How many units of Botox does it take to soften the 11s between your brows without freezing your whole forehead? For most adults, the sweet spot lands around 10 to 25 units targeted into the glabellar complex, with the final number tailored to your muscle strength, anatomy, and goals.
The answer sounds simple, yet the nuances matter. Frown lines, also called glabellar lines or 11 lines, form from repeated contraction of a group of muscles between the brows. The job of a skilled injector is not just to count units, but to map how your corrugators and procerus pull, how your brows rest at baseline, and how much movement you want to keep. Get the dose and placement right, and you’ll look rested without losing your natural expressions.
What exactly are “frown lines,” and why units vary
Frown lines are vertical or slightly diagonal lines that appear between the eyebrows when you scowl, squint, or concentrate. Five muscles contribute to that motion, with the corrugator supercilii and procerus doing most of the heavy lifting. Over years, the skin creases deepen, creating static lines that show even when your face is at ease. Botox injections work by relaxing those muscles through temporary neuromuscular blockade, reducing the skin’s folding and giving it a chance to smooth.
The dose you need depends on four practical variables. First, muscle strength. People who frown with a strong inward and downward pull generally need more. Second, brow position and eye shape. If your brows sit low or your eyelids are naturally heavy, lower doses and precise placement help avoid a droopy feeling. Third, sex and metabolism. On average, men require more units than women because of thicker muscle mass. Fourth, your preferences. Some clients want a softer, very natural result with a hint of movement, while others prefer a completely relaxed glabella.
Across brands, dosing differs. This article uses onabotulinumtoxinA units, best known as Botox Cosmetic. Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are comparable in effect, but their unit measurements are not interchangeable. An injector can translate your plan if you choose a different toxin.
The typical range: what most people actually receive
For the glabella alone, the FDA‑approved Botox dosage is 20 units distributed across five injection sites. Many injectors start there for first‑timers without heavy muscle activity. In real practice, doses range from 10 units for a light touch to 25 or even 30 units for very strong frown muscles, especially in men. I’ll often begin at 16 to 20 units for women with average muscle strength, then adjust by 2 to 4 units at a follow‑up if needed. For men with deep etched lines or a powerful scowl, 20 to 30 units isn’t unusual.
If you combine treatment areas during the same appointment, such as the forehead or crow’s feet, the total units increase, but the glabellar plan still centers on that 10 to 25 unit band. Treating the glabella without overtreating the forehead helps maintain brow support and prevents a heavy look.
How injectors map the glabella
Unit counts mean little without smart placement. The classic five‑point glabellar injection map targets the procerus at the center and the corrugators on each side. The pro tip is the distance from the orbital rim and the mid‑pupil line. Respecting safe zones reduces the chance of eyelid ptosis and ensures the muscle you intend to relax receives the medication.
On exam, I ask clients to frown and relax several times. I watch where the skin bunches, where the brows pull down, and whether one corrugator dominates. A right‑dominant frown may get two extra units on that side. If someone tends to recruit the frontalis to compensate, I avoid chasing every line and focus on the muscles actually causing the pull. Not all lines should be treated equally. Overcorrecting the wrong area is how you end up with odd expressions or heaviness.
First‑timer expectations: onset, feel, and adjustments
Botox therapy for frown lines begins to kick in around day 3 to 4, with full results around day 10 to 14. You might notice early softening when you try to scowl and the movement feels weaker or slower. The sensation isn’t numbness; the skin still feels normal. Instead, the muscle can’t contract fully, so the overlying skin folds less.
New clients sometimes worry that they’ll lose all expression. With conservative dosing, you’ll still be able to move and emote, just without the harsh vertical lines. If the dose is too light at two weeks, a small touch up can close the gap. If you feel heavy or notice eyebrow position changes, note that feeling to your injector, since future doses and injection points can be adjusted.
How many units for men vs women
Men often need higher doses due to greater muscle mass and thicker skin. A typical starting plan might be 20 to 30 units for men and 16 to 24 for women, though there is overlap. I’ve treated women who lift weights, squint in bright sunlight, and use their brows to communicate all day who needed the same dose as my male clients. Conversely, I’ve met endurance athletes with low resting tone who did beautifully on 12 to 16 units. The face tells the story more than the gender box on a form.
Dose decisions for different goals
There isn’t one “right” outcome. Some clients want a complete stop to the frown, which can call for the full 20 to 25 units in the glabella. Others want to keep a hint of movement for natural photo expressions, especially actors, teachers, or anyone who relies on animated facial cues. Those clients may do best with 12 to 18 units and slightly wider placement to soften rather than halt the pull.
