Dr. Saber’s Blog

How Many Units of Botox Do I Need for my Facial Wrinkles?

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for Onobotulinumtoxin A, a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. But Botox isn’t the only botulinum toxin brand. Currently, there are multiple FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) brands for cosmetic facial wrinkles including Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau, and most recently Daxxify (2022).

A skilled injector can use Botox to treat wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement. The toxin temporarily freezes the muscle at the injection site — allowing it to relax and smooth out the wrinkles

How many units of Botox

The history of Botox

In the 1970s, scientists used botulinum toxin to treat strabismus (crossed eyes). After this treatment proved successful, Allergan was the first company to license the treatment and brand it Botox.

Since then, there have been multiple FDA approvals of botulinum toxin for a variety of medical conditions:

  • Strabismus and blepharospasm in 1989
  • Cervical dystonia in 2000
  • Glabellar lines (frown lines) in 2002
  • Underarm hyperhidrosis in 2004
  • Chronic migraines and upper lip spasticity in 2010
  • Urinary incontinence in 2011
  • Crow’s feet (lateral canthal lines) in 2013
  • Moderate to severe forehead lines in 2017

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons use Botox Cosmetic to treat facial wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

How many units of Botox are needed for effective treatment?

The number of botox units will vary from person to person and will depend on multiple factors including:

  • specific area being treated
  • individual aesthetic goals
  • gender — men generally need more Botox than women
  • muscle strength
  • metabolism

Botox treatments are minimally-invasive cures for fine lines and wrinkles, without the side effects or risks of plastic surgery. The most popular areas for treatment on the face are the glabella (frown lines), forehead, crow’s feet (around the eyes), and neck.

All units are estimates and the right amount will be determined during a consultation with Dr. Saber, where individual needs and aesthetic goals will be discussed.

How many units of Botox

How many Botox units for 11 lines (frown lines)?

Frown lines are also referred to as “elevens” and glabellar lines. These vertical lines are found between the eyebrows and are caused by habitual facial expressions where the forehead muscles squeeze inward, i.e. furrowing the brow. Treatment of frown lines is the most common cosmetic use of Botox.

The amount of Botox used in this area can range from 10-25 units.

How much Botox for crow’s feet?

Crow’s feet (also called periorbital lines or lateral canthal lines) are wrinkles that branch out from the outer corners of the eyes while smiling or squinting.

Crow’s feet are the second most frequent cosmetic use of Botox. The results here are excellent. The amount of Botox used in this area can range from 4-20 units.

How many Botox units do I need for forehead lines?

The large facial muscle that overlies the forehead is called the frontalis muscle. When the frontalis muscle contracts, the brow raises and horizontal lines form. During the aging process when collagen and elasticity in the skin diminish, the horizontal lines remain. Botox injections smooth these forehead wrinkles.

The number of Botox units in multiple injection sites can range from 10-30.

How many units of Botox do I need for neck lines?

Horizontal neck wrinkles and fine lines are caused by the platysma (neck muscle). It rises from the chest up to the sides of the neck, to the lower face covering the jawline.

When the skin around the platysma loses laxity and volume, the muscle becomes prominent in the form of neck (platysmal) bands. When younger, the bands only appear when the muscle contracts. As we age, the bands become noticeable even when the muscle is relaxed.

The platysma also pulls down the skin of the face and creates the appearance of sagging skin, also known as jowls. This is due to years of active muscle movement in this area. 

Botox targets the platysma, resulting in a smoother and tighter-looking neck. Botox in this region also improves the skin along the jawline for a tighter, more contoured look.

The amount of Botox used in this area can range from 25-50 units.

How many units of Botox do I need for bunny lines?

Bunny lines are tiny creases right below the ridge of the nose, often referred to as nose wrinkles. They appear more pronounced when smiling or laughing but are not normally visible when the facial muscles are at rest.

These creases or wrinkles deepen due to aging. Botox injections on each side of the nose smooth the wrinkles. The amount of Botox in this area can range from 5-10 units.

How many units of Botox do I need for pebble chin?

Pebble chin is also known as orange peel chin due to the bumpy and uneven texture of the skin in the area. The dimpling and wrinkling are caused by an overactive mentalis (chin) muscle.

This condition is easily treated with Botox injections which relax the chin muscle. This is considered an off-label use (not approved by the FDA). The amount of Botox in this area can range from 4-10 units.

