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Your Go-To Botox and Dysport Guide: Dosage by Area

by Skin Pharm August 13, 2026

Many patients wonder how many units they will need. Here's what determines your dose of Botox or Dysport.

Dosing for Botox and Dysport is unique to each individual. The right number of units depends on your anatomy, muscle strength, the area being treated and what you're hoping to achieve. Here's a breakdown of typical unit ranges by treatment area, plus what goes into your provider's recommendation.

What is the typical dosage for Botox and Dysport?

These ranges reflect general clinical guidelines. Your provider will recommend a dose based on your individual anatomy, muscle strength and goals — some patients need more or less than the typical range.

Treatment area	Typical Botox dosage	What it addresses
Forehead lines	8-20 units	Horizontal lines across the forehead
Glabella ("11s")	16-26 units	Vertical frown lines between the brows
Crow's feet	6-12 units per side	Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes
Brow lift	2-4 units per side	Opens and lifts the brow arch
Bunny lines	2-6 units per side	Diagonal lines that appear on the nose when smiling
Lip flip	4-6 units	Subtly rolls the upper lip outward for more definition and volume
Smile lift (corners of the mouth)	2-4 units per side	Lifts downturned corners of the mouth for a softer, more relaxed smile
Chin dimpling	4-10 units	Softens texture and "pebbly" appearance on the chin
Masseter (jaw)	15-30 units per side	Slims and softens a wide or tense jawline
Platysmal bands (Nefertiti lift)	20-60 units	Relaxes platysmal bands for a smoother neck profile
Traps	30-60 units per side	Relaxes tight, bulky trapezius muscles for a longer, more elegant neckline
Underarms	50 units per side	Reduces excessive underarm sweating by calming overactive sweat glands
Palms	50 units per side	Calms overactive sweat glands for drier, more comfortable palms

What affects how many units you need?

Dosing isn't one-size-fits-all, even for the same treatment area. Your provider will factor in several things when building your plan:

Muscle size and strength: Larger, more active muscles generally require more product to achieve the same level of relaxation.
Line depth: Surface-level expression lines respond differently than deeper, set-in creases. Both can be treated, but the dosage may vary.
Your goals: Some patients want soft, natural movement. Others prefer a smoother, more relaxed result. Your target outcome directly affects the dose.
Treatment history: How your body metabolized product in the past - including how long results lasted - helps your provider calibrate the right starting dose.
Age and skin quality: Skin elasticity and overall skin quality can influence how treatment settles and how long results last.

What's the difference between Botox and Dysport?

Both are wrinkle relaxers that work by softening targeted facial muscles - but they're formulated differently, and their units aren't interchangeable. Botox is measured in its own units; Dysport uses a separate scale that runs higher by volume.

In practice, both products can deliver natural, refreshed results. Your provider will recommend one based on your anatomy, the treatment area and how you've responded to injections in the past. The goal with either product is the same: you, only more rested.

How do you determine dosing?

At your appointment, your provider will observe your facial movement, assess your muscle activity and talk through what you're hoping to achieve. The focus isn't on maximizing units - it's on finding the right dose for the result you want.

Skin Pharm's approach starts thoughtfully. Results are evaluated once the product has fully settled (typically 14 days), and adjustments can be made at a follow-up if needed. The goal is balanced, natural results that still look like you.

What should I expect at my Botox or Dysport appointment?

Most wrinkle relaxer appointments take 15-30 minutes once your treatment plan is confirmed. If you're new to Skin Pharm or unsure where to start, a skin consult is a great first step. You'll meet one-on-one with a board-certified provider, walk through your goals and leave with a personalized treatment plan.

Same-day treatment is often available. If you're planning around an event, schedule at least two weeks ahead so results have time to fully settle.

Can Botox or Dysport be paired with other treatments?

Yes - and many patients do. Depending on your goals, your provider may suggest pairing wrinkle relaxers with Skinvive, filler, Sculptra, microneedling, a Gold Infusion, or PRP. These combinations can address skin quality, volume and texture alongside expression lines for a more complete, well-rounded result. Your provider will guide you toward the right combination for your skin, timeline and comfort level.

Frequently asked questions

How many units do I need for my forehead?

That depends on the specific areas of the forehead being treated. Treating the frontalis, or the horizontal forehead lines, typically utilizes 8-20 units. For the glabella, the area between your eyebrows commonly referred to as “11s,” the average range is 16-26 units. Both areas together usually require 24-46 units of Botox. However, dosing depends on your muscle strength, line depth and how much natural movement you’d like to maintain.

How many units do I need for crow's feet?

Crow's feet are usually treated with 6-12 Botox units per side (12-24 units total). Finer lines near the eye tend to respond well to lower doses. Your provider will recommend an amount based on your expression patterns and goals.

How many units does a first-time Botox or Dysport patient need?

First-time patients often start at the more conservative end of the dosing range to see how their muscles respond. Your provider will recommend a starting dose and can refine the plan at a follow-up once results have fully settled - usually at 14 days.

How long do Botox and Dysport last?

Results typically last 3-4 months, though individual response varies. Factors like muscle strength, metabolism and treatment consistency can all affect longevity. Many patients find that with regular maintenance, results extend over time.

Can I get Botox or Dysport the same day as my consult?

Often, yes - if your provider determines you're a good candidate and same-day treatment is appropriate. If you're new to Skin Pharm or aren't sure where to start, booking a skin consult first is a great way to go. You'll leave with a clear plan and can usually treat that same visit.

Will Botox or Dysport make me look frozen?

Not when done well. The goal is softened and refreshed - not expressionless. Skin Pharm's approach focuses on balanced results that still move and look unmistakably like you.

Who should I see for Botox or Dysport?

Look for a provider with advanced training in facial anatomy and injectable techniques. At Skin Pharm, all treatments are performed by board-certified providers who specialize in natural, never-overdone results.

Ready to find out what's right for you? Book a consult with a Skin Pharm provider and get a treatment plan built around your goals, your face and your version of refreshed.