Most people don’t walk into a Botox appointment asking about injection techniques or dilution ratios. They want to know two practical things: how many units they’ll need and what those units will do for their face, neck, or a medical concern like jaw clenching or sweating. As a clinician who has treated thousands of patients, I’ve found that sharing clear ranges by area calms nerves and sets realistic expectations. The right number of units is not a vanity metric, it’s a dose, tailored to your facial anatomy, muscle strength, and goals for natural movement.
This reference focuses on cosmetic and common therapeutic uses, with real-world ranges you can bring to a Botox consultation. Exact dosing should always be individualized, but a thoughtful range helps you plan, compare quotes, and avoid over or under-treatment.
A quick word on units, brands, and personalization
One unit is a standardized dose for a specific formulation of onabotulinumtoxinA, commonly known as Botox Cosmetic. Units are not interchangeable across all brands. For example, Dysport and Xeomin have different unit scales, although experienced injectors know approximate conversions and adjust technique accordingly. When you read “20 units” in this guide, assume classic Botox units unless stated otherwise. If you are considering Dysport vs Botox or Xeomin vs Botox, ask your injector how their dosing compares and what they prefer for your goals.
Personalization matters. Stronger muscles generally need more units, men often require higher doses than women due to muscle mass, and some areas (crow’s feet, for instance) vary with how you animate when smiling. Natural looking Botox comes from matching dose and placement to your unique expression pattern. Think of the ranges below as “most likely” targets, not prescriptions.
Forehead lines (frontalis)
When people search “how many units of Botox for forehead,” they usually mean the horizontal lines that show when you raise your eyebrows. Treating the frontalis is a balancing act. This muscle lifts the brows, so over-treating can lead to flattening or heavy brows. Under-treating leaves lines. The aim is softening lines while maintaining your brow shape and a refreshed look.
Typical range: 6 to 20 units, often split across 4 to 8 injection sites. Smaller or flatter foreheads need fewer units. Tall foreheads and strong frontalis activity push toward the higher end. “Baby Botox” for the forehead often lands between 6 and 12 units for subtle smoothing, especially for first time Botox patients or those seeking preventative Botox.
Pro tip from the chair: let your injector evaluate whether your frontalis is dominant or if your frown complex is doing most of the work. Sometimes patients chase forehead lines when the real culprit is repeated frowning pulling the skin down and folding the forehead. In those cases, frontalis dosing stays conservative and more units go to the glabella.
Frown lines (glabella, the “11s”)
Those vertical lines between the eyebrows come from the corrugator and procerus muscles. Treating this complex relaxes the scowl and often creates a subtle lift through the center of the brows. Most people tolerate a full recommended dose here without feeling “frozen.”
Typical range: 15 to 25 units, commonly distributed in 5 injection sites. If the lines are etched at rest, your injector may recommend staying on the higher end consistently for a few cycles to retrain the muscle pattern. If you ask how many units of Botox for frown lines, the most frequent answer in real practice is around 20 units for women and 20 to 30 units for men.
Crow’s feet (lateral canthal lines)
These lines radiate from the outer corners of the eyes when you smile. Light, precise dosing softens the crinkles without dulling your smile. Good crow’s feet treatment respects eye shape and the way your cheeks lift.
Typical range: 6 to 12 units per side, so 12 to 24 units total. Slim faces with delicate orbicularis muscles do well with lower totals. Robust facial animation, sun damage, and deeper creasing call for more. If you’re new to Botox for crow’s feet, your injector may start at 8 to 10 units per side and adjust at a two-week check if needed.
Brow lift with Botox
A subtle eyebrow lift with Botox is achieved by selectively relaxing muscles that pull the brow downward while preserving frontalis lift. Results are modest, think 1 to 2 millimeters, but can open the eyes and improve symmetry.
Typical range: 2 to 5 units per side, placed strategically in the lateral brow depressors and sometimes a microdose in the tail of the frontalis. This treatment often pairs with glabella and crow’s feet dosing to harmonize the brow’s position. If you’re searching for eyebrow lift Botox, ask for a conservative trial first, especially if your brows are naturally low.
Bunny lines (nasalis)
Those little scrunch lines on the sides of the nose appear when you laugh or smile. The nasalis muscle responds well to tiny doses. Over-treating risks odd smile dynamics, so finesse matters.
Typical range: 2 to 5 units per side. If you are new to Botox for bunny lines, starting at 2 units per side is common. Reassess after two weeks.
