How Many Botox Units Do You Need?
Area-by-area breakdown of typical Botox units, based on real clinical notes and dosage protocols. Know what to expect before your appointment.
What Is a Botox "Unit"?
A unit is the standard measurement for botulinum toxin potency. It represents a precise biological activity level. When your doctor says "20 units of Botox," they mean 20 standardized doses of the toxin. The total number of units determines both the effect and the cost.
Important: unit measurements are not directly interchangeable between brands. 20 units of Allergan Botox may not equal exactly 20 units of Xeomin in effect, though they are generally close. Your doctor adjusts accordingly when switching brands.
Forehead Lines: 16-20 Units
The frontalis muscle creates horizontal forehead lines when you raise your eyebrows. Treatment distributes 16-20 units across 4-6 injection points, placed 1-2 cm above the brow line to avoid heaviness.
Why Not Over-Treat the Forehead
Too many units in the forehead can cause brow heaviness or a "frozen" expression. The forehead works with the brow depressors — treating one without considering the other can look unbalanced. An experienced injector balances forehead and glabella units together.
Glabella (Frown Lines): 6-10 Units
The "11 lines" between the eyebrows are caused by the procerus and corrugator muscles. This is the most commonly treated area and typically requires 6-10 units distributed across 3-5 injection points. Results are visible within 3-5 days.
Crow's Feet: 10-14 Units per Side
The orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes creates crow's feet when you smile. Treatment uses 10-14 units per side injected in 3-4 points lateral to the eye. This is a precision area — placement matters more than volume.
Bunny Lines: 4-6 Units
The nasalis muscle creates lines on the sides of the nose when you scrunch it. Only 4-6 units are needed, typically 2-3 units per side. This is often added as a complementary treatment to forehead and crow's feet Botox.
Masseter (Jawline Slimming): 30-60 Units per Side
The masseter is a powerful chewing muscle. When overdeveloped, it creates a square jawline. Botox relaxes the muscle, causing gradual atrophy and a slimmer facial contour. This requires significantly more units than other areas — typically 30-60 units per side.
Results are not immediate. The muscle takes 4-8 weeks to slim down, with peak results at 8-12 weeks. Most patients need 2-3 sessions before achieving their desired V-shape contour.
Lifting Points: 10-40 Units
Beyond wrinkle relaxation, strategic Botox placement can create a subtle lifting effect. Injecting into specific depressor muscles along the jawline, neck, and brow area allows opposing elevator muscles to work unopposed, creating a micro-lift. This technique requires 10-40 units depending on the areas addressed.
Why More Is Not Always Better
The goal of aesthetic Botox is natural-looking relaxation, not complete paralysis. A skilled injector uses the minimum effective dose — enough to soften lines while preserving natural expression and movement.
"I always start conservatively with new patients. You can add more units at a two-week follow-up, but you cannot take them away. A suitable Botox is the kind nobody notices — your friends just think you look well-rested."
— Dr. Waleerat Thaweebanchongsin, VERZO CLINIC
Pricing per Area
| Area | Typical Units | Hutox Price | Allergan Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead | 16-20u | 130-240 THB | 290-500 THB |
| Glabella | 6-10u | 50-120 THB | 110-250 THB |
| Crow's Feet (both) | 20-28u | 160-340 THB | 360-700 THB |
| Bunny Lines | 4-6u | 30-70 THB | 70-150 THB |
| Masseter (both) | 60-120u | 480-1,440 THB | 1,080-3,000 THB |
| Lifting | 10-40u | 80-480 THB | 180-1,000 THB |
Pricing based on per-unit rates. Exact totals depend on individual assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Botox unit?
A standardized measurement of botulinum toxin potency. Typical aesthetic treatments use 20-60 units total.
How many units for the forehead?
16-20 units across 4-6 injection points. Men often need more due to stronger musculature.
How many units for crow's feet?
10-14 units per side (20-28 total) injected in 3-4 points per side around the outer eye.
How many units for the glabella?
6-10 units across the procerus and corrugator muscles.
How many units for masseter?
30-60 units per side (60-120 total). Depends on muscle size and desired slimming.
Is more Botox always better?
No. Over-treating creates an unnatural frozen look. A skilled injector uses the minimum effective dose.
How much does Botox cost per area?
Forehead from 300-500 THB, crow's feet from 400-700 THB, glabella from 100-250 THB, masseter from 1,000-3,000 THB. Brand dependent.
How do I verify unit counts?
Ask your doctor to document exact units per point. At VERZO CLINIC, every injection is documented for full transparency.
Get Your Personalized Unit Recommendation
Send a photo via LINE for a preliminary assessment. Dr. Waleerat will estimate units and pricing for your specific goals.
VERZO CLINIC, Sukhumvit Road near BTS Ekkamai. Open daily 10:00-19:00.
Medical Disclaimer
Results vary depending on individual skin and body conditions.
Please consult a physician before treatment.
Results are not guaranteed.