How many units of botox do I need?

January 26, 2026
How many units of botox do I need?

If you're thinking about getting Botox and wondering, "How many units will I need?"...you're in good company!

This is honestly one of the most common questions we hear at our spa, and the answer isn’t exactly one-size-fits-all.

From your unique goals to overall skin health, the exact number of units needed for your Botox treatment can vary quite a bit.

Let’s look at what influences dosing, how we approach treatments at Siana, and what you should expect when customizing your Botox plan.

What affects how many units of Botox you need

The number of Botox units you need is based entirely on you. 

Your face, your goals, your muscle strength, and even your skincare habits.

Before we ever inject a single unit, we sit down for a consultation to understand exactly what you’re hoping to achieve. Want to keep a little movement? We’ll plan for that. Prefer a smoother, more frozen finish? We can do that, too.

Key factors that influence botox dosage:

  • Your personal aesthetic goals (smooth vs. subtle)
  • Muscle strength in the treatment area
  • Skin thickness and elasticity
  • Age and ethnicity
  • At-home skincare routine
  • Areas you want treated (just the "11s," or all three zones?)

Bottom line: There’s no universal Botox number because there’s no universal face. Every plan is customized.

Typical Botox unit ranges by treatment area

While we customize every plan, here are some general guidelines we follow for moderate to severe lines:

  • Forehead lines: Around 20 units
  • Frown lines ("11s") between the brows: 20 units
  • Crow’s feet (outer corners of the eyes): 24 units (12 per side)

If you’re treating all three areas, we often refer to it as "the look of three." That typically totals about 64 units. This full-face treatment helps provide a balanced, natural look and is the most common approach among our clients.

That said, some clients only want one area treated, and that’s totally okay too! Others want to start slow and add more later, which we fully support.

The difference between "frozen" and "refreshed"

Some clients want the full "frozen" look with absolutely no movement in the forehead, while others want a gentle softening that still allows for a natural range of expression.

Because this is an extremely personalized service, it’s important to guide each client based on their preferences. 

If you’re ever unsure where you land on the "frozen vs. natural" spectrum, we’ll help you decide what feels best. At Siana, we usually lean toward a conservative approach—we can always add more, but once it’s in, it’s in.

And remember: our goal is for you to look like you, just the most rested, confident version of you.

What happens if you get too much or too little Botox?

If someone receives too much Botox, the area can look overly tight or feel heavy, especially in the forehead or around the eyes. That’s why we’re conservative in our dosing, especially for first-time clients.

Botox isn’t like filler—it can’t be dissolved once it’s in place. But it’s also not permanent, which is why we often start with less and build over time.

On the flip side, getting too little Botox might not deliver the full effect you’re hoping for. That’s okay too. It simply allows us to do a small touch-up in a few weeks.

Either way, we’re here to make sure your results align with your goals, and we’ll always err on the side of safety, precision, and artistry.

How often should you get Botox to maintain results?

Neurotoxins typically last between 3–4 months. Some clients metabolize Botox faster (especially if they’re super active), while others enjoy results that last longer. To maintain your refreshed look year-round, we usually recommend treatment 3–4 times per year.

If you’re consistent with your schedule, you may find that you need fewer units over time, as your muscles get used to the relaxed state. 

Plus, when you combine Botox with good skincare and sun protection, your results will go even further.

Want help building your personalized Botox plan?

Whether you're brand new to Botox or looking to refresh your current approach, we're here to help. Every appointment at Siana starts with a thoughtful consultation where we’ll discuss your goals, assess your skin, and design a plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.

Book a consultation with one of our licensed team members right here.

And if you’d love more skincare education, behind-the-scenes treatment info, and self-care tips, come hang out with us on Instagram: @sianaaesthetics

Thanks for spending time with us here—whether you’re ready for Botox now or gathering info for later, we’re so glad you’re here!

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