Walk into any busy medical spa on a Friday and you’ll hear the same two questions over and over: how many units do I need, and how long will it last. The first answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it does follow patterns. Dosage for Botox Cosmetic depends on muscle strength, face shape, skin quality, sex, and your goal, whether that’s a softly lifted brow, a smoother forehead, or facial slimming. A careful injector balances all of that with safety and a natural look.
I have treated first-timers nervous about frozen expressions and seasoned patients who know their exact number for frown lines down to the unit. Both deserve a plan. Below is a practical map of typical dosing by facial and neck region, framed by the variables that genuinely move the needle. Use it as an informed starting point for your botox consultation with a certified injector, dermatologist, or trained nurse injector.
What a “unit” means, and why it varies
A unit is the standardized measure of botulinum toxin used in botox injections. It references biological activity, not volume, so a single unit is a consistent dose across vials and visits when you stick with the same brand. Still, two factors shift the target number.
First, anatomy. A strong corrugator muscle in someone who frowns hard needs more than a faint scowl line on a person with delicate musculature. Men often require higher dosing than women because of thicker muscles, although that is a tendency, not a rule. Second, goals. Softer movement for a very natural look uses fewer units than a firm hold for stubborn lines. The art lies in picking the lowest effective dose that delivers the botox results you want while preserving expression.
Expect to see the peak effect around day 10 to 14. Most people enjoy botox wrinkle smoothing for 3 to 4 months. Heavier muscle groups and high metabolism can shorten duration. When we get the dose and placement right, your maintenance interval settles into a reliable rhythm.
The glabella (frown lines) - where most people start
The glabellar complex spans the corrugators and procerus, the group that pulls the brows together into “11s.” For many, this is the first botox for wrinkles treatment because frowning happens subconsciously all day, etching lines early.
Common dosing ranges:
- Women: 15 to 25 units spread across 5 injection points Men: 20 to 30 units, occasionally more for very strong frown muscles
Using less than 10 units in a strong glabella often under-treats and wears off fast. Using much more than 30 in most faces risks migration or heaviness. When placed skillfully, botox for frown lines softens the habit and the lines, and it can lift the inner brow slightly. If vertical furrows are deeply etched, a botox and dermal fillers combo sometimes helps, with filler supporting the crease while botox calms the pull.
Horizontal forehead lines - proceed with balance
The frontalis muscle raises the brows. Weakening it too much drops the brow; under-treat and the lines persist. Because the frontalis is a brow elevator, experienced injectors take a conservative approach and pair forehead dosing with glabellar support.
Typical starting ranges:
- Women: 8 to 16 units spaced across the upper two thirds of the forehead Men: 10 to 20 units, adjusted for a taller forehead or stronger frontalis
Your injector will map your brow position and resting tone. If the brows sit low or the lids feel heavy, we dial dosing down and rely on frown line treatment to lift. If you have a high hairline and a strong frontalis, we distribute more units higher on the forehead to preserve lift. The aim is a smooth forehead without a flat “stamped” look.
Crow’s feet - smiling without the crinkle
Crow’s feet form at the lateral canthus from squinting, sun exposure, and smiling. The orbicularis oculi responds beautifully to moderate dosing.
Typical ranges per side:
- 6 to 12 units per eye, often in 3 injection points
Light, superficial placement avoids diffusion into muscles that open the eye, preserving a bright gaze. For a very natural look that keeps some smile crinkle, stay at the lower end. Heavier etching from years of sun, or a very strong squint, may need the higher end. Sunscreen and sunglasses help maintain botox aesthetic results here.
Bunny lines on the nose
Bunny lines are those diagonal creases at the bridge of the nose when you smile. They are small but noticeable in expressive faces.
Typical range:
- 2 to 5 units per side
Treating bunny lines can become more relevant after several botox sessions in the glabella and forehead because the nose may start compensating with more scrunching. A light touch leads to subtle, satisfying smoothing.
Brow lift - a touch of lift without surgery
A “chemical brow lift” uses small amounts around the brows to let elevating muscles win over depressors. It is not a surgical lift, but a few millimeters of lift can open the eyes.
Typical approach:
- 2 to 3 units per side in the tail or lateral brow depressors, sometimes paired with glabella treatment
The best candidates have mild lateral brow heaviness. Over-treating risks Spock brows or a peaked arch. A skillful injector uses micro-doses, then offers a touch up at two weeks if more lift is safe.
Lip flip - a lighter alternative to filler
The lip flip relaxes the top lip’s orbicularis oris so it rolls up slightly, showing more pink without adding volume. It is popular for a subtle smile enhancement, especially for those who want a natural look.
