Botox is by far the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the US. In fact many people now include botox as part of their regular skin care routine. However, the number of botox users is always growing, and one of the most common questions new patients ask about the procedure is – ‘how many units of botox would I need to diminish wrinkles.
How much botox would I need to diminish wrinkles
The answer to this question is not a simple one, because while there are recommended doses for specific treatment areas, there are also several factors that can impact the amount of botox you need to diminish wrinkles.
Recommended number of botox units for each facial area
There are dosage recommendations for each area of the face being treated with botox. Forehead lines generally require 14-18 units, frown lines 20-25 units, and crow’s feet 5-15 units. There are typically 100 units in a vial of botox.
These guidelines are a very good estimate, but the number of units used per area may vary based on the technique of the doctor, the concentration of the drug, and the facial characteristics of the patient. Consideration will also be given to the goals and expectations of the patient when deciding on the number of units.
Botox is a highly purified form of a toxin known as botulinum toxin type A, so it is crucial that the drug is injected as recommended, so as to avoid serious side-effects.
Other factors to consider when determining the number of botox units needed
In addition to the number of recommended units, other factors to consider when determining the amount of botox you need include the strength of your facial muscles, severity