When it comes to non-surgical facial rejuvenation, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most reliable and effective solutions. This famous neuromodulator is renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines temporarily. But how many units of BOTOX do you need to achieve your desired results?
The answer depends on various factors, including the treatment area and your individual goals. Below, we explore the typical BOTOX dosage for different facial areas and introduce other neurotoxin options available at our Marina Del Ray practice.
Frown Lines (11s)
Glabellar lines, also known as frown lines or the “11s,” are the vertical wrinkles that form between the eyebrows. The number of units required to treat this area typically ranges from 20 to 30 units. However, the exact dosage may vary based on factors such as the depth of the lines and the strength of the underlying muscles.
Horizontal Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines are the result of repetitive muscle movements over time. Treating these lines usually requires around 10 to 20 units of BOTOX. As with other areas, individual variations in muscle strength and skin elasticity can influence the ideal dosage.
Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet, those fine lines that radiate from the corners of your eyes, can be treated effectively with approximately 5 to 15 units of BOTOX per side. The dosage depends on the severity of the lines and the specific characteristics of your facial muscles.
Lip Lines
Vertical lip lines, often referred to as “smoker’s lines,” can develop regardless of whether you smoke. Treating these lines may require around 4 to 8 units of BOTOX. Injections in this area not only reduce the appearance of lines but also provide a subtle lip flip to enhance the lip’s contour.
Chin Dimpling
Chin dimpling, also known as “orange peel chin,” can be softened with around 5 to 10 units of BOTOX. This dosage relaxes the underlying muscles responsible for the appearance of dimples when you speak or move your chin.
Drooping Mouth Corners
Drooping mouth corners can give a perpetually sad or downturned expression. To address this concern, approximately 2 to 4 units of BOTOX can be injected into each side of the mouth. This helps lift the corners of the mouth and create a more youthful look.
Low Brow Line
A sagging brow can be raised with 2 to 5 units of BOTOX per side, but many people achieve the best results when they also treat the forehead and glabellar regions, which require additional units of BOTOX. This treatment brightens the eye area and creates a more refreshed and relaxed look overall.
Gummy Smile
Patients who show a lot of their gums when smiling can correct their gummy smiles with BOTOX. Injections of 2 to 5 units per side can relax the upper lip for a more natural smile.
Masseter Reduction
Overdeveloped jaw muscles can contribute to a square face shape. A BOTOX masseter reduction softens the contours of the jaw with 20 to 30 units per side. The treatment can slim the face while also alleviating symptoms of TMJ.
Neck Bands
The platysma muscles in the neck can create vertical cords or bands that become more prominent as we age and the skin gets thinner. Fortunately, these platysmal bands can be addressed with BOTOX. The large surface area requires 10 to 20 units per band for effective treatment.
Learn more about platysmal banding and other surprising BOTOX treatment areas in our related blog post.
What About Other Neuromodulators?
While BOTOX is a widely recognized name in the field of cosmetic injectables, other neurotoxins offer similar results, such as Dysport®, XEOMIN®, and Jeuveau®. Although these neuromodulators are FDA-approved for frown lines, they can safely be used “off-label” in other areas by a highly trained and skilled injector.
Dysport: This neuromodulator is known for its mobility and easy diffusion, making Dysport suitable for treating larger areas (such as the forehead). Dysport results may develop sooner than with BOTOX, but its thinner formulation means that it often requires twice the number of units than BOTOX to achieve the same results.
XEOMIN: XEOMIN stands out for its minimalist formulation that makes it less likely to cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Because its toxin is double-filtered and the formula contains only what is necessary to achieve results, XEOMIN is sometimes called “naked BOTOX.” XEOMIN is particularly suitable for fine lines.
Jeuveau: Also called #newtox, Jeuveau is specifically designed for cosmetic use. It has been noted for its potentially faster onset of effects, with 50% of people beginning to see results in 2 days.
What Affects How Many Units You’ll Need?
The question of how many units of BOTOX you need depends on the specific treatment area, the depth and severity of your wrinkles, and your desired results. Consulting an experienced injector is crucial to determine how much BOTOX your unique facial anatomy will need. Moreover, considering alternative neurotoxin options such as Dysport, XEOMIN, and Jeuveau can provide you with a comprehensive range of choices to achieve your rejuvenation goals.
Getting Started
At Stoker Plastic Surgery, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized and effective treatment plans using BOTOX and other advanced injectables. By understanding your needs and analyzing your facial features, we ensure that your BOTOX treatment delivers natural-looking results that help you look and feel your best. See for yourself in our before-and-after photo gallery.
Please request a consultation or call us at (310) 300-1779 to get started. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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