Typical range:
- 4 to 8 units total across the upper lip border
Results last 6 to 8 weeks, shorter than other areas because the mouth moves constantly. Avoid high doses here to prevent articulation issues or drinking through a straw. If you want fuller lips or to address vertical lip lines, consider combining the lip flip with hyaluronic acid filler rather than overshooting with toxin.
Gummy smile - showing less gum without stiffening the smile
For a gummy smile, tiny injections weaken the elevator muscles of the upper lip so the lip doesn’t rise as high.
Typical range:
- 2 to 4 units per side near the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi
Done well, you keep your natural smile while covering more gum. Done heavily, speech and smile can look off. Start low and reassess at the botox touch up window.
Chin dimples and pebbling
A hyperactive mentalis creates a pebbly chin, orange-peel texture, and vertical mental crease. Relaxing it smooths texture and refines the lower face.
Typical range:
- 6 to 10 units total in the central chin
The mentalis also pulls the chin upward. Too much toxin can make the lower lip feel heavy or drool slightly, which is why precise placement by a botox specialist matters.
DAO muscles and marionette lines - softening the downturn
The depressor anguli oris pulls the corners of the mouth down, contributing to a sad or tired expression and marionette lines. Easing its pull allows the corners to sit more neutral.
Typical range:
- 4 to 8 units total, placed just lateral to the chin
Botox here pairs well with filler in the marionette shadows. Toxin reduces the downward pull; filler restores structure. That combination often yields a refreshed look with a lifting effect.
Masseter reduction and jawline contour - facial slimming and functional relief
The masseters are the big chewing muscles at the back of the jaw. Overactivity bulks the lower face into a square shape and may cause clenching or tension. Botox masseter reduction slims the jawline over several months and can ease bite pressure. It is a cornerstone of botox facial slimming and jawline contour.
Typical range per side:
- 20 to 40 units for aesthetic slimming, sometimes 30 to 50 in very strong masseters
Expect gradual contour change across 6 to 12 weeks as the muscle weakens and atrophies. Chewing is still possible, but the bite feels less powerful. Some clients notice transient chewing fatigue with tough foods. As with all lower face treatments, precise depth and placement matter for safety.
Platysmal bands and tech neck - smoothing the neck
Vertical neck bands from the platysma respond to lines of micro-injections along each band. The goal is softening bands and improving jawline contour.
Typical range:
- 20 to 60 units total depending on number and strength of bands
Some injectors also perform a Nefertiti Lift, placing small units along the jawline to reduce downward pull from the platysma. With careful dosing, you can see a cleaner mandibular border. Over-treating risks swallowing or voice issues, which is why this should be performed by an injector who regularly treats neck bands.
Underarms and palms for hyperhidrosis - beyond aesthetics
Botox for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a medical therapy with life-changing benefits for many. In the underarms, it can reduce sweat by more than half and lasts longer than cosmetic dosing.
Typical range:
- Axillary: 50 to 100 units per underarm Palms or soles: 50 to 100 units per side, often more uncomfortable and sometimes done with numbing
Expect 6 to 9 months of reduced sweating, sometimes longer. Coverage by insurance varies by region and diagnosis, so ask your botox clinic about options.
Migraine and TMJ symptoms - when function leads
https://where2go.com/binn/b_search.w2g?function=detail&type=power&listing_no=2177958&_UserReference=7F0000014654818B2D3B92AC00F068619D2FBotox for migraines follows specific medical protocols like PREEMPT for chronic migraine, which use higher overall totals across head and neck muscle groups. For TMJ or clenching, we tailor doses to masseters and sometimes temporalis muscles.
Typical aesthetic-adjacent ranges:
- Temporalis: 10 to 20 units per side for clenching or tension Masseter: see the facial slimming ranges above, with functional relief often at similar doses
Functional treatment should come from a botox doctor or provider experienced in medical indications.
A quick reality check on averages and individuality
Online charts are helpful, but your face and neck are not averages. Skin thickness, sun history, collagen content, and the way you animate shift the plan. A petite woman with a strong frown can need more in the glabella than a tall man with soft muscles. Ethnic and anatomical differences, eyewear habits, even favorite sports, subtly shape how you move your face. I have a runner who squints more outdoors, so her crow’s feet dosing runs higher than her forehead. A client who reads for hours underlines her frown lines more than her smile lines.
The right injector watches you talk, laugh, and frown, then marks where your muscles start and stop. That map determines dose and placement just as much as the numbers here.
