Curious how many Botox units your lip flip, forehead, or crow’s feet really need? The short answer: most lip flips use 4 to 8 units, foreheads usually fall between 6 and 20 units depending on anatomy and glabella treatment, and crow’s feet often require 8 to 15 units per side. The long answer is where the results live, because technique, muscle strength, and dosing strategy matter as much as the numbers.
I’ve treated patients who love ultra-subtle “Baby Botox” and others who want a polished, camera-ready look. The right dosage sits at the intersection of your facial expressions, your goals, and the injector’s judgment. Below, I break down typical ranges, trade-offs, and how to think about cost and longevity so you can walk into a Botox consultation prepared and confident.
A quick primer on Botox units and why they vary
A Botox “unit” is a standardized measure. Clinics reconstitute the vial to a typical dilution, then count units per injection point. You’ll hear people compare brands, like Dysport or Xeomin. Each has its own unit system and diffusion profile, so 1 unit of Botox does not equal 1 unit of Dysport. botox clinics near me When I mention unit ranges here, I’m referring to on-label Allergan Botox Cosmetic dosing norms and common off-label practices used by experienced injectors.
Why dosing varies from person to person:
- Muscle strength: A heavy frown line corrugator or dense orbicularis oculi at the crow’s feet will need more units than a light, low-movement face. Anatomy and brow position: A naturally low brow can’t tolerate as much forehead dosing without risking a heavy look. A high, mobile brow often allows a bit more. Sex and genetics: Many men and some athletic patients need higher doses to overcome stronger muscles. “Brotox” plans usually start higher. Goals: Preventative Botox in your 20s often uses smaller, more frequent doses. If you want no movement at all, expect higher unit counts than if you prefer soft movement.
Lip flip units: small dose, big finesse
A lip flip uses tiny aliquots of Botox in the orbicularis oris around the upper lip to gently relax the lip border. The goal is to reveal a bit more pink and soften the inward curl when you smile. It does not add volume like fillers; it simply changes muscle tension.
Typical lip flip dosing: 4 to 8 units total, usually divided into 2 to 4 micro-injections just above the cupids bow and lateral vermilion border. Some injectors also treat the depressor septi nasi at 2 units if a smile pulls the tip of the nose downward, but that’s optional and anatomy-dependent.
What affects the number:
- Thin lips or a strong “lip tuck” may need the upper end of the range. If you play wind instruments, sing professionally, or drink from straws all day, you might prefer a lower dose to preserve function. A gummy smile often responds to 2 to 6 units per side at the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and related elevators. Paired with a lip flip, that can transform a smile without filler.
Timing and feel:
- Onset starts around day 3, peaks by day 10. Expect mild difficulty whistling or using a straw if dosed higher. It should not interfere with eating or speaking when done well. Longevity is shorter than other areas: usually 6 to 8 weeks. The upper lip is thin and active, so the effect fades faster.
If you want to see a preview without committing to filler, a lip flip is a smart test. Clients often come back saying their lipstick sits better and their smile looks softer on photos.
Forehead units: anchoring the result to your brows
Forehead lines come from the frontalis muscle, the only elevator of the brow. That matters because relaxing it too much can drop the brows. A natural result almost always means balancing the frontalis with the frown complex between the brows, known as the glabella.
Typical forehead dosing: 6 to 20 units to the frontalis in a pattern that considers your brow position, hairline, and line severity. For first-timers, I often start lower and add a touch-up after two weeks if needed.
If you also treat the glabella (the “11s”), which is common for balanced results:
- Glabella units: usually 12 to 24 units across the corrugators, procerus, and sometimes depressor supercilii. Combined forehead and glabella doses: commonly 18 to 44 units total for a smooth but not frozen upper face.
Key considerations:
- Low or flat brows can’t tolerate aggressive forehead dosing. Better to dose the glabella more and feather the frontalis lightly. High-set, arched brows with deep horizontal lines can handle more frontalis units. For preventative Botox in your 20s or early 30s, 6 to 10 units across the frontalis may be enough, especially with light glabella support.
Technique details that matter:
- Injection rows and spacing: A conservative low row with higher placement near the hairline avoids a “Spock brow.” Feathering: Smaller units per point, more points. Smoother result and less risk of heavy spots. Avoiding the lateral tail drop: Don’t chase lines too low or lateral if you already have delicate lateral brow support.
Onset and longevity:
- You’ll see improvement by day 3 to 5, full effect by day 10 to 14. Results last around 3 to 4 months. Newer patients metabolize a bit faster early on.
Crow’s feet units: softening without flattening your smile
Crow’s feet form where the orbicularis oculi scrunches during smiles and squints. A natural outcome should erase the deep etch lines while preserving your eye crinkle and cheek elevation.
Typical dosing: 8 to 15 units per side. Lighter, preventative dosing might start at 6 to 8 units per side, while deep creasing or strong lateral pull may warrant the higher end.
