Self-love encourages a person to find beauty on the inside and out. It’s a journey that may inspire some people to seek innovative treatments to enhance their natural beauty or target medical concerns to find long-lasting relief.
For this reason, neuromodulators like Botox have become a popular option for many people seeking to manage medical issues or address cosmetic concerns. No matter the reason, our experienced team is here to support you throughout your journey.
Units are a measurement of the amount of Botox a person needs to target their specific concern. Since every case is different, these units will vary, depending on:
- The area treated
- The strength of your facial muscles
- Your skin health & elasticity
- Your treatment history
- Your desired outcome
These factors make consultations a key component of your treatment.
A Botox Breakdown
The culture and attitudes surrounding Botox treatments are vast. Although we no longer view Botox as a well-kept secret among Hollywood’s glamorous, a mysterious aura still surrounds it.
Botox is a brand name, although it’s also used generically to refer to neuromodulator treatments—substances that influence the activity of nerve cells.
It’s a clear, purified protein liquid solution injected (in tiny amounts) into targeted areas with a thin needle to temporarily relax muscles. Botox can help soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by repetitive facial movements, like smiling, frowning, or squinting.
Beyond cosmetic enhancements, Botox can also treat health concerns like migraines or excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
It’s a versatile treatment, but most people know it for its cosmetic benefits: helping to restore youthful, smooth skin without surgery.
What is a Unit of Botox?
Precision is everything, especially when it comes to skin treatments.
A unit is the standard measurement that quantifies the amount of Botox administered in one injection. It’s a way for practitioners to calculate the amount of product necessary to safely achieve a patient’s desired results.
Botox vs. Filler
You may have heard the term ‘units’ mentioned in the context of other injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers.
Although both treatments can improve your skin’s appearance, they are entirely different:
- Botox helps relax muscles to reduce wrinkles caused by movement; the results are temporary, lasting around 3–4 months
- Dermal fillers restore lost volume by “filling” underneath the skin, commonly used for plumping; the results can last longer, typically 6–12 months
If you’re unsure which treatment or combination is right for you, our team is here to guide you. We’ll help you achieve balanced, harmonious results that align with your goals.
How Many Units of Botox Do You Need? It Depends
As repetitive as it may sound, there’s nothing truer: every person is different. Therefore, the units a person needs will vary depending on:
- The area treated (e.g., forehead, chin, mouth, etc.)
- The strength of your facial muscles
- Your skin health & elasticity
- Your treatment history
- Your desired outcome
For this reason, consultations are essential. They enable us to assess your skin’s health and muscle activity, discuss your preferences (subtle or dramatic), and provide experience-driven recommendations tailored to your needs.
At Aesthetic + Mind MD, we take the time to address all your concerns, verifying you feel confident and informed before beginning any injectable treatment.
Targeted Area & Muscle Strength
Different facial areas and muscle groups require varying amounts of Botox. For example, your facial skin is more delicate than your underarms.
Your face also has a high concentration of muscles to control various facial expressions and movements.
Areas with larger or more active muscles, like the ones in your forehead that cause those frown lines, might need a few more units of product compared to smaller muscle areas, such as the ones around your eyes that create crow’s feet.
A general breakdown of common areas and the average number of units can vary from:
- Forehead lines: 15–30 units
- Glabellar lines (frown lines between eyebrows): 15–25 units
- Crow’s feet (around the eyes): 10–20 units (5–10 per eye)
- Bunny lines (on the nose): 2–10 units per side
- Chin dimpling: 2–6 units
- Jawline/TMJ treatment (to slim the jaw or reduce clenching): 25–50 units per side
- Neck bands (platysmal bands): 20–50 units
It’s crucial to remember that these are all just averages—your personal treatment plan will be unique to you!
Skin Health & Previous Treatments
Healthy, well-hydrated skin with good elasticity typically responds more effectively to treatment, often requiring fewer units to achieve desired results.
Meanwhile, skin showing significant signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles or reduced elasticity, typically requires more units for effective results.
Factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and overall skincare routines can all impact the resilience and quality of your skin. As a result, your skin quality affects the dosage and longevity of Botox treatments.
When you’ve been consistent with your Botox treatments, you may require fewer units over time to maintain the desired smoothness or softened appearance of lines. It’s a natural response as your muscles have adapted to the ongoing effects of the treatment.
Alternatively, first-time Botox patients are starting from ground zero, making them more likely to require additional units initially to achieve comparable results.
Your Ideal Results
Of course, your desired outcome greatly influences the treatment plan.
Some patients prefer subtle results, keeping their natural expressions with softer and less pronounced lines. Meanwhile, others seek a more dramatic, wrinkle-free enhancement.
Whatever your ideal results and no matter your preference, we can help you achieve these results, but they will require different dosages.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty
Aging is a natural and beautiful process. But it’s also okay to want a little help feeling more comfortable in your skin. Botox gives you the freedom to soften the signs of aging and enhance your natural features while staying true to yourself.
At Aesthetic + Mind MD, we see Botox as just one piece of a larger puzzle. Your emotional and physical wellness go hand in hand, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We work closely with you to evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and design a plan that’s uniquely tailored to you. Connect with our team to schedule a consultation for your Botox treatment.