What happens during a botox cosmetic procedure
A typical botox session takes 10 to 20 minutes. We start with a brief botox consultation to confirm medical history, review medications, and align on goals. Photos are taken for botox before and after comparison. Makeup is removed and the skin is cleaned. Some clinics use ice or a dab of topical anesthetic, but most patients tolerate botox injections without numbing.
The injections themselves feel like tiny pinches. You’ll see small bumps for 10 to 20 minutes as the saline disperses. Makeup can be reapplied gently after a short wait. For a lunchtime procedure, clients go right back to work. You will receive botox aftercare instructions to minimize bruising and keep the product where it belongs.
Sensible aftercare that actually matters
Here’s the short list I give patients to protect their botox results without overcomplicating their day.
- Stay upright for four hours after treatment, and avoid pressing or massaging the area. Skip intense exercise, saunas, and hot yoga for the day. Heat increases blood flow and may reduce efficacy. Delay facials, microcurrent, or aggressive exfoliation around the treated zones for 24 to 48 hours. Resume skincare that night, but go easy around injection points. Gentle cleansing and SPF are fine. If you see small bruises, use a cool compress and topical arnica. Plan big events with a 2 week buffer.
Most people have minimal downtime. A mild headache after glabellar treatment or tiny injection-site bumps are the most common, short-lived issues.
Safety, side effects, and when to call
Botox safety is robust when delivered by a trained injector using sterile technique. The most common side effects are pinprick bruises, mild swelling, and temporary tenderness. Less common, but important to mention, are transient eyelid ptosis, eyebrow asymmetry, or smile changes if the product diffuses where it shouldn’t. These issues typically soften as the toxin wears off. A certified injector can often adjust asymmetry with strategic touch ups.
Avoid botox treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neuromuscular disorders. Disclose blood thinners, recent antibiotics like aminoglycosides, or planned dental work that may press on facial tissues. When in doubt, ask your botox dermatologist or nurse injector. A good clinic will advise you conservatively.
How cost and units relate - and how to think about value
Clinics price botox cosmetic by the unit or by area. Per-unit pricing makes it easier to understand dose. In many US markets, cost ranges from 10 to 20 dollars per unit depending on geography, injector credentials, and clinic overhead. A glabella at 20 units might be 200 to 400 dollars. The forehead plus crow’s feet package could run 350 to 700. Masseter reduction is more, often 600 to 1,200 due to higher dosing.
Botox specials and botox deals can lower your out-of-pocket cost, especially if you join manufacturer rewards programs or a medical spa membership that includes botox maintenance. Choose your provider first by training and results, then look for value. Chasing the lowest price per unit can backfire if dilution is off, product is stale, or expertise is lacking. Trusted provider, consistent product, and clean technique will always beat a bargain with unpredictable outcomes.
How long it lasts, and how to build a maintenance plan
Most people see long lasting results for 3 to 4 months in the upper face. The lip flip may fade in 6 to 8 weeks. Masseter reduction takes several weeks to show and can botox Massachusetts last 4 to 6 months or longer as the muscle remodels. Hyperhidrosis relief often extends 6 to 9 months.
For a smooth maintenance curve, schedule your next botox session when you feel 20 to 30 percent of movement returning rather than waiting until everything is back to baseline. Regular, moderate dosing keeps results even and can prevent deepening of fine lines, a strategy sometimes called botox prejuvenation. The maintenance interval often settles into three or four visits a year.
Combining botox and fillers for a complete result
Botox is a wrinkle relaxer; fillers are volume builders and contour enhancers. Some concerns need both. Horizontal forehead lines from motion respond to botox for forehead lines. But static creases at rest may also need a hyaluronic acid line filler for best smoothing. Marionette lines improve with botox in the DAO muscles to reduce downward pull, then filler to support the shadow. Pairing often multiplies botox benefits because the muscle stops overworking the filler, extending the effect.
Think of it as complementary roles in facial rejuvenation therapy: botox for motion lines and muscle-driven shape, dermal fillers for structure. A botox filler combo should still look natural. The goal is refreshed, not altered.
Men and women, different patterns, similar principles
Botox for men typically uses higher units in the glabella and masseters, with careful respect for male brow shape. A straighter, slightly lower brow looks natural in men, so we avoid over-lifting the tail. Women often prefer a gentle lateral lift and softer forehead, but much depends on individual preference and anatomy.
Both benefit from clear goals: maintain masculine angles, soften tired or angry resting expressions, and keep normal movement. The best results show up as compliments about looking well-rested, not questions about what you had done.