Treatment pearls:
- Respect the zygomaticus smile elevators. An experienced injector places units lateral and slightly superior to protect your smile lift. Skin quality matters. Thin, photoaged skin shows etched lines even when the muscle relaxes. Pairing Botox injections with skincare, retinoids, and occasional energy devices can help. If you squint a lot, consider sunglasses and blue-light habits. Fewer micro-contractions preserve your results between visits.
Expected arc:
- Onset around day 3, peak by day 10. Duration usually 3 to 4 months, sometimes 2.5 months in very expressive patients.
What “Baby Botox” changes about units
Baby Botox is less about brand and more about dosing philosophy: lower units, more micro-droplets, natural movement. It’s useful for first-timers, camera work where subtlety matters, or professions that demand expression.
Examples:
- Forehead: 6 to 10 units feathered widely, often with a conservative 8 to 12 units in the glabella. Crow’s feet: 6 to 8 units per side. Lip flip: still 4 to 6 units since the area is already a microdose.
The trade-off is longevity. Lighter doses often fade a few weeks earlier. Many patients are fine with that if it preserves authenticity in their expression.
Units by age, sex, and muscle strength
Twenty-something preventative Botox usually uses smaller doses to train muscles not to crease the skin. Thirty- and forty-something corrective plans trend higher, then stabilize. Men’s plans often increase by 20 to 40 percent compared with women due to muscle mass, though not always.
Signs you may need higher units:
- Deep, static lines at rest. Lines that return strongly within 6 weeks of treatment. Heavy squinting or frequent frowning tied to habit or vision.
Signs to ask about reducing units:
- Brows feel heavy or sit lower after forehead treatment. Smile looks tight or off around the eyes. Lip feels too weak for certain activities.
A good Botox provider will map your face, ask about your work and hobbies, and dose conservatively if it’s your first time, then adjust at the two-week review.
Cost, pricing strategies, and when “cheap” backfires
Botox cost is often quoted per unit, per area, or through packages. In many markets, per-unit Botox prices range from about 10 to 20 dollars, sometimes higher in major cities. Crow’s feet per side might total 80 to 300 dollars depending on units and clinic pricing. A forehead and glabella combo can land around 300 to 700 dollars. A lip flip is usually 60 to 200 dollars given the small dose.
Per-unit pricing is more transparent for experienced patients who know their dose. Per-area pricing can feel simpler for new patients, though it sometimes hides underdosing. Botox deals, membership programs, and manufacturer rebates can make treatment more affordable without sacrificing quality. Be wary of “Cheap Botox” that undercuts the market dramatically, as that can signal over-dilution, counterfeit product risk, or rushed technique.
Financing or payment plans are common in larger clinics. If you plan to maintain results, ask about Botox membership options that include scheduled maintenance, modest discounts, and occasional Botox specials. A long-term plan typically includes a Botox appointment every 3 to 4 months, or 2 to 3 times per year once you find your best dose.
How long results last and how often to come back
Typical longevity:
- Lip flip: about 6 to 8 weeks. Forehead and glabella: 3 to 4 months. Crow’s feet: 3 to 4 months.
Maintenance strategies:
- Schedule the next visit when movement just begins to return. Waiting for full movement can let lines etch again, requiring higher doses. If you want Botox for migraines, TMJ, masseter slimming, or excessive sweating, those medical or functional indications often have different dosing and timelines. Masseter treatments for jawline slimming or bruxism, for example, commonly use 20 to 40 units per side of Botox and can last 4 to 6 months. Sun protection, retinoids, and collagen-supporting habits will make your Botox results look better and last longer by improving the skin envelope.
Safety, side effects, and why technique outranks any brand
Cosmetic Botox is well studied and safe in qualified hands. Expect tiny injection site bumps for 10 to 20 minutes, brief redness, and occasionally a small bruise. Headaches happen in a minority of patients in the first 24 to 48 hours. Heaviness of the brow or a surprise arch generally tracks back to dosing or placement and is usually fixable with minor adjustments.
Rare but important risks:
- Eyelid ptosis from diffusion into the levator. Avoid rubbing or heavy workouts for a few hours post-treatment to reduce risk. If it happens, it’s temporary and usually managed with eyedrops while it wears off. Smile asymmetry with crow’s feet or perioral work. Conservative dosing and proper vectors help avoid this. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, skip cosmetic Botox. For medical Botox, defer to your physician’s guidance.
About brands and “Botox vs Dysport vs Xeomin vs Jeuveau”:
- All are neuromodulators with similar end results. Differences include spread, onset, and unit potency. Dysport sometimes feels faster in onset. Xeomin lacks accessory proteins, which some clinicians prefer in long-term treatment plans. Jeuveau is popular in cosmetic-focused practices. Dosing conversion is not 1 to 1 across brands. Trust your injector’s experience with their chosen product.
Before and after: what realistic results look like
For a lip flip, expect a subtle curl at rest and less upper gum show when you smile. It will not mimic lip filler volume. If you show significant gum or want a fuller shape, pairing 4 to 8 units for a flip with 0.5 to 1.0 mL of hyaluronic acid filler, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, can create a controlled change without overdoing it.