If you have etched-in lines at rest, Botox alone can’t fill a deep crease. You may still see a fine watermark even when the muscle is quiet. Many injectors use a layered approach: relax the muscle with Botox first, then consider microneedling, laser resurfacing, or a small bead of hyaluronic acid filler if needed for stubborn creases. This is a nuanced decision. Overfilling the glabella is risky due to the vascular anatomy, so a conservative technique and experienced hands are vital.
Longevity: how long results last and when to maintain
Botox results for frown lines usually last 3 to 4 months. Some clients stretch to 5 months, especially after several cycles when the habit of frowning fades. Others metabolize quickly and return at 10 to 12 weeks. I recommend planning your next appointment around the first signs of motion returning, not after lines fully reappear. Regular maintenance helps preserve the skin’s smoothness.
Spacing matters. If you return too early, you might layer toxin before the previous dose has completely worn off, which can gradually increase weakness in adjacent muscles and alter brow dynamics. A smart Botox maintenance plan times sessions at three to four months for most people, checking in at the two‑week mark after the first treatment to fine‑tune the dose.
Cost and value: how pricing relates to units
Botox prices are usually quoted per unit or per area. Per‑unit pricing gives you the most transparency. Depending on your region, reputable clinics charge roughly 10 to 20 dollars per unit. For a 20 unit glabellar treatment, cost commonly ranges from 200 to 400 dollars. If your anatomy calls for 24 to 30 units, the cost rises accordingly. Beware of prices that seem too low, which might indicate overly diluted product, inconsistent sourcing, or less experienced injectors. Saving 50 dollars is never a good trade for poor technique in the glabella.
If a practice prices per area, ask how many units are included and whether follow‑ups within two weeks are covered. A clear plan avoids surprise add‑ons and lets you compare apples to apples.
Safety, side effects, and how to minimize risk
Botox has a strong safety record when delivered by trained professionals. Expected, mild side effects include small injection bumps that resolve within minutes, pinpoint bleeding, and occasional bruising that fades over a week. Some clients note a tension‑release headache on day one that eases quickly. Less common events include headache a few days later, temporary asymmetry, or heaviness if the dose or placement doesn’t fit your anatomy.
The complication most people worry about is eyelid ptosis, where the upper eyelid droops slightly for a few weeks. It is uncommon and generally linked to migration of toxin when injections are placed too low or too close to the orbital rim. Experienced technique and careful aftercare reduce that risk. If ptosis occurs, eyedrops can help while the effect dissipates.
People with active skin infections at the injection site, certain neuromuscular disorders, or a history of adverse reactions should discuss risks in detail during the Botox consultation. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to defer Botox cosmetic procedures due to limited safety data.
Aftercare that actually matters
Post care for glabellar Botox is straightforward. Skip rubbing or massaging the area for the first few hours. Keep your head upright for four hours. Avoid intense workouts, hot yoga, or saunas the day of treatment. Makeup is fine after a short window once the pinpricks have sealed, though fragrance‑free, gentle products are best that first evening. Alcohol increases bruising risk on day one, so many clients hold off until the next day.
If you see a small bruise, a cool compress helps during the first day. Starting arnica before the appointment and continuing for a couple of days can reduce bruising in clients who bruise easily. Most people return to work or errands immediately, since there is virtually no downtime.
How Botox for frown lines interacts with the rest of your face
Botox for face aesthetics works best when the glabella plan considers the forehead and the eyes. Treat the glabella alone, and you remove the downward pull between your brows. For some, that gives a subtle, flattering brow lift. For others with strong frontalis activity, the forehead suddenly looks more active, which can reveal new horizontal lines. A light balancing dose to the forehead, usually 6 to 12 units divided conservatively and placed high, can smooth without dropping the brow.
Around the eyes, crow’s feet respond well to 8 to 12 units per side. Softening those lines can complement your glabella results, especially if you squint in sun or while reading. Everything is connected. The key is proportion: treating the glabella often comes first, then adding small, strategic doses elsewhere for harmony.
Botox vs Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau for the glabella
All four are botulinum toxin type A products with similar mechanisms. Dysport diffuses a bit more, which some injectors like for broader distribution in areas like the forehead or crow’s feet. Xeomin lacks complexing proteins, which can be helpful if you are sensitive to additives, though clinical differences are modest. Jeuveau is often positioned as a cosmetic‑only alternative, with competitive pricing in some markets. Units are not interchangeable, so a 20 unit Botox plan does not translate to 20 units of Dysport. Your injector will adjust based on the product chosen and your previous Botox results.
Client reviews vary, but most people report similar Botox results across brands when dosed correctly. If you felt your last treatment “didn’t take,” timing, placement, or dilution may be the culprit rather than the brand itself.
