People are usually surprised when I say Botox dosing is more like tailoring a suit than buying a T‑shirt. Two foreheads can look similar in a mirror yet need very different amounts. Muscle strength, animation patterns, skin thickness, age, and even goals for expression affect the units we use. A clean chart is helpful, but context is everything. I’ll walk you through typical Botox Cosmetic ranges by area, how pros adjust them, and what to expect before and after your appointment. I’ll also cover value and safety, because a good result is only partly about numbers.
I have treated first‑timers who feared a frozen brow but loved a “baby Botox” approach, and veteran clients who prefer a full correction that holds through a busy quarter. Both are legitimate aims. The trick is matching dose to anatomy and outcome, then placing it precisely.
Quick primer: what a “unit” means and why it varies
A unit is a standardized measure of Botox activity. It is not interchangeable across brands. Twenty units of Botox Cosmetic is not the same as twenty units of Dysport. Different practices also use different dilutions, yet a “unit” of Botox has the same effect whether the vial was diluted with 2.0 or 2.5 ml of saline. What changes is volume per injection, not potency.
Botox relaxes muscle by blocking acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Think of it as turning down the volume on muscle contraction, not cutting the wire. The effect is temporary. Nerve terminals sprout new connections over time, so results fade gradually, usually across 3 to 4 months for facial lines, sometimes shorter or longer depending on area and individual metabolism.
Because muscles differ widely, the forehead might need a light touch while the frown complex between the brows needs a serious dose. Masseter muscles for jawline slimming often require several times the units used between the brows. This is why a “how much Botox do I need” answer always starts with “it depends,” then quickly gets specific.
The dosage chart you came for
Use these ranges as a realistic starting point. They reflect common dosing for adults using Botox Cosmetic in clinical aesthetics. A lower number delivers softer movement and a shorter duration. A higher number aims for full correction and longer hold, as long as it is placed safely.
- Frown lines (glabellar complex): 15 to 30 units. The FDA‑approved dose is 20 units across five points, but many pros adjust up or down based on corrugator strength and line depth. Forehead lines (frontalis): 6 to 20 units. This area is paired with the glabella for balance. Lower brows, heavy lids, or strong frontalis activity often mean a conservative approach here to avoid brow drop. Crow’s feet (lateral canthus): 6 to 24 units total, typically 3 to 12 units per side. Strong outdoor athletes can live at the higher end. Bunny lines (nasalis): 4 to 8 units. Small muscle, easy to overdo if you chase every crinkle. Lip flip: 4 to 8 units across the vermilion border, often 2 to 4 points. Useful for a subtle pout without filler. Gummy smile: 2 to 6 units targeting levator labii superioris alaeque nasi region. Precise placement is key to avoid a flat smile. Downturned mouth corners (DAO): 4 to 8 units total. Helps soften a frown at rest. Chin dimpling (mentalis): 4 to 10 units. Smooths orange‑peel texture and softens a witchy chin posture. Eyebrow lift with Botox: 2 to 6 units total around lateral brow elevators and depressors. Works only if anatomy allows. Masseter (jawline slimming or teeth grinding): 20 to 60 units per side. Hypertrophic masseters often need the higher range and staged treatments. Platysmal neck bands: 12 to 40 units total, sometimes more for strong vertical bands. This is advanced work, paired with careful mapping. Horizontal neck “tech” lines: variable, often 10 to 30 units microdosed along lines. Results vary more than with classic expression lines. Hyperhidrosis (underarms): 50 to 100 units per side for sweating control. Duration can reach 6 to 9 months, sometimes longer. Migraine protocol: medical dosing differs and follows a set pattern across scalp, temples, neck, and shoulders, commonly 155 to 195 units per session in the PREEMPT paradigm. That’s distinct from cosmetic dosing.
These numbers are not promises. They are working ranges that I adjust for gender, age, ethnicity, facial width, habitual expressions, and skin condition. Men often require higher doses because of thicker muscle bellies. Petite frames can need less. If you lift your brows constantly to see under a heavy lid, forehead dosing must be conservative, or we lift the brow laterally instead of flattening it.
