dose to see how you respond.
Lip Flip
A lip flip involves injecting 4 to 10 units of Botox into the orbicularis oris muscle above the lip, although some sources recommend 4 to 6 units. This treatment subtly enhances the upper lip. It’s important to avoid over-injection, as too much Botox in this area can cause difficulty with speech or drinking.
Other Treatment Areas and Unit Dosages
While forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet are the most common targets for Botox injections, Botox can also be used in other areas of the face and neck.
- Bunny Lines (Nose Wrinkles): Typically, 5 to 10 units are injected into the nasalis muscle on each side of the nose to soften these lines. Overdoing it can affect the way you smile, though.
- Chin (Dimpling or “Orange Peel” Texture): A dose of 4 to 10 units injected into the mentalis muscle can smooth out chin dimpling.
- Masseter Muscles (Jawline Slimming): For jawline contouring and teeth grinding (bruxism), 20 to 30 units per side are injected into the masseter muscle.
- Neck (Nefertiti Lift): To improve neck definition and reduce neck bands, 20 to 50 units are injected into the platysma muscle.
What determines the units of Botox you need?
A few key factors influence how much Botox a medical professional will recommend.
- Muscle strength and activity. Stronger muscles need more Botox to get the desired effect. Because men tend to have larger muscles, they often need more units of Botox than women.
- Desired aesthetic. If you want a more dramatic change, you’ll need more Botox. If you want a more natural look, your doctor will probably take a more conservative approach.
- Prior treatments. If you’ve had Botox before, your muscles may have adapted, and you may need more units to get the same results.
What to expect
Botox treatments are fast and don’t require cutting or extensive numbing. Usually, the injector will clean the treatment area and may apply a topical numbing cream.
Common side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, redness, and headache. In rare cases, the eyelid or eyebrow can droop. It’s important to seek treatment from someone with extensive experience to minimize the risk of these rare side effects.
Why experience matters
It’s really important to choose someone who knows what they’re doing to inject Botox. A good injector understands all the muscles in your face and how they work. They can create a treatment plan that’s based on your unique face and what you’re hoping to achieve.
You should always talk to a licensed, qualified professional who can assess your needs and administer the Botox safely.
Conclusion
Botox is a well-established and effective treatment for wrinkles, but the number of units you’ll need depends on your unique facial structure, muscle strength, and desired results.
That’s why it’s so important to consult with a qualified and experienced injector. They can assess your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan that delivers the best possible outcome.
Finally, remember that Botox results are temporary. To maintain your smooth, youthful appearance, you’ll need regular maintenance treatments.