How many units of Botox

How many units for a brow lift?

A Botox brow lift treats frown lines between the brows AND elevates the height of the eyebrows. Botox injections work by relaxing the underlying muscle between the brows to smooth the skin. This allows forehead muscles to pull up the now-relaxed muscles between the brows, elevating the brows and opening the eyes.

A typical treatment would be 15-30 Botox units.

How many units of Botox do I need for the corners of the mouth?

When the corners of the mouth turn down due to aging, a person can appear older. Botox relaxes the depressor anguli oris muscle, responsible for the downturn allowing for a more relaxed expression.

Botox smooths the facial folds and lifts the corners of the mouth. The number of units in this area can range from four to five units per side.

How many units of Botox do I need for smile lines/laugh lines?

Laugh lines or smile lines appear as folds in the skin on both sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. When younger, the folds appear only when smiling or laughing, then disappear as the face relaxes. Over time, the lines become deep, permanent wrinkles and are present whether smiling or not.

The amount of Botox used in this area ranges from 5-10 units per side.

The doctor-recommended cosmetic treatment for loss of volume and fullness in the face is dermal fillers.

How much does a unit of Botox cost?

Pricing for Botox treatment depends on:

  • geographic area
  • professional expertise – board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist versus a licensed injector at a med spa
  • how many Botox units are needed
  • the area being injected

In general, the Botox average cost per unit is $19 to $25 in large cities, and as low as $10 a unit in smaller cities.

If this is the first-time considering Botox injections, a treatment plan will be implemented based on individual needs and the most effective course of action. A personal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can help clarify your skin care needs, treatment areas, and treatment options.

Why choose Dr. Saber for Botox near Los Angeles?

Dr. Sepideh Saber is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing cosmetic procedures and surgeries from a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. She ensures that all questions are answered so that each patient can make a truly well-informed decision.

Keeping her patients safe remains her top priority. She employs the latest state-of-the-art techniques and performs her procedures in the top surgical centers and hospitals, where she enjoys full admitting privileges.

Dr. Saber takes her patients’ safety very seriously. Her facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are always required in our office during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Saber is located in Encino, CA for patients throughout the Los Angeles area. We are also convenient to Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Malibu, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Downtown Los Angeles, Silverlake, and Echo Park.

To request a consultation, please call (877) 205-4100 or schedule a consultation online.

Dr. Saber graduated from Stanford University’s world-renowned medical school and did her plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the equally lauded University of Southern California. She then completed a fellowship at New York University in the extremely challenging and delicate disciplines of hand surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Saber offers a more sensitive, female perspective for patients of all ages, genders, and orientations. Former patients from all walks of life have praised not only their treatment outcomes but her caring, thoughtful approach to a wide array of appearance and health-related matters.
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    Dr. Sepideh Saber, MD, FACS

    👩🏻‍⚕️ Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
    🏫 Stanford/USC/NYU Trained
    🏥 Encino, CA | Book a Free Consult
    ☎️ (833) 215-0500
    💌 info@saberplasticsurgery.com

    ✨ Our lovely patient came in for our Breast Augmentation procedure✨

She is only 10 days Post Surgery and her results already look amazing! We were able to achieve a beautiful natural looking result. 

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
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    ✨ Our lovely patient came in for our Rhinoplasty procedure. We were able to achieve a natural end result. 

We are absolutely thrilled with her results! ✨

Give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation with #DrSaber who will create a customized plan for you!
____________________________
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⭐️To set up a consultation:⁠
🔸 Call : (833) 215-0500⁠
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  • What patients say about Dr. Saber

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    Over 16 Reviews

    I was fortunate to find Dr. Saber after researching board-certified surgeons who specialize in breast cancer reconstruction revision surgery. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I spoke with the lovely and efficient Marlene, Dr Saber's office manager. Dr Saber patiently listened to my concerns and, after examining me, explained what I could realistically expect the outcome to be from another surgery. She also explained to me that she would need to review my previous surgery notes before we could discuss a possible further surgery, which I found comforting and highly ethical. I also discussed a couple of other procedures that I would like done, including fat removal from my large upper arms that had caused me great embarrassment for several years. Dr. Saber is an excellent surgeon who is incredibly kind and genuine. She truly understands the female body and the emotional aspect of body insecurities yet, she is transparent about what can and cannot be done and takes time to discuss realistic expectations and outcomes. My breast reconstruction revision surgery will take place in the New Year, but in the meantime, I have the most fabulous upper arms that I recently flaunted in a strapless dress (something I have not done in years). Dr Saber is truly one of a kind, and I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have found her. I highly recommend Dr Saber.