What changes the dose: five levers a pro pulls
- Muscle strength and size. Athletes, grinders, and expressive faces usually need more units. Fine lines etched into thin skin often need fewer units but might need complementary treatments. Anatomy and brow position. A low‑set brow or mild eyelid laxity calls for a lighter forehead dose and careful frown line control to avoid heaviness. The finish you want. Natural movement and subtle Botox results happen at the lower end of ranges. A polished, minimal‑movement look lasts longer but takes more units. Past response and duration. If 20 units to the glabella gave you 2 months of benefit last time, we will bump up. If you loved 10 units of baby Botox but wanted more longevity, we can add a few units or treat more often. Budget and scheduling. Packages may price by area or by unit. A plan that accounts for your calendar and cost expectations will keep your results consistent without surprises.
Baby Botox, micro Botox, and the natural‑look playbook
“Baby Botox” or “micro Botox” refers to using small, strategically placed aliquots to soften lines while preserving expression. I use it often for first time Botox patients, on‑camera professionals, and anyone nervous about stiffness. Instead of five classic injection points between the brows, I map active bands and place tinier aliquots. On the forehead, I split low total units into more points for a sheer effect. For pore and oil control, microdosing superficially can help, though that crosses into a different technique than standard Botox for wrinkles.
The trade‑off is duration. Small doses fade faster. Expect 6 to 10 weeks instead of a full 3 to 4 months. Some people like this because it feels safer. Others find it annoying to book touch ups. There is no dogma here. We match the plan to your comfort.
Forehead lines vs frown lines: why they must be balanced
The frontalis muscle lifts the brow. The glabellar complex pulls the inner brow down and in. If you relax the forehead too much without treating the frown muscles, the unopposed brow depressors can drag your brows inward and down. This is where people complain of heaviness. Conversely, treating the glabella more robustly allows a lighter hand on the forehead, which keeps your eyes bright and your brow mobile.
A typical pairing looks like 20 units between the brows with 8 to 12 units across the forehead, placed higher in someone with low brows and higher hairline movement. If your lid skin is heavy, the forehead dose may be very conservative, sometimes as low as 6 to 8 units, and restricted to the upper third.
Crow’s feet dosing and the smiling eye
Lateral canthal lines come from the orbicularis oculi muscle. Overtreating here can make a smile look flat. Underdosing leaves squint lines that etch deeper in the sun. For most faces, 6 to 10 units per side softens the crinkles without erasing the smiling eye. Runners and skiers often sit closer to 10 to 12 units per side because constant squinting builds stronger fibers. Placement should follow your pattern. Some people show a fan of lines that extends far onto the cheek, which may require extra lateral points.
Around the mouth: tiny doses, high stakes
A lip flip, gummy smile correction, DAO softening, and mentalis smoothing all live in small dose territory. The mouth is unforgiving. Two extra units in the wrong place can give you a straw‑sipping problem or change the way you pronounce P and B for a few weeks. This is where a certified provider with a steady hand and a conservative mindset matters. I start low and reassess in two weeks, especially if it is your first experience.
Masseter reduction and teeth grinding
Masseter Botox is both cosmetic and functional. For jawline slimming, expect 20 to 60 units per side, often staged over two to three sessions to avoid chewing fatigue. The first session softens the outer contours. The second consolidates. For bruxism, people often notice less morning jaw tightness within 2 weeks. Full slimming shows over 6 to 10 weeks as the muscle deconditions, with photos doing the best talking in before and after comparisons. Results typically last 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer with repeated treatments.
Neck bands and tech lines
Platysmal bands respond well when you treat the vertical cords themselves. The number of units depends on how many bands are active when you grimace and tilt. We mark your bands while you animate, then place small aliquots along each cord. Horizontal necklace lines are trickier. Microdosing can soften them, but filler, energy devices, or collagen‑stimulating procedures may play a bigger role. This is a good example of where Botox alone is not the magic answer.
Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin: does the brand change units?
Dysport often uses more “units” numerically due to different unit definitions, and it can spread a touch more, which some injectors like for broader areas such as the forehead, while others prefer Botox’s tighter spread for precision spots. Xeomin lacks accessory proteins, which some patients with prior antibody concerns prefer, though antibodies are rare in cosmetic dosing. If you switch brands, your injector will translate the dose. Do not try to convert units on your own.
How long Botox lasts and how often to book
Typical duration for facial lines is 3 to 4 months. Crow’s feet sometimes fade a bit sooner. Masseters and underarms for sweating often last longer, 4 to 9 months. If you metabolize fast, are very active, or prefer baby Botox, expect shorter longevity. Many people schedule quarterly. Some alternate between full correction and a lighter maintenance visit around 10 to 12 weeks. If your goal is prevention and subtlety, smaller, more frequent visits can keep lines from etching without ever looking “done.”
