Reviewed by: John P. Fezza, M.D.
Are you starting to notice the unwelcome signs of aging? Anti-aging and facial rejuvenation using Botox can help with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Botox is a safe, non-surgical procedure with both cosmetic and therapeutic uses. It’s administered by our very experienced doctor, Dr. John P. Fezza and our physician assistants, Kalie Kosek and Eleni Chalvadakis. A consultation with our doctor can help to determine the number of units required for a Botox treatment.
Bear in mind the number of units can vary by the area of treatment, the unique individual, and other factors. Keep reading to learn more about Botox, the units required, and what results to expect.
What Is Botox?
Botox uses botulinum toxin type A as a muscle relaxer. When injected into the skin, it can reduce the effects of aging skin. But what does Botox do exactly?
When Botox is injected into the target muscles of your face, it blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles that control contraction. This temporary paralysis keeps the muscles soft and relaxed, giving your face a tighter and more youthful appearance.
Botox can treat the following areas:
- Forehead lines: These are horizontal lines across the forehead area.
- Crow’s feet: These are fine lines around the eyes and are more noticeable when you smile.
- Glabellar lines: These are lines between the eyebrows and appear with frequent frowning and squinting.
- Lines around the lips: These lines can become more apparent with age, smoking, or sun exposure.
- Chin lines: These lines are also called Marionette lines and can become more pronounced with aging.
Botox Injection Units
Botox is measured and injected in units and usually comes in 50 or 100 units per vial. The number of units needed to treat a specific area is different for everyone and depends on a few factors:
- Muscle size
- Position of the muscle
- Strength of the muscle
- Gender
- Patient goals
- First time Botox injection
Your medical team can determine the number of units to use according to the guidelines set out by Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox Cosmetic.
Forehead
There are 5 injection sites for the forehead: 2 beneath the hairline, 2 over the temples, and 1 in the center. The recommended dose by Allergan is 4 units for each injection site, which is 20 units.
Your doctor may start with a low dose to see your response and add additional units after a few weeks at your follow-up appointment. This helps to determine the correct dosage for future visits every 3 to 4 months.
Depending on the severity of your lines and the dosage, Botox can give you a smoother, tighter-looking forehead.
Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet are fan-like lines on the sensitive skin around the corners of your eyes. The recommended number of units for these fine lines is 24 for optimal results. However, this can vary depending on your needs and response to treatment.
Since crow’s feet cover only a small area around the eye, you may only need a few Botox units.
Glabellar
These lines appear between the eyes and eyebrows, also known as 11 or frown lines. 5 injection sites are used to create a v-shape, with 2 along the upper brows and 1 between the eyebrows.
The number of units can go up to 5 per injection site, totaling 25 units. Again, this number depends on the severity of your lines, as 11 lines can be deep. Your doctor usually begins with fewer units and increases until the desired results are reached.
How Long Do the Effects of Botox Last?
Botox results usually last between 4–6 months. However, everyone is different, and results vary per individual.
Some patients notice their Botox lasts longer than 6 months, while others may see it wearing off after 2 months. If this is your first Botox treatment, your results will likely wear off quicker than 4 months, so you may need a second treatment. The more often you use Botox, the longer your treatments last.
Many patients notice the results of a Botox treatment in 3–4 days, but your doctor may advise you to wait up to 14 days to see the effects before booking a follow-up appointment.
Is Botox Safe?
You may be wondering, is Botox safe? The good news is that Botox has been extensively tested and approved by the FDA for cosmetic and therapeutic use. It is considered a very safe treatment when administered by a qualified and experienced professional like Dr. Fezza or our physician assistants. Botox has a long track record of success and minimal side effects, especially when applied by certified practitioners.
Optimal Results with the Right Amount of Botox
Botox treatments provide a safe, effective, non-surgical, and FDA-approved way to achieve younger, firmer-looking skin. Every individual is different, and therefore a cookie-cutter approach won’t work.
If you’re wondering how much Botox is, it can vary depending on the number of units needed and the treatment area. Book an appointment with our team at AMARA Aesthetic Surgery and Dermatology, and our doctors can help determine and recommend the right amount of Botox units to achieve your goals.