    Linda DeCarlo November 29, 2023

    I don’t have enough wonderful words to describe Dr Saber and Marlene! I had a tummy tuck done this year and from start to finish the entire experience was amazing. Marlene is always so helpful and works so hard to make every detail a breeze for you. When I had my consultation with Dr Saber I was at a point of complete agony with my body. She instantly took that stress and frustration off my shoulders! As a woman not being heard by doctors for years I left that consultation with happy tears knowing I had finally found my Dr. It was a major surgery and I felt completely zen and at peace going in because she really does make you feel that safe. I didn’t think I would ever look the way I do now! She gave me the gift of having the body I kept fighting for. I will never stop recommending her.

    Monica Prusa October 9, 2023

    I saw Dr. Saber when I broke my wrist. I ended up having to have surgery. She did an excellent job and I am healing nicely. She was very professional, but was also very kind and compassionate. I would highly recommend her!!

    Sandy Schaupp September 13, 2022

    I LOVED DR SABER!!! There are a few reasons why I chose her. One was because she’s a female Doctor that was my goal who also did a good job (which I was able to confirm with all her before and after photos) and what sold me was my safety in mind. She made me feel like I was in the best hands ever along with Marlene who coordinated everything THANK YOU LADIES! Dr Saber helped me get back the body I have always desired. I had a lot of stomach fat from weight gain and I lost weight so a lot of my weight was in my front lower and upper abdomen. Now I have a super beautiful curvy body like an hourglass after a tummy tuck and lipo she did. She understood the assignment hahaha . I’m 32 years old no kids just wanted to enjoy my younger body looking and feeling beautiful and she really took good care of me. Even after hours I had an emergency due to my fault but she was there and got back to me very quickly and I’m very grateful. I also think her work says a lot because I stopped taking pain medication on the 3rd day after surgery and was fine with very minimal pain I was able to tolerate the healing process. Highly recommend going with her I just had a wonderful experience and would do it all over again if I had too. Maybe after I have kids. Thanks Dr Saber and team <3

    STEPHANIE d July 15, 2022

    Dr.Saber is by far one of the best plastic surgeons. I love how she takes her time to explain any procedure to the patients understanding. She always makes sure to answers any and all questions.From fillers to body contours she’s the one you want.

    Katherine Melara February 15, 2022

    Dr Saber is amazing! She is caring and very informative. I went in for fillers and she explained procedure step by step. I highly recommend her and look forward to future visits.

    Amanda Vazquez December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. She took time to listen, answer all my questions and was forthright in her recommendations. Her staff was friendly and helpful. I was very happy with the results and plan on going back. If you are looking for a first rate professional experience look no further she is the doctor for you!

    T R December 18, 2020

    Dr. Saber is one of a kind plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. She is a well verse plastic surgeon that puts her patient's needs before anything else. She genuinely cares about every single patient, and her work speaks for itself. I notice every post-operative result on her Instagram (@saberplasticsurgery) the patients have this glow that radiates through. I have been going to Dr. Saber for my Botox for the past 3 years, and love the results every time. I know who I will be going to for any future plastic surgery needs, and will confidently refer family and friends to Dr. Saber for any Botox, fillers, and plastic surgery consultations.

    Rudy Garcia December 16, 2020

    I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Saber! I am so pleased with my results from a breast augmentation she performed on me back in late June! She answered all my questions and concerns before and after my surgery. She’s very easy to get in contact with and she’s so nice. She made feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. 100/10 Lover her work!!

    Amanda Villegas October 15, 2020

    Dr Saber is hands down the best surgeon! She took her time answering my questions and explained procedure in detail. After doing liposuction six months ago, I am extremely happy with my results and I appreciate her so much.

    Marlene Cosentino October 15, 2020

    Dr. Saber is so kind and thorough with her patients! She is an amazing doctor and genuinely cars about everyone she comes in contact with. I would recommend her to anyone for any hand surgery or cosmetic procedure.

    Rachel Meach October 15, 2020