My lived checklist for choosing the right dose
- When you frown, does the inner brow drop markedly or just crease? Big drop usually needs 20 to 25 units, mild crease can start at 12 to 18. Are your eyelids heavy or hooded? Favor conservative dosing and higher placement to avoid heaviness. Do you want zero scowl or a hint of movement? Pick the bottom or top of the range to match your preference. Is one side stronger? Add 2 units to the dominant corrugator for symmetry. Is this your first Botox appointment? Start modestly, reassess at two weeks, and build a personalized map.
Pain level, appointment time, and the feel of the procedure
A standard Botox appointment for frown lines takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The actual injections might be over in under a minute. Pain level is low. Most describe it as a quick pinch or a tiny sting. A vibration tool, ice, or a dab of topical anesthetic can further reduce the sensation if you’re nervous. I walk clients through each step: cleanse, mark, inject, gentle pressure, and you’re done. You can drive yourself home or back to the office and resume normal activities immediately.
Botox before and after: what changes look realistic
At rest, the vertical lines between the brows soften after two weeks. In motion, you should see less downward drag and fewer deep furrows when you try to scowl. Photos help. I recommend taking a neutral expression shot and a “max frown” shot before your Botox treatment, then repeating them at day 14. Subtle changes show clearly side by side. If static lines remain, remember that collagen repair takes time. With consistent Botox treatment, those lines often fade further over several cycles as the skin stops folding repeatedly.
Myths, misunderstandings, and the truths in between
Botox freezes your face. Not when it is dosed thoughtfully. You can have smooth glabella lines and still lift your brows and emote. Botox is only for women. False. Botox for men has steadily grown because men want to look rested and competitive without obvious procedures. More units always last longer. Up to a point, more units can increase longevity, but past your muscle’s needs you gain little and risk unnatural movement. Botox is dangerous. In trained hands and correct doses, Botox safety is well established. The greatest risks come from unqualified providers or counterfeit products.
When to consider alternatives or add‑ons
If your priority is filling a permanent crease rather than stopping movement, a conservative filler placed by an expert may help, though the glabella is a high‑risk area for vascular compromise and demands seasoned technique. Energy‑based treatments, microneedling, and skincare with retinoids or peptides support skin quality. For dynamic movement, only neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau directly address the muscle’s action. If you tried Botox and disliked the feel of reduced movement, there are topical options for fine lines and lasers for texture, but none replicate Botox’s mechanism for muscle relaxation.
Planning your maintenance: a simple rhythm that works
- First session: start with 16 to 20 units if average strength, 20 to 25 if strong, 10 to 14 for very light touch. Assess at day 14: add 2 to 6 units if you have more motion than desired. Maintain every 3 to 4 months: schedule before lines creep back fully. Recalibrate annually: adjust units for changing muscle strength, brow position, or aesthetic goals. Combine thoughtfully: if adding forehead or crow’s feet, rebalance the glabella to keep brows supported.
What to ask at your Botox consultation
A good Botox consultation covers your medical history, prior injectables, photographs in rest and motion, and a discussion of your ideal outcome. Ask how many units the injector typically uses for the glabella and why they would recommend that number for you. Request specifics about product handling, dilution, follow‑up policy, and what happens if a touch up is needed. If you’re comparing Botox vs fillers for a deep line, ask for a phased plan that starts with neuromodulation and reassesses before adding filler. If you’re deciding between Botox vs Dysport or Xeomin or Jeuveau, ask how they translate dosing and whether your previous results suggest one brand over another.
Special cases and edge scenarios I watch for
Frequent squinters from bright outdoor jobs often have powerful corrugators and orbicularis oculi. I’ll favor the higher end of dosing and sometimes add a small crow’s feet plan to stop the feedback loop. People with long foreheads and low brows can feel heavy if the glabella is treated aggressively. I keep doses modest, target the strongest muscle fibers, and avoid chasing every microline. Clients with a history of migraines sometimes top Orlando FL botox providers report benefit when we treat the glabella, though this is a cosmetic session and not a medical migraine protocol. Those with prior eyelid surgery or brow lifts need adjusted landmarks, so I examine scars and altered anatomy before mapping.
The bottom line: put numbers in context
For Botox for frown lines, most adults land between 10 and 25 units. The classic approved dose is 20 units, divided among five sites. Men often need a bit more, and Orlando FL botox a heavy scowl or deep etching pushes the plan upward. Your best result comes from matching dose and placement to your unique muscle activity and goals, then maintaining on a regular schedule so lines don’t dig back in.
Smooth glabella lines don’t have to look overdone. With a careful map, a measured dose, and a two‑week check, you should look like yourself on a good day, minus the 11s. If you’re ready to try it, book a Botox appointment with a clinician who shows you their injection strategy and talks units with clarity. The right plan is specific, not generic, and it starts with the simple question you asked: how many units do I need?