If you have ever stood in front of a mirror and lifted your brows to smooth out forehead creases, you already understand the basic idea behind cosmetic Botox. It relaxes specific muscles just enough to soften lines, while keeping your natural expression. The question I hear most in clinic is deceptively simple: how many units of Botox do I need? The honest answer depends on your goals, your anatomy, and how you use your face. What follows is a practical, face-by-face guide built from years of injecting, thousands of follow-ups, and plenty of course corrections along the way.
Before we walk area by area, a quick note on units. A unit is a standardized measure of potency for onabotulinumtoxinA. Different products are not interchangeable unit for unit. Twenty units of Botox Cosmetic is not the same as twenty units of Dysport or Xeomin. When you book Botox, make sure you and your injector are speaking in the same language about brand and units.
What really determines your dosage
If two people ask for treatment of the same wrinkle, they rarely need the same number of units. The dose is a function of muscle strength, skin thickness, gender and hormone status, prior treatments, and how much movement you want to keep. I have slim, expressive patients who do beautifully with half the “textbook” dose, and strong-browed weightlifters whose frontalis muscles shrug off a conservative plan.
Movement patterns matter just as much. Some people recruit their brows to speak, others frown even when they are not upset. I often take videos at the first visit: eyes closed, brows up, brows down, big smile, tight squint. These clips reveal which fibers actually fire and where migration risk might sit. A good Botox provider will then map a bespoke plan rather than injecting by rote.
Forehead lines: frontalis
The frontalis raises the brows and creates those horizontal forehead lines. We tread carefully here because too much product drops the brows, while too little yields minimal change. Most adults land in the neighborhood of 6 to 20 units, spread across several microinjections. Lighter doses sit in the 6 to 10 unit range for patients who prefer a little movement and those with shorter foreheads. Medium control tends to be 10 to 14 units. For heavier brows, tall foreheads, or strong lifters, 14 to 20 units can be appropriate. Placement higher on the forehead preserves lift. Placement too low risks heaviness.
Anecdotally, my runners and teachers often need a touch more because they “speak with their brows” all day. On the flip side, patients with naturally arched brows often require less to maintain that shape.
Frown lines: glabella, the 11s
The glabellar complex (corrugator and procerus) pulls the brows inward and down, forming the classic 11 lines between the eyebrows. Manufacturers’ clinical trials often reference 20 units for this region. In practice, I see effective ranges from 12 to 25 units. Petite faces with fine skin usually sit 12 to 18 units. Strong corrugators, prominent medial brow heads, or patients who frown in concentration might benefit from 18 to 25 units.
Spacing and depth matter as much as dose. Corrugators run obliquely, and a too-superficial injection can miss the fibers or cause bruising. Patients who grind their teeth or squint heavily sometimes push their brows inward more aggressively, which can justify a slightly higher plan.
Crow’s feet: lateral canthus
Those radiating lines at the outer corners of the eyes respond reliably. Typical dosing runs 6 to 12 units per side, often in two to four small injection points per side. If you are a big smiler or spend long days outside, expect to be closer to the top of that range. If your skin is delicate or you want a silkier but subtle look, 6 to 8 units per side can be perfect.
My guiding principle here is to soften the lines without flattening the smile. Overdosing near the zygomaticus can lessen cheek lift, so a measured approach and experience with eye anatomy are crucial.
Bunny lines: nose scrunch
Those little diagonal lines across the upper nose when you laugh or squint usually need 2 to 6 units total, split between both sides. If you are treating the glabella or crow’s feet, the nose sometimes compensates and starts wrinkling more, so I reassess at follow-up. Two units per side often suffices.
Lip flip and gummy smile
A lip flip uses tiny doses into the superficial orbicularis oris, to help the upper lip unfurl slightly and show more vermilion when you smile. Think 2 to 6 units total. This is not lip filler, and it will not add volume; it simply relaxes the muscle that pulls the lip inward.
