Choosing the right number of Botox units should feel clear, not confusing. You want smoothness without stiffness, confidence without compromise, and a plan that respects your natural expression. At SubRosa, everyneurotoxin treatment is customized to your anatomy, your goals, and your lifestyle. This guide walks you through typical dosing ranges by area, how we tailor intervals, and what to expect during the first days and weeksafter treatment.
First, What Is a “Unit” and Why It Matters
A unit is a standardized measure of neurotoxin strength. It helps your injector deliver consistent results. Dosing is never one size fits all. Your muscle size, pattern of movement, gender, metabolism, and desired level ofsoftness all influence the right number for you. Two people can look for the same outcome and need very different unit counts to achieve it.
Our philosophy is simple. Preserve your unique expressions, soften the lines that do not serve you, and maintain harmony across the face.
Typical Dosing Ranges by Area
These ranges reflect common, safe, and effective plans. Your exact plan may sit below, within, or above them based on your anatomy and goals.
- Glabella (the 11s between the brows): 10 to 25 units for a softer frown, up to 30 units for stronger muscles.
- Forehead lines: 6 to 16 units when balanced with glabella dosing. The forehead must be treated thoughtfully to avoid heaviness.
- Crow’s feet: 6 to 12 units per side depending on how wide you smile and how etched the lines appear.
- Lip flip: 4 to 8 units to gently roll the upper lip and soften a gummy smile.
- Masseter slimming or jaw clenching relief: 20 to 40 units per side, sometimes more for very strong muscles or jawline refinement goals.
- Platysmal neck bands: 10 to 30 units total for band softening and subtle jawline refinement.
Expect subtle adjustments over time. Your first visit creates a baseline. Follow ups refine the plan until it feels unmistakably you.
How Often Will You Need Treatment
Most clients schedule maintenance every 3 to 4 months. Some metabolize faster and prefer closer to 10 to 12 weeks. Others hold results up to 5 months, especially in areas with lighter dosing and less frequentmovement. Men and those with stronger muscle activity often need slightly higher units and a steady 3 month rhythm. The goal is consistency and control, not a cycle of fading and chasing.
How Much Will 20 Units of Botox Cover
Twenty units can often treat a focused area, such as the glabella for someone with moderate movement, or a conservative forehead and brow combination for a very soft look. It can also be split across small concerns, likea light crow’s feet refresh and a subtle lip flip. If your muscles are strong or your lines are etched at rest, 20 units may be a starting point rather than a full correction.
How Many Units Is 200 or 500 Dollars
Prices vary by practice, brand, and membership benefits, so there is no universal conversion. At SubRosa, we design your dosing after a personalized consultation and provide transparent pricing before treatment. Thinkabout value through outcomes and longevity, not just a unit tally. A plan that truly fits your face is the best investment.
If you prefer a discreet consultation and a custom quote, explore our sandy springs neurotoxin consultations to begin your plan.
Onset, Peak, and How Long Botox Usually Lasts
Onset: You may notice early softening around day 2 to 4.
Visible change: Most clients see a meaningful shift by day 7 to 10.
Peak: Expect the most refined result around day 14.
Duration: Results typically last 3 to 4 months with natural movement gradually returning. Deeper lines improve over time when you keep a steady maintenance schedule.
The “4 Hour Rule” and Other Aftercare Essentials
You may have heard not to lie down for 4 hours after treatment. The spirit of this rule is to avoid pressure on freshly treated areas. Here is what we recommend for the first day:
- Stay upright for at least 4 hours. Gentle walking is fine.
- Avoid rubbing, pressing, or massaging treated sites.
- Skip vigorous exercise, saunas, and hot yoga for 24 hours. Heat and increased circulation can disperse product.
- Delay facials and facial tools for 3 to 7 days, depending on the area.
- Avoid tight hats or goggles that compress the forehead or crow’s feet for the first day.
What should you avoid after Botox? In short, heat, pressure, strenuous workouts, and facial manipulation during the immediate window. Keep skin clean and calm. Follow the plan your injector gives you, since smalldifferences in technique and area can change the advice.
Myths to Leave Behind
More units always look frozen, myth. Correct dosing placed with skill can relax lines while preserving natural expression.
You must never move your face after injections, myth. Normal expressions are fine. Avoid heavy manipulation, not everyday movement.
All brands and units are interchangeable, myth. Formulations vary, and your injector’s method is just as important as the milliliters.
How We Personalize Your Treatment
During your visit, we map your unique muscle movement. We note asymmetries, eyebrow position, and how your expressions evolve as you talk and smile. Dosing is adjusted to protect brow position, maintain eyeopenness, and support facial balance. We also look at long term skin health. Some clients pair neurotoxin maintenance with brightening facials, microneedling, or laser resurfacing across the year.
Thoughtful combinations protect texture, tone, and elasticity while your neurotoxin controls lines from repetitive movement
If you are planning a refresh before an event, schedule neurotoxin 2 to 3 weeks ahead to enjoy the full peak.
Build a Long Term Plan with Membership
Great skin is a ritual. Neurotoxin treatments work best within a larger plan that supports collagen, clarity, and barrier health. Our sandy springs signature rose society membership makes consistent care simple, with curatedmonthly treatments and private, unhurried visits. Over time, your injector learns your face as it changes through seasons, travel, and life. The result is ease, elegance, and results that never feel overdone.
You can complement your plan with seasonal facials. If you crave deep hydration and glow, consider a hydrafacial sandy springs appointment to keep the canvas radiant between injectable visits.
Final Thoughts
The right number of units is the one that fits your face, your goals, and your calendar. Expect glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet to anchor most upper face plans, with optional lip flip or jawline refining when needed. Planon results that arrive in a week, peak at two, and last about three to four months. Follow simple aftercare, stay consistent, and treat neurotoxin as part of your broader skin health strategy.
If you are ready for a discreet, customized approach that keeps your expression yours, book a consultation at our med spa sandy springs location. We will design a plan that feels effortless, refined, and entirely personal.