Planning your first appointment - what to expect and ask
I tell first-timers to bring a short list of concerns in order of priority, a couple of reference photos of themselves from years they liked their look, and their calendar. The timing matters because your best botox before and after photos happen around two weeks.
Questions that help you choose a provider and shape your plan:
- How many units do you typically use in the areas I’m concerned about, and why that number for my anatomy? What is your approach to maintaining a natural look while addressing my specific lines? How do you handle touch ups if one side settles differently? What are realistic results for me at two weeks and at three months? Can we map a maintenance plan based on my goals and budget?
These answers tell you whether you’re in experienced hands. Look for a botox professional service with clear methodology, not a one-dose-fits-all approach.
Region-by-region cheat sheet for typical unit ranges
If you want a compact reference without scrolling back through each section, this table summarizes common aesthetic starting points. Your injector will personalize within or beyond these ranges.
Area | Typical Units | Notes --- | --- | --- Glabella (frown lines) | 15 to 30 total | Strong muscles need the higher end; often paired with forehead Forehead horizontal lines | 8 to 20 total | Balance with brow position to avoid heaviness Crow’s feet | 12 to 24 total (6 to 12 per side) | Lighter dosing preserves some smile crinkle Bunny lines | 4 to 10 total | Small, targeted placement on the nose Brow lift micro-dosing | 4 to 6 total | Subtle lift at tails, plus glabella support Lip flip | 4 to 8 total | Shorter duration than other areas Gummy smile | 4 to 8 total | Start low to preserve smile Chin dimpling (mentalis) | 6 to 10 total | Smooths pebbling and mental crease DAO (mouth corners) | 4 to 8 total | Reduces downward pull; combine with filler if needed Masseter reduction | 40 to 100 total (20 to 50 per side) | Slims jawline; functional relief for clenching Platysmal bands | 20 to 60 total | Improves bands and jawline contour Axillary hyperhidrosis | 100 to 200 total | Medical indication, longer lasting Temporalis for clenching | 20 to 40 total (10 to 20 per side) | Often combined with masseters
Use this as a conversation starter, not a prescription.
How to avoid a “frozen” look while getting real results
Natural results come from three levers: accurate mapping, the right unit count, and restrained placement in expressive zones. Not every line should vanish. The top third of the forehead can be glassy without muting your entire face, while mid-forehead and eyebrow mobility should remain. Crow’s feet look best softened, not erased. The lip should move freely, so the lip flip needs micro-dosing. Resist chasing every fine line with toxin. Some texture belongs to healthy, moving skin.
If you’ve ever felt overdone, tell your injector exactly what felt off. Maybe your brows drooped mid-cycle, or your smile felt tense. Good notes lead to small adjustments in the next botox session and a better fit long term.
The rhythm of refinement - touch ups and adjustments
Two-week reviews are powerful. This is when minor asymmetries show and when a small touch up can convert good to great. One side of your forehead might be stronger, your left smile may hitch higher, or a single crow’s foot line persists because the injection sat a millimeter low. A few units in the right spot make a clean finish. An experienced botox nurse injector or dermatologist assumes some fine-tuning with first-time treatments and less over time as your map becomes familiar.
Skin quality still matters
Botox reduces movement lines, but it doesn’t replace sunscreen, retinoids, or collagen-building treatments. If you have etched lines that remain at rest, we may add microneedling, light resurfacing, or filler. Hydrated, resilient skin holds botox glow longer. A maintenance plan might alternate botox aesthetic treatment with quarterly skincare procedures that boost texture and tone. Some patients pair toxin with radiofrequency skin tightening for jawline refinement that botox alone cannot create.
Finding the right provider
Searches for botox near me bring up a wide range of options. Look for a botox medical spa or clinic where injectors are credentialed, transparent about training, and comfortable discussing risks and alternatives. Review unfiltered before and after photos, ideally taken in consistent lighting. Ask whether they use FDA-approved products, how they track units and lot numbers, and what their botox maintenance plan looks like for long-term clients. Trust and consistency underpin the safest, most satisfying results.
Final thoughts from the chair
The most common surprise after a first botox cosmetic treatment is how subtle and natural it looks when done by a careful hand. Friends say you look rested. Makeup sits better. That midday scowl disappears from your Zoom thumbnail. The right number of units is enough to relax habitual creases while keeping you animated and yourself.
Start with realistic goals, a modest dose in expressive areas, and a two-week follow up for adjustments. From there, refine the map. Whether your concern is forehead lines, crow’s feet, a gummy smile, or jawline bulk, there is a dose range that fits your face and your comfort with movement. That is the sweet spot where botox rejuvenation meets everyday life, and where maintenance feels simple rather than a project.