For a gummy smile, a few units placed to reduce levator labii activity can help the upper lip descend modestly when smiling. Typical ranges are 2 to 6 units. I always review speech patterns and straw use with patients, since these small muscles serve many functions. The goal is a natural smile, not a sleepy upper lip.
Downturned mouth corners and marionette pull
If your mouth corners dip when relaxed, a small amount into depressor anguli oris can soften that pull. Most plans use 2 to 6 units per side. Conservative dosing is smart here; too much can alter smile dynamics. Combining Botox with filler in the marionette shadows can yield a balanced lift when appropriate.
Chin dimpling and orange peel: mentalis
Chin texture often betrays hyperactive mentalis muscles. Typical dosing is 6 to 10 units total, depending on chin size and the strength of contraction. This smooths the pebbled look and can help prevent the lower lip from curling down. In my experience, mentalis treatment works best when paired with a check on surrounding depressors to avoid odd compensations.
Brow lift with Botox
A gentle chemical brow lift is possible by relaxing the brow depressors so that the elevator wins. Small doses in the lateral orbicularis oculi and selectively in the glabella can produce 1 to 3 millimeters of lift. Expect 2 to 4 units per side at the tail, sometimes a touch more in the glabella if not already treated. Not everyone is a candidate. Heavy lids, significant brow ptosis, or a naturally low brow may require other modalities.
Under eye lines and jelly roll
Treating the lower eyelid must be gentle to avoid changing your smile or causing lid weakness. For a mild “jelly roll” under the lash line when you smile, 1 to 2 units per side is common. Many patients do better with skin-directed treatments like resurfacing or biostimulators for crepiness. If you are considering under eye Botox, pick a trusted Botox injector with a deft hand and clear photos of prior results.
Neck bands and tech neck: platysma
Vertical neck bands come from platysmal hyperactivity and respond to distributed microinjections. Typical dosing can range widely, about 12 to 40 units total depending on the number of bands, their length, and muscle bulk. For horizontal neck lines, Botox is less effective; energy-based devices, microneedling, or collagen-stimulating fillers often do more. When someone asks for “neck tightening,” I explain that platysma Botox improves banding and jawline definition more than true skin laxity.
Masseter reduction, jaw clenching, and TMJ symptoms
The masseters do the heavy lifting of chewing. For jawline slimming or relief from clenching, doses are higher and placed deep into the muscle belly. Typical cosmetic ranges begin around 20 to 30 units per side, though functional bruxism or severe hypertrophy may call for 30 to 50 units per side. Expect a staged approach. I like to start mid-range, reassess at 6 to 8 weeks, then titrate. Chewing can feel weaker the first week. Most patients adapt quickly, and many report reduced tension headaches.
If you carry tension at the temples as well, temporalis injections may complement masseter treatment. Again, this is not a one-size plan. Bite, face shape, and cheek fat pads all influence the aesthetic outcome.
Excess sweating: hyperhidrosis
Botox can bring real relief for underarm, palm, sole, and even scalp sweating. Underarm dosing is typically 50 to 100 units total, spread across a grid for even coverage. Palms and soles require a similar total dose but are more sensitive during injection. Relief tends to top Botox clinics in Holmdel NJ last longer than cosmetic dosing, often 4 to 9 months. If you search “underarm botox near me,” verify that your clinic regularly treats hyperhidrosis and can discuss anesthesia options for comfort.
How long does Botox last, and when does it kick in?
For most facial areas, you start seeing an effect at day 3 to 5. Full results land around 10 to 14 days. A small group metabolizes a bit slower or faster, which is why we schedule check-ins at the two week mark for newcomers.
Duration is influenced by muscle strength, dose, product, and metabolism. Typical timelines are 3 to 4 months for the upper face. Crow’s feet often sit near the shorter end. Glabella usually holds well. Masseter and underarm treatments can last longer, often 4 to 6 months or more. If your results seem to fade at 6 to 8 weeks, it is often an underdose, not resistance. Adjusting the plan at the next Botox appointment generally fixes it.