Forehead and glabella results should smooth horizontal and vertical lines while holding your brow position. If you prefer a soft brow lift, talk about a Botox brow lift pattern, which targets depressor points in the tail area. Done correctly, that yields a 1 to 2 millimeter lift that opens the eyes without screaming “work done.”
Crow’s feet should look like softer fan lines with the deepest etches relaxed. Smiles must still look like you. If you feel your under eyes look hollower after treatment, that’s usually a midface volume or skin issue rather than the crow’s feet injections. Addressing cheek support or skin texture can make a bigger difference than adding more neuromodulator.
What an ideal first appointment looks like
Start with a true consultation. A Botox specialist should document your medical history, take standardized photos, watch your expressions, and ask about your job, workouts, and social calendar. If you have an event within two weeks, plan dosing conservatively to avoid surprises.
Numbing cream is rarely necessary for these small areas, though some clinics offer it for comfort. The actual injections take a few minutes. Avoid lying down or pressing on treated sites for at least 2 to 4 hours. Skip intense exercise the day of your injections. Keep skincare gentle that night. You can return to makeup within a few hours as long as you dab, not rub.
Two-week follow-up is golden. Minor touch ups, often 2 to 6 units, can perfect symmetry and tailor movement. That small adjustment can be the difference between a good and a great result.
Deciding between Botox and fillers for the lips and lines
Botox softens expression lines caused by muscle contraction. Filler restores structure and volume in static wrinkles or thin areas. For the upper lip, Botox flips and softens motion lines, while filler adds shape, hydration, and support. Many of my best lip results come from a staged plan: start with a lip flip, let it settle, then layer a conservative filler dose if needed. For forehead lines that remain etched at rest even when fully relaxed, microneedling, resurfacing, or light filler micro-droplets can complement Botox.
If you are comparing Botox vs fillers for crow’s feet, Botox wins for dynamic lines. Filler near the lateral canthus is advanced and used sparingly, if at all, due to vascular and mobility considerations. Most patients look best with good Botox technique paired with skin quality treatments rather than filler in that zone.
My typical dosing playbook
Here’s how I generally approach these areas for a first-timer who wants natural, camera-friendly results:
- Lip flip: 6 units across the upper lip border. Reassess function at two weeks. Forehead and glabella: 8 units to frontalis feathered in two rows, 16 units to the glabella complex. Touch up 2 to 4 units if a line persists. Crow’s feet: 8 units per side placed laterally and slightly superior to protect smile dynamics. Adjust if one side pulls stronger.
From there, I increase or decrease by small increments based on how you animate and how long it lasts. Some patients stabilize at 30 to 40 total units for the upper face every 3.5 months. Others maintain with Baby Botox every 10 to 12 weeks at lower totals.
What drives satisfaction in Botox results
Consistency is the unsung hero. Use the same injector for a few cycles to dial in your map. Communicate clearly: do you want near-zero movement or soft motion? Bring reference photos of your ideal. Track your Botox results with quick selfies on day 0, 7, and 14, then monthly. That record helps your injector refine the dose and pattern.
Lifestyle tweaks help. Good sleep, hydration, sun protection, Morristown NJ botox and a topical routine that includes a retinoid and vitamin C will make your Botox before and after photos look more dramatic without extra units. If you grind your teeth or have TMJ, treating the masseters can indirectly soften crow’s feet by reducing compensatory facial tension. If you suffer from tension headaches or migraines, glabella dosing often reduces frown habit and may ease headache frequency, although medical Botox for migraines follows a specific protocol and dose.
When to consider alternatives
If you have a history of variable results or prefer a brand switch, ask about Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau. Some patients feel Dysport kicks in faster around the eyes. Xeomin can be a good option for long-term users who want a purified formulation. If you’re needle-averse, there is no topical that replicates neuromodulator effects, but skincare, radiofrequency microneedling, and resurfacing can improve the canvas. For deeper, static forehead lines, pairing neuromodulators with fractional laser or light filler microdroplets gives better longevity than chasing higher Botox units alone.
Red flags and green lights in a Botox clinic
Credentials matter. Look for a Botox provider with medical training in facial anatomy and ongoing Botox training, not just a weekend course. A good Botox clinic documents consent, photography, and aftercare clearly. You should see the actual vial or hear the brand used. If a place markets extreme Group Botox discounts or pushes a Botox party without proper clinical setup, think twice. On the other hand, clinics that offer thoughtful Botox consultation time, clear pricing, and measured follow-ups tend to deliver the best Botox experiences.
The bottom line on units
For a lip flip, expect 4 to 8 units. For the forehead, plan 6 to 20 units in the frontalis plus 12 to 24 units in the glabella if you want balanced results. For crow’s feet, most patients land around 8 to 15 units per side. Men and high-movement patients usually need more. Baby Botox trims those numbers and may trade a bit of longevity for a hyper-natural look.
If you’re weighing Botox cost, consider results per dollar, not dollars per unit. A precise map with the right units beats a bargain dose that fades fast or alters your expression. The best Botox results come from measured dosing, a provider who studies how you move, and a maintenance rhythm that matches your metabolism. That’s how you get smooth, natural, camera-ready skin without losing the expressions that make you look like you.