Lip flip Botox
The lip flip uses microdoses in the orbicularis oris above the upper lip to increase the show of pink tissue without adding volume. It pairs nicely with subtle lip filler or stands alone for someone who wants a tiny enhancement without commitment to fillers.
Typical range: 4 to 8 units total. Expect a slight change in drinking from a straw and whistling for a few days. Go light for your first try. Good candidates have a tucked upper lip at rest or a top lip that disappears when smiling.
Gummy smile
If the upper lip lifts too high and shows significant gum when you smile, small doses into the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi complex can soften the elevation.
Typical range: 2 to 4 units per side. Balance is key. Too much weakens smile strength. If you are trying gummy smile Botox for the first time, request a conservative plan with a two-week follow up for possible touch up.
Chin dimpling and pebbling
Mentalis overactivity creates an orange-peel texture in the chin and can pull the chin upward and inward. Relaxing this muscle smooths the skin and softens the lower face.
Typical range: 6 to 10 units total. Dose depends on how strong the muscle is and whether you’re also treating marionette lines with fillers. Botox for chin dimpling pairs nicely with small amounts of filler when texture and volume loss coexist.
Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and facial slimming (masseter)
Masseter Botox can reduce clenching pain and soften a square jawline over time. Dosing here is very individual and higher than facial line treatments. Expect gradual facial slimming across several months as the muscle weakens and atrophies slightly.
Typical range: 20 to 40 units per side for cosmetic facial slimming and TMJ Botox treatment, sometimes up to 50 units per side in very strong jaws. Start lower if your goal is relief from jaw tension without much change to face shape. For botox for jaw clenching or botox for teeth grinding, consistent maintenance every 4 to 6 months is typical early on.
What you might feel: initial relief from jaw tension in 7 to 14 days, maximal change in masseter size at 8 to 12 weeks. Chewing fatigue with very tough foods can occur temporarily, more likely at higher doses.
Platysmal bands and neck lines
Neck Botox can target vertical platysmal bands that pull the lower face down or creasing across the neck. Results depend on band prominence and skin quality. This is an advanced area; choose an injector with deep neck anatomy knowledge.
Typical range: 10 to 40 units spread across bands for a Nefertiti-style lift or neck band softening. Some patients need 50 to 70 units total if bands are strong and numerous. If you’re considering botox for neck bands or neck Botox, expect a series of treatments to find your best dose and pattern.
Pebbled pores and oily T-zone (micro or “skin” Botox)
Micro Botox, sometimes called meso-Botox or microtoxin, uses a highly diluted product placed very superficially to decrease oiliness and improve the look of pores. This is technique dependent and not the same as classic intramuscular dosing.
Typical range: variable, often 30 to 60 total units diluted and microinjected across the T-zone or entire face. The aim is to quiet sweat and oil glands slightly without weakening expression. It is great for Botox for pore reduction or oily skin in careful hands.
Migraine prevention
Therapeutic Botox for chronic migraine follows a standardized protocol across head and neck muscles. This is medical Botox, not cosmetic, and requires a formal diagnosis of chronic migraine.
Typical range: 155 to 195 units total per session, administered every 12 weeks. Many patients see fewer headache days by the second or third cycle. If you’re exploring migraines Botox treatment, start with a neurologist evaluation. Botox for migraines follows a fixed pattern for safety and efficacy.
Hyperhidrosis and underarm sweating
For excessive sweating, Botox blocks the nerve signals to sweat glands. Underarms are the most common site, but palms, soles, and scalp can be treated too. Expect a meaningful drop in sweating within 1 to 2 weeks.
Typical range: 50 to 100 units per underarm, 100 to 200 units total. Palms may require similar totals but can be more sensitive. Results typically last 4 to 6 months in underarms, sometimes longer.
Smile lines and marionettes: when Botox helps and when filler wins
Botox for smile lines around the mouth has limits. Dynamic lines from strong depressor or risorius muscles can improve with tiny doses, but etched static lines usually need filler. Too much Botox here risks a “heavy” smile.
Typical range: 2 to 6 units per side for carefully selected cases. Most nasolabial folds and marionette shadows respond better to fillers. This is a good example of Botox versus fillers, where each tool has a clear strength.
Combining areas: common totals for a natural result
A typical first time Botox plan often includes the upper face trio: forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Many patients land in the 40 to 64 unit range for these three when aiming for visible yet natural looking Botox.
Example scenario:
- Frown lines: 20 units Forehead: 10 units Crow’s feet: 10 units per side, 20 total Total: 50 units
Someone who prefers baby Botox might start at 30 to 40 units for the same areas, with a two-week touch up if needed. It’s common to adjust upwards once you see how your muscles respond and how soon Botox starts working for you.