Safety, side effects, and what is normal
Used correctly by a licensed Botox injector, onabotulinumtoxinA is a safe, well-studied drug. The most common issues are minor: a tiny bruise, a small bump of saline that resolves within an hour, or mild tenderness. Headaches can occur the first day or two. True complications are uncommon but include eyelid or brow heaviness, asymmetric smile, dry eyes, and, rarely, diffusion into neighboring muscles.
Technique and anatomy knowledge drive safety. A trusted Botox injector respects danger zones such as the levator palpebrae near the orbit and the depressors around the mouth. If you are browsing “botox near me,” look beyond proximity. Find an experienced Botox injector with consistent before and after photos, clear dosing rationales, and follow-up policies. Ask who actually performs the injections. A certified Botox injector or Botox doctor at a reputable Botox clinic or med spa should welcome your questions.
Price, units, and value
The most transparent way to price is per unit. Nationally, you may see $10 to $20 per unit, depending on region and provider experience. Some practices price by area, which can be convenient for standard cases like glabella or crow’s feet. If you are comparing “how much is Botox” between offices, make sure you know whether it is Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin, or another neuromodulator, and whether touch-ups are included. Be wary of cheap Botox or suspicious Botox deals. Ultra-low pricing can mean over-dilution, inexperienced technique, or products that are not sourced through the manufacturer.
Patients often ask about “how many units of Botox do I need” so they can budget. A common first-time full upper face plan might look like 10 to 14 units forehead, 15 to 20 glabella, and 8 to 12 per side at the crow’s feet. That totals roughly 41 to 58 units. Your actual number may be lower or higher based on your exam. I keep photos and dosages on file so we can reproduce or refine the plan each visit.
Aftercare that actually matters
Skip strenuous workouts for the rest of the day. Avoid pressing, massaging, or laying face-down for several hours. Keep your head generally upright for about four hours. You do not need to overthink it beyond that. Light facial expressions can help the product engage with the targeted receptors. If a small bruise appears, an ice pack wrapped in a cloth can help. Makeup is fine after the needle sites close, usually within an hour. If you ever develop significant pain, eyelid droop, or visual changes, call your provider promptly.
Results: what to expect in the mirror
By day five, most patients notice a softer frown or smoother lateral eye lines. Forehead relaxation often follows a gentle curve: the top of the forehead quiets first, then the lower lines, so brows can feel a little different in week one. Natural expressions should remain, just less creased. Good Botox looks like a well-rested version of you. Overly frozen results are typically a choice, not a requirement.
Repeat treatments refine the plan. I adjust patterns to preserve brow shape you like and to avoid any heaviness you did not. If one eyebrow arches higher, a dot or two on the stronger side usually levels things. Some patients maintain through the year with smaller, more frequent touch-ups. Others prefer full treatments spaced three or four months apart. There is no one right cadence, just the result you prefer.
Edge cases and special situations
Athletes and fast metabolizers sometimes report shorter duration. We can address that by slightly increasing units or shifting the interval. Thin, crepey skin shows etched lines even when the muscle is relaxed, which is why I sometimes pair Botox with resurfacing, microneedling, or collagen stimulators. In deeply sun-damaged skin, botulinum toxin alone cannot erase static lines.
Men typically need higher doses due to larger muscle mass. Hormonal shifts, like postpartum or perimenopause, can change patterns of movement and response. If you are planning a major event, book Botox 3 to 4 weeks ahead. That buffer allows for the full effect and time for a fine-tune if needed. For migraine protocols, dosing and patterns differ and use more units across head and neck sites; talk to a provider who routinely performs migraine Botox if that is your goal.
How to choose the right injector
The best Botox results come from people who do this work all day and still care enough to study your face. Look for an experienced Botox injector at a top rated Botox practice where a licensed or certified Botox injector handles your treatment. Ask to see before and after photos of cases similar to yours. Ask how they handle follow-ups, asymmetries, and touch-ups. A good Botox med spa or clinic will offer a clear plan, realistic expectations, and will track your units and injection map so they can replicate a great result next time.