What to expect at your appointment
A good Botox consultation begins with movement mapping. I have you frown, raise brows, smile, squint, and purse. I look at resting your face and then in animation. We discuss preferences, fears, past experience, and downtime. I explain the plan in units, points, and expected results. If you are a beginner, we go modest, then fine‑tune at follow up.
The procedure steps are straightforward. Skin is cleaned, makeup removed in treated zones, and optional numbing applied, though most people find the quick pinches very tolerable. Each injection takes a second or two. You might see tiny blebs that flatten in minutes and pinpoint redness that settles quickly. For the rest of the day, I ask you to avoid heavy exercise, saunas, facials, rubbing the injection sites, and lying flat for several hours. Normal life resumes almost immediately.
Bruising is uncommon for standard forehead and frown treatments, more possible around the eyes and mouth where vessels are denser. A dimple‑sized bruise can happen and clears in several days. Makeup can cover it after a few hours. Headaches occasionally occur the first day or two, usually mild.
Results timeline and touch ups
You will feel nothing at first. Early effect starts around day 2 to 4, with a noticeable change by day 7, and full results at two weeks. I schedule a check at that two‑week mark for new clients or whenever we change the plan. If a line still creases more than intended, we add a couple of units. If movement is perfect but you want more longevity next round, we adjust then. Touch ups are about refining, not chasing a frozen look.
Cost, pricing models, and value
Practices price by unit or by area. In many markets, Botox cost per unit ranges from about 10 to 20 dollars. Area pricing might bundle the glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet at a set rate. Packages and Botox deals can be good value if you are already planning regular maintenance, but avoid bargain hunting that pushes you toward over‑treating areas you do not need. The cheapest session is the one done right the first time. Ask whether your clinic is a reputable Botox provider and whether they enroll you in manufacturer rewards programs that offer periodic rebates or specials.
If budget matters, say so during the Botox consultation. A professional can prioritize high‑impact areas and stage the rest. For example, if your frown lines are strong and your forehead lines are mild, put more units in the glabella and use a light hand on the forehead. Results will look better than spreading thin units everywhere.
Safety, side effects, and how to stay on the right side of risk
Common side effects: mild soreness, redness, tiny bruises, a transient headache. Less common: a heavy brow or eyelid, usually due to dosing or placement relative to your anatomy. This is generally temporary and improves as the product settles and the effect softens. Avoiding exercise, massage, and pressure on treated areas the same day reduces migration risk.
More serious issues are rare when a trained injector uses proper technique and dosing. Medical contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, certain neuromuscular disorders, and active skin infection at the injection site. Disclose all medications, especially blood thinners and supplements that increase bruising risk. If you have a history of brow heaviness or eyelid ptosis, tell your injector so they can adjust. A good Botox clinic welcomes these conversations and will say no when treatment is not appropriate.
When Botox is not enough
Static etched lines that remain at rest may need more than muscle relaxation. Filler, laser resurfacing, microneedling with radiofrequency, or biostimulatory injectables like Sculptra can rebuild the dermis where volume or collagen loss plays a bigger role. For perioral lines around the lips, a tiny dose of Botox can help, but collagen remodeling does the heavy lifting. For forehead skin with long, shallow creases, skincare with retinoids and sunscreen plus a resurfacing plan often partners best with Botox maintenance.
If you want fuller lips or cheek contour, that is a filler conversation, not Botox. They do different jobs. Botox softens movement lines, filler replaces or enhances volume. Used together in the right hands, they create a uniform, rested result rather than a single fixed area that looks “treated.”
My approach to first time Botox patients
I start with your priorities and a candid look at what bothers you in the mirror. Then I map your expression. If you want a natural botox look, I dose lightly in your highest priority area and note your response at two weeks. If you are comfortable, we expand in later sessions. For men who worry about losing a rugged look, I preserve lateral forehead movement and treat the glabella more assertively. For women who want a smooth canvas for makeup, I lean toward fuller correction on the crow’s feet and frown lines, then calibrate the forehead carefully to maintain brow position.
Photography matters. Before and after photos taken under the same lighting tell the real story, especially for masseter slimming or neck bands where change can sneak up slowly. Patients often forget their baseline frown depth after a few months. Pictures jog the memory and help us calculate the most efficient dose.