Men and dose adjustments
Botox for men, sometimes called “Brotox,” often requires higher doses due to muscle bulk. Strong glabellar complex and thicker frontalis need more units to achieve the same line softening. A reasonable starting point is 10 to 20 percent higher than the ranges quoted for women. For example, a man’s frown lines may need 25 to 30 units rather than 20.
How long does Botox last and how often to get it
Most cosmetic areas hold 3 to 4 months, sometimes 5 to 6 months for quieter muscles or after several consistent cycles. Masseter treatment and underarm sweating can stretch longer once stabilized. If you’re asking how often to get Botox, a common cadence is every 3 to 4 months for the upper face, and every 4 to 6 months for jawline Botox in masseters. Let results fully wear off once per year so your injector can reassess baseline muscle activity and refine your personalized Botox plan.
What affects your unit needs
Not every face needs the same dose. I weigh six practical factors at a Botox consultation: facial muscle strength, skin thickness and photodamage, size of treatment area, past response to Botox or Dysport, desired movement (frozen vs soft), and how lines sit at rest. Younger patients using preventative Botox generally need fewer units, especially if lines are not yet etched.
A small caution on “Botox deals”: a low advertised price per unit loses meaning if the clinic underdoses every area. Cheap sessions that wear off in six weeks cost more in the long run. If you’re shopping for affordable Botox, compare per-unit pricing, expected units by area, the injector’s credentials, and whether a two-week follow-up is included for fine-tuning.
Cost and planning
Botox pricing per unit varies by geography and injector expertise. Many clinics price per unit, some Burlington area botox providers price per area. Depending on your city, typical ranges are 10 to 20 dollars per unit. If you’re asking how much does Botox cost for a classic upper-face treatment of 40 to 60 units, expect 400 to 1,200 dollars before tax. Botox cost per area packages can be convenient but may not reflect your actual dose needs. Personalized dosing tends to yield better results and fewer touch ups.
Memberships and Botox package deals make sense if you plan regular maintenance. Just verify that your membership does not push unnecessary treatments or lock you into cookie-cutter dosing.
Onset, peak, and touch ups
You’ll see early changes in 3 to 5 days, most of the effect at 7 to 14 days. If you’re wondering how soon does Botox work, give it two full weeks before judging. When does Botox wear off? You usually feel movement returning at 10 to 12 weeks, though appearance stays softened longer.
A conservative first session with a planned touch up at two weeks is a smart way to find your natural set point. Touch ups are small, 2 to 6 units here or there, not a full redo. If you needed a touch up twice in a row in the same spot, your base dose for that area should be increased at the next visit.
Safety, side effects, and downtime
Is Botox safe? When performed by trained professionals using FDA-cleared products, yes, for both cosmetic and therapeutic uses. Botox downtime is minimal. Expect tiny bumps for 10 to 20 minutes at injection sites, occasional pinpoint bruises that fade in a few days, and rare headaches. The risk of eyelid droop is small and tied to technique and aftercare. Choose the best Botox clinic you can, ideally with a best Botox doctor who treats these areas daily and can manage nuances.
Common, mild side effects: tenderness at injection points, small bruises, transient headache, and a sensation of heaviness in the first week as you adjust. Rare complications exist, so an in-person medical history and assessment are essential for safe Botox treatment.
Aftercare that actually matters
The internet is full of rules. Here’s what you should prioritize immediately after Botox injections for a smooth result.
- Stay upright for 4 hours, avoid pressing or massaging injected areas. Skip strenuous workouts and sauna for 24 hours to limit diffusion and bruising. Avoid facials, masks that press tightly on treated zones, or facial devices for 48 hours. Keep alcohol and blood thinners minimal the day of treatment if bruising is a concern. Book your two-week check if it’s your first time or you changed your dosing plan.
On the “can you work out after Botox” question, gentle walking is fine. Save hot yoga and heavy lifting for the next day. As for “can you drink after Botox,” one glass of wine won’t ruin your results, but heavy drinking increases bruising risk.
Before and after expectations
Botox before and after photos can be misleading if lighting and expression aren’t consistent. Look for photos where the “after” shows the same expression as the “before,” ideally full smile for crow’s feet and raised brows for forehead lines. Subtle Botox results are a win when you look like yourself, just rested. If a clinic’s gallery shows only maximal “frozen” outcomes, ask whether they also do nuanced dosing.