If you are searching phrases like “botox injection near me,” “botox treatment near me,” or “botox provider,” read the reviews, but also look at the details patients mention. Do they feel listened to? Do they mention natural results and consistent timelines? Do they talk about thorough aftercare? Those notes say more than star counts.
Sample dosing scenarios pulled from practice
A 31-year-old woman with faint horizontal forehead lines and moderate 11s who wants very natural movement often does well with 8 units forehead and 14 glabella. Crow’s feet might add 8 per side if desired. She returns at two weeks, loves the shape, and we save the plan.
A 45-year-old man with deep frown lines and strong corrugators may require 22 to 25 units in the glabella, plus 12 forehead and 12 per side at the crow’s feet to balance. He prefers a firmer hold and reports duration closer to four months.
A 28-year-old with masseter hypertrophy and jaw clenching often begins with 25 to 30 units per side, reassessed at six to eight weeks, then adjusted by 5 units per side if chewing is still forceful. Relief from tension is usually reported within two to three weeks.
These are examples, not prescriptions. Your anatomy and preference dictate your plan.
A note on brands and unit equivalence
Patients often ask about Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin. All are FDA cleared for certain indications and all soften dynamic lines. Units are not equivalent between brands. A common clinical heuristic uses a conversion for Dysport that results in a higher unit count for a similar effect, though the exact ratio varies among injectors and indications. If you switch brands, your injector should explain how unit numbers will change and why the total price may still align with expected results.
When to combine treatments
Botox excels at dynamic lines from muscle movement. It does not replace volume, improve texture, or lift heavier tissues. That is where fillers, bio-stimulators, lasers, radiofrequency, and good skincare enter the conversation. For etched-in forehead lines, a little hyaluronic acid placed superficially after the muscles are calmed can help. For crepey lower cheeks, energy-based tightening or collagen induction often outperforms toxin. Smart pairing prevents overuse of Botox where it is not the best tool.
Booking wisely and planning your timeline
If you are new, schedule a consultation before you book Botox so you are not rushed into a chair without a tailored plan. Bring photos of what you liked about your face at different ages if you have them. Note any upcoming events. If you are coordinating with dental work, facials, or microneedling, space them a few days away from injections to reduce swelling confusion. After the first session, a two-week follow-up helps lock in your map. After that, many patients simply book every three to four months or as results start to wear off.
Here is a short checklist many of my patients find useful before their first visit:
- Know your priorities: smoothing frown, softening crow’s feet, or lifting brows. Rank them. Share medical history, allergies, medications, and recent vaccines or illnesses. Avoid blood-thinning supplements and alcohol for 24 to 48 hours if possible to minimize bruising. Arrive with a clean face and skip heavy moisturizer on injection day. Plan light activity afterwards and keep the evening workout gentle.
How many units do you need, really?
If you skimmed to find a number, here are reasonable starting ranges many adults land within, always adjusted after an in-person exam:
Forehead lines: 6 to 20 units. Glabella 11s: 12 to 25 units. Crow’s feet: 6 to 12 units per side. Bunny lines: 2 to 6 units total. Lip flip: 2 to 6 units total. Gummy smile: 2 to 6 units. Downturned corners: 2 to 6 units per side. Chin dimpling: 6 to 10 units total. Brow lift accents: about 2 to 4 units per side plus glabella work if needed. Neck bands: roughly 12 to 40 units total, depending on banding. Masseter: about 20 to 50 units per side, staged as needed. Underarm sweating: about 50 to 100 units total.
These are not promises, they are starting points that a trusted injector will tailor to your face, your goals, and your tolerance for movement.
Finding the right fit near you
Whether you search “botox injector near me,” “book botox,” or “botox consultation,” prioritize experience and transparency over gimmicks. A skilled, licensed Botox injector should explain why they recommend a certain number of units, show you how they will avoid brow or lid heaviness, and welcome a two-week check. If you want the best Botox for your face, look for a practice that treats you like a collaborator, not a template. The right doses feel almost boring after a few cycles: you look refreshed, no one can quite tell why, and you spend the next few months thinking about everything else in your life.