How many units of Botox do you need?
Medically reviewed by
The Skin Med Spa medical team, led by Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC and Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC
Last reviewed: September 2026
Most people need between 20 and 64 units of Botox, depending on how many areas they treat. The FDA-approved doses are 20 units for the frown lines between the brows, 20 for forehead lines, and 24 for crow's feet. Your muscle strength, sex, and how much movement you want to keep can move that number up or down.
Units by area
| Area | FDA-labeled Botox dose | What changes the number |
|---|---|---|
| Frown lines between the brows (the 11s) | 20 units | Deep, strong frowns often need the full dose or more |
| Forehead lines | 20 units, treated together with the 11s | A lighter dose keeps more brow movement |
| Crow's feet | 24 units total, 12 per side | Smile strength and how far lines spread toward the cheek |
| All three upper face areas together | 64 units | A typical full upper face plan |
| Lip flip, chin dimpling, jaw clenching | Not part of the upper face labeling, dosed by your provider | Muscle size, especially for jaw clenching |
These are starting points. Many first-time patients receive a slightly conservative dose and return at two weeks for a small touch-up if needed.
Why some people need more
Muscle strength is the biggest factor. Men usually have larger facial muscles and often need more units in the same area. If you feel your frown is strong enough that people ask whether you are upset, expect the higher end.
Lines that stay visible when your face is at rest are a second signal. Botox relaxes the muscle, but deeply etched lines may also need resurfacing or a small amount of filler to soften fully.
Why fewer units is not always cheaper
Underdosing is a common reason people say Botox wore off in six weeks. A partial dose weakens the muscle without fully relaxing it, so movement returns early and you end up paying for another visit sooner. The dose that lasts three to four months is often the better value.
Botox, Jeuveau, and Xeomin units compare one to one
Skin Med Spa offers Botox, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. Their units are close to equal in strength, so 20 units of one is roughly comparable to 20 units of another. Dysport is the exception and uses about two and a half to three times as many units for a similar effect. When you compare quotes between practices, confirm which product each quote is for.
How to read a price quote
Med spas price neuromodulators in one of two ways.
- Per unit, where your total depends on how many units you actually receive.
- Per area, where a flat price covers one zone regardless of units.
A low per unit price can become a high total if the plan calls for more units than expected, and a per area price can hide a light dose. Ask how many units are included in any quote, and which product is being used.
What happens at your appointment
Your provider watches you frown, raise your brows, and smile, then marks injection points based on how your muscles actually move. The injections take about ten minutes. Results begin within a few days and settle by two weeks, which is when any adjustment is made.
Neuromodulator treatments at Skin Med Spa are performed by board-certified nurse practitioners Barbara Kowalczyk, FNP-BC, and Michael Fressola, ACNP-BC, who will tell you your recommended units before anything is injected. Learn how long each product lasts in How long does Botox last.
At Skin Med Spa, Botox is provided by our board-certified medical team at 960 Warren Ave. in Downers Grove, Illinois. Same-day appointments are available at 630-541-8413, and a consultation is the best way to find out what fits your skin and goals.
This is general information, not medical advice. Whether a treatment is right for you is determined by a licensed provider after an evaluation.