One of the most common questions before a first anti-wrinkle injection appointment is: how many units will I actually need? The honest answer is that it depends — on the treatment area, your muscle strength, and what you’re trying to achieve. This guide explains the factors involved and gives you a realistic sense of typical ranges, without over-promising specific numbers.
Why There’s No Single Answer
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily reducing muscle activity in a targeted area. The amount needed depends on how active those muscles are — and that varies significantly from person to person. Someone with strong, expressive forehead muscles will typically need more units than someone with lighter muscle activity in the same area to achieve a comparable result.
Other factors that influence dose include your age, the depth of existing lines, your metabolism, and your treatment goals (a subtle softening versus a more relaxed look require different amounts). This is why reputable injectors assess your muscle movement before recommending a dose — not after.
Typical Unit Ranges by Area
The ranges below are informational only and reflect what’s commonly discussed in published aesthetic medicine literature. Your actual dose is determined at consultation. These are not treatment recommendations.
Forehead Lines
The horizontal lines across the forehead are caused by the frontalis muscle. Typical ranges cited in aesthetic practice are 8 to 20 units, though the frontalis connects to the muscles that lift the brow — which is why injecting this area without also treating the frown lines can sometimes cause brow heaviness. An experienced injector will consider both areas together.
Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines / “11s”)
The vertical lines between the brows are caused by the corrugator and procerus muscles. These muscles are often stronger than people expect, and the area tends to need 15 to 25 units in most adults. This is frequently the first area people treat, and also one of the most consistently effective.
Crow’s Feet
The fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes are caused by the orbicularis oculi muscle. Because both sides are treated, 10 to 24 units total is a commonly cited range (5–12 per side). These tend to need less product than the frown lines.
Full Upper Face (Forehead + Frown Lines + Crow’s Feet)
Treating all three areas together is common, since the muscles interact. A full upper face treatment typically requires 30 to 60 units, though some people fall outside that range. At MJ Aesthetics’ rate of $6.50 per unit, that puts the cost range at roughly $195–$390 — though the actual total depends on the dose used.
Masseter (Jaw Slimming and TMJ Tension)
The masseter muscle is larger than the upper face muscles, and treating it for jaw slimming or tension typically requires 25 to 50 units per side (50–100 units total). The masseter is also a medical topic when jaw pain is involved — if you’re dealing with jaw pain or headaches linked to teeth grinding, it’s worth discussing this with a doctor or dentist before pursuing an aesthetic approach.
Lip Flip
A lip flip uses a small amount of product — typically 4 to 6 units — injected into the orbicularis oris muscle around the upper lip to create a subtle eversion effect. At MJ Aesthetics, the lip flip is a fixed-price service at $150.
Underarm Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Treating excessive underarm sweating requires significantly more product — typically 50 to 100 units per underarm, or 100–150 units total. This is a larger treatment and is priced differently as a result. At MJ Aesthetics, the current promotional price for this treatment is $370 for 100–150 units. Note that hyperhidrosis can have medical causes — it’s worth discussing with a doctor if it’s affecting your quality of life significantly.
How a Consultation Determines Your Dose
A consultation involves asking you to animate your face — raising your brows, frowning, squinting — so the injector can assess where and how strongly your muscles contract. This is the only reliable way to decide how many units to use. An injector who quotes a number without seeing you first is guessing.
At MJ Aesthetics, the consultation is free and comes with no obligation to book. Mehran Javidan has approximately 20 years of hands-on experience and takes a consultation-first approach to every treatment plan.
What Happens If You Need More or Less Than Expected?
It’s not uncommon for a first treatment to establish your baseline — some people find they need a slightly different dose at their follow-up. A touch-up appointment (typically 2–3 weeks after the initial treatment, while the product is still at its peak effect) gives the injector a chance to assess the result and adjust if needed. Whether a touch-up is needed, and at what cost, is something to clarify before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask for fewer units to save money?
You can, but underdosing reduces how effective the treatment is and can produce uneven results. It’s worth having an honest conversation with your injector about your budget and your goals — they can help you decide whether it’s better to treat fewer areas fully or spread a smaller amount across more areas.
Do I need more units as treatments continue over years?
Some people find their dose remains consistent; others find it changes over time as the muscles adapt. There’s no universal pattern — this is another reason ongoing consultation with an experienced injector matters.
Is there a minimum number of units?
Clinics vary. Some have minimum treatment fees rather than minimum unit requirements. Ask before you book.
How do I book a consultation at MJ Aesthetics?
MJ Aesthetics offers a free consultation at 1110 Sheppard Ave E #304, North York. Book online here or call 437-556-1119.