Common myths I hear in the chair
“Botox will make my face droop.” Properly placed, Botox relaxes hyperactive muscles and often lifts features by removing downward pulls. Brow heaviness happens when the balance between forehead and glabella is off, or when natural brow position is low and the forehead is overtreated. The fix is dosing, not abandoning treatment.
“Starting Botox early will make me dependent.” Dependency is the wrong frame. Botox does not worsen your baseline when it wears off. It delays lines from etching and can soften existing ones. If you stop, you return to your natural aging path.
“Botox is only for women.” Roughly a million men receive neuromodulators each year, and growing. Dosing for men is usually higher, and goals may differ, but the therapy is the same.
“More units always last longer.” Up to a point, higher dosing gives stronger and longer effect. Beyond that point, extra units add cost and stiffness without meaningful gain. There is a sweet spot for each muscle and person.
“It hurts.” Most describe the sensation as quick pinches. If you are needle‑sensitive, ask for ice or a tapped vibration device. For lip flips and perioral work, the area can be tingly for a few minutes; it settles quickly.
Aftercare that actually helps
Keep it simple: stay upright for several hours, avoid heavy workouts, hot yoga, saunas, or facial massages that day, and skip hats that press firmly on treated zones. You can cleanse, apply gentle skincare, and use sunscreen. If a tiny bruise appears, arnica may help. If you feel a headache, hydration and a standard over‑the‑counter pain reliever that is safe for you are usually enough. If you notice asymmetry after a week, do not panic. Minor differences often even out by day 14. If something still bugs you then, that is the time for a touch up.
How to choose a Botox professional
Skill and anatomy knowledge matter more than any marketing. Look for a certified provider who treats Botox daily, not occasionally. Read Botox reviews, but also study patient photos that match your age and gender. During consultation, evaluate how they listen. They should ask about your goals, animation habits, and past experiences, not just quote a package price. A good Botox nurse injector or physician will explain trade‑offs, recommend a conservative plan if you are new, and welcome follow up. If you feel rushed or pressured into unnecessary areas or add‑ons, keep looking. “Botox near me” is a starting search, not the end of vetting.
Putting it together: an example plan
Let’s say you are 36, notice a “11” between the brows, faint horizontal forehead lines, and crinkly crow’s feet when you laugh. You want natural movement and are open to a minor brow lift. A plan might be 18 to 22 units glabella, 8 to 10 units forehead placed high to keep brows light, and 8 units per side for crow’s feet. That totals around 42 to 48 units. Expect onset in a few days, full effect at two botox near me weeks, and a clean, rested look for about three months. If budget is tight, prioritize the glabella and do a lighter crow’s feet dose this round, then add forehead at the next visit.
A different case: a 45‑year‑old man with strong masseters from nighttime grinding, a deep frown, and minimal forehead lines. We might treat 30 to 40 units per masseter per side, 22 to 28 units in the glabella, and skip the forehead. He gets functional relief from grinding within two weeks and visible jaw softening by two months. Photos confirm progress and guide whether we maintain the masseter at 4 to 6 months or stretch longer.
The long view: maintenance as a strategy, not a chore
Consistency beats sporadic overhauls. Well‑timed maintenance keeps lines soft, costs predictable, and movement natural. Many clients prefer a standing Botox appointment every 12 to 16 weeks with room to adjust for weddings, vacations, and on‑camera events. If life gets busy and you miss a cycle, you can pick up again without penalty. Your face does not “rebound.” It just returns to your norm, which we can re‑refine.
If you are weighing Botox vs filler, remember they complement each other when chosen for the right problems. If you are undecided between Botox vs Dysport or considering Xeomin, lean on your injector’s experience with each brand in your facial areas. There is no universal winner, only a best fit for your anatomy and goals.
Bottom line
Use the dosage chart as a compass, not a map. The numbers give a sensible range for each area, but your best result comes from matching dose to your muscle strength, brow position, and expression goals. Decide whether you want baby Botox subtlety or a more lasting correction. Book with a Botox expert who listens, measures, and photographs. Expect light activity restrictions the first day, visible results by week one, and a follow up at two weeks if you are fine‑tuning. Done thoughtfully, Botox therapy delivers reliable, natural rejuvenation with minimal downtime and a clear, predictable maintenance rhythm.