It is the question almost every first-time patient asks: how many units will I need? The honest answer is that it depends on the area, how strong the muscle is, and the result you want. A light, natural softening takes fewer units than a fully smooth finish. Here are the typical ranges for each area.

A unit is simply a standardized measure of the product. Two people treating the same area can need different amounts, and that is normal. The ranges below are typical starting points, not a prescription. Your exact plan is always set at your consultation.

Forehead Lines: Usually 10 to 30 Units

The forehead has the widest range of any area. Horizontal lines form when the frontalis muscle lifts your brows, and that muscle varies a lot from person to person. Fine lines and a smaller forehead may need around 10 to 15 units. Deeper lines, a broader forehead, or a very expressive face may need 20 to 30.

Forehead dosing is a balance. Too little and the lines barely soften. Too much and the brows can feel heavy. A good provider doses conservatively at a first visit and adjusts at your two-week follow-up.

Frown Lines Between the Brows: Usually Around 20 Units

The vertical lines between your brows, often called the elevens, come from two small muscles that pull the brows together when you concentrate or frown. Most people need about 20 units across five small injection points.

Because these lines deepen into the skin over time, treating them early helps keep them from becoming etched in. If your frown lines are already visible at rest, a series of treatments softens them gradually.

Crow’s Feet: Usually 12 to 24 Units

The fine lines at the outer corners of your eyes appear when you smile or squint. Most people need about 6 to 12 units per side, for a total of 12 to 24. Because the muscle here is thin, even a light treatment softens the lines while keeping your smile natural.

Lip Flip: Usually 4 to 6 Units

A lip flip uses a very small dose, typically 4 to 6 units total, placed just above the upper lip. It relaxes the muscle so the lip rolls gently outward and looks fuller, without adding volume the way filler does.

“The right dose is the one that gives you the result you asked for, not the number your friend had.”

Lauren Harvey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Luxe Med

What Affects Your Number

Myths Worth Clearing Up

More units always means better results.
Truth: The right dose gives the best result. More product than you need can leave you looking stiff, and it does not make results last longer.

Everyone needs the same number of units for the same area.
Truth: Muscle strength, face shape, and goals vary so much that two people treating the same area often need different doses.

A low dose is a waste of money.
Truth: A conservative first dose is often the smartest choice. It is easy to add more at your follow-up, and starting light lets you find the dose that suits your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap a question to open the answer.

How do I know if I need more units than the typical range?

Your provider can tell by feeling the muscle and watching it move. Strong muscles and deep lines at rest usually point to the higher end of a range.

What happens if I get too few units?

You will still see some softening, just less than you hoped for. More can be added at your two-week follow-up.

Does the number of units change how long results last?

Somewhat. A proper dose tends to last three to four months, while a very light dose may wear off sooner.

Can I treat several areas in one visit?

Yes. Treating the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet together is common, and it keeps the whole face balanced.