How many units of Botox do I need?
Typical Botox dosing is about 20 units for the frown lines between the brows, 10 to 20 units for the forehead, and 6 to 12 units per side for crow's feet, so a full upper face often uses 40 to 60 units. Men and patients with strong muscles need more. The right number is set by examining how your muscles move, not by a menu.
Units are the measure of neuromodulator dose. The FDA-studied dose for the glabella (frown lines) is 20 units of Botox, and most other areas are dosed relative to that. But every face is different: a petite woman with light expression and a man with a heavy brow can differ by double.
Common ranges
- Frown lines: 15 to 25 units
- Forehead: 10 to 20 units
- Crow's feet: 6 to 12 units per side
- Masseter (jaw slimming or teeth grinding): 20 to 30 units per side
- Lip flip, bunny lines, chin: 2 to 6 units
Why under-dosing backfires
Too few units wears off quickly and can look uneven. At your consultation Dr. Darvish watches your face move and assigns a dose per muscle, then sees you at two weeks to fine-tune. Dysport units are measured differently (roughly 2.5 to 3 Dysport units per Botox unit), so compare total price, not unit counts, between products.
Related
More about botox & wrinkle relaxers
How long does Botox last?
Botox typically lasts three to four months. Results begin two to three days after treatment, peak at about two weeks, and fade gradually as the treated muscle regains movement. Duration varies with dose, the area treated, your metabolism and how expressive you are. Daxxify, a newer neuromodulator, lasts a median of six months. Read more
How much does Botox cost in Los Angeles?
In Los Angeles, Botox is usually priced per unit, and a typical treatment of the frown lines, forehead or crow's feet uses 10 to 30 units per area. Total cost depends on how many areas you treat and the dose your muscles need. Skinpeccable gives you an exact, all-in quote at a complimentary consultation, with no obligation to book. Read more
What is the difference between Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau?
All four are botulinum toxin type A and work the same way. Dysport spreads slightly more and may start a day sooner, which suits larger areas like the forehead. Xeomin has no accessory proteins, useful for patients who have developed resistance. Jeuveau was developed purely for cosmetic use and is often priced lower. Botox has the longest track record. Results and duration are similar. Read more
Does Botox hurt?
Botox injections cause only brief, mild discomfort, usually described as a small pinch that lasts a second. The needle is very fine and each injection takes a moment. No numbing is needed, though ice is available. The whole treatment takes about ten minutes and you can go straight back to your day. Read more
Will Botox make me look frozen?
Not when it is dosed and placed correctly. A frozen look comes from over-treating the forehead or treating muscles that should keep moving. Skilled injectors relax the muscles that crease the skin while preserving the ones that give you expression. The goal is to look rested, not different. Read more
What age should you start Botox?
There is no right age. Most patients start between their late twenties and early forties, when expression lines begin to stay visible at rest. Starting earlier, sometimes called preventive Botox, can keep lines from etching in, but it is only worthwhile if you already have strong expression lines when you move. A consultation tells you whether it would help you yet. Read more
What should you not do after Botox?
For the first four hours after Botox, stay upright, do not rub or massage the treated area, and skip strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for the rest of the day. Avoid facials, massages and tight hats or headbands for 24 hours. Normal activities, makeup and washing your face gently are fine right away. Read more
Can Botox treat teeth grinding or slim a square jaw?
Yes. Botox injected into the masseter, the large chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw, relaxes it enough to reduce clenching and grinding and, over two to three months, slims a square or wide lower face. Chewing strength for food is preserved. Results last four to six months and tend to last longer with repeat treatment. Read more