Where Botox shines and where it doesn’t
Botox anti wrinkle treatment excels at lines from muscle movement: frown, forehead, crow’s feet, bunny lines, chin dimpling, and some neck banding. It also shines in therapeutic roles like migraines Botox treatment and hyperhidrosis Botox treatment for underarm sweating.
It does not lift sagging skin, fill volume loss, or erase deep static folds. That is where fillers, biostimulators, energy devices, or surgery might be better. When comparing Botox and fillers, remember: Botox relaxes, filler replaces. Smart facial rejuvenation with Botox uses each tool for its best job.
Advanced techniques and edge cases
Some patients ask about micro Botox to refine pores and control oil; it can make makeup sit better and calm shine. Others want a non surgical brow lift with Botox, which is realistic in select candidates with mild brow descent. For eyelid twitching or blepharospasm, medical dosing by an ophthalmologist is appropriate. For TMJ pain or jawline slimming, masseter Botox requires patience and consistent follow up doses. For preventative Botox in late twenties or early thirties, micro-dosing at longer intervals keeps lines from etching, often with 10 to 20 units sprinkled across early trouble zones.
If you have asymmetry or a history of strong eyebrow wrinkles, more meticulous mapping helps. One side of the face may need more units than the other. I see this often with right-dominant frown patterns and one-sided crow’s feet from a habitual side smile. Customized Botox treatment smooths both sides while preserving your natural expressions.
A practical reference by area
The following ranges reflect common real-world dosing for Botox Cosmetic. Your plan may vary.
- Forehead lines: 6 to 20 units total. Frown lines (glabella): 15 to 25 units total, sometimes up to 30 in men. Crow’s feet: 6 to 12 units per side. Brow lift: 2 to 5 units per side. Bunny lines: 2 to 5 units per side. Lip flip: 4 to 8 units total. Gummy smile: 2 to 4 units per side. Chin dimpling: 6 to 10 units total. Masseter (jawline/jaw clenching): 20 to 40 units per side, sometimes higher. Neck bands: 10 to 40 units total, higher in pronounced bands. Micro Botox for pores/oil: 30 to 60 diluted units across treated zones. Underarm sweating: 50 to 100 units per underarm. Chronic migraine protocol: 155 to 195 units total.
Use this as a starting point for a personalized Botox plan and to estimate Botox pricing per unit for your budget.
Choosing the right injector
Experience shows in small decisions: when to split doses across more injection points for a smoother spread, how to protect brow position while treating a tall forehead, how to sequence Botox and fillers for the most natural outcome, and how to correct a heavy look after a too-strong session elsewhere. Ask to see a range of results, not just one signature style. Good Botox patient reviews describe consistent, natural results and a supportive two-week follow up system for touch ups.
If you are searching “Botox near me for wrinkles,” visit clinics in person. A thoughtful Botox consultation should include a full-face animation assessment, medical history, discussion of risks, pricing transparency, and realistic timelines for Botox results. Same day Botox is fine if the evaluation is thorough and you’re confident in the plan.
Maintenance and long-term strategy
Think in seasons. Plan your higher-dose sessions before big events with a 3 to 4 week buffer for full effect and fine-tuning. Consider Botox maintenance set at 3 to 4 month intervals for the upper face, and 4 to 6 months for masseter or underarms. If you ever feel “too light” at week four twice in a row, your base dosing likely needs an incremental increase. If you feel “too heavy,” shorten the interval slightly or reduce units by 10 to 20 percent in that area.
If you’re curious about the best age to start Botox, the answer centers on your lines, not your birthdate. Start when you see lines that persist at rest or when animation creases bother you repeatedly. Many patients begin in their late twenties to mid-thirties with baby Botox forehead dosing and small glabella treatments, then scale as needed.
Bringing it all together
Botox is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The art lies in selecting the right units and injection sites for your muscle patterns and goals. A forehead could need 8 units or 18, masseters 20 per side or 50, crow’s feet 8 per side or 12. Good planning avoids a frozen look, preserves expressions you love, and softens the ones you don’t. If you keep a simple record of areas, units, and how long each result lasted, your injector can refine a personalized map that becomes your reliable, natural baseline.
When you are ready to book your Botox appointment, bring this reference. Ask how your injector determines dosing, what they expect for your “before and after,” what not to do after Botox that day, and when they want to see you for a quick check. Whether you want subtle Botox results, a lip flip, jawline Botox for clenching, or therapeutic treatment for underarm sweating or migraines, the right number of units, in the right place, at the right time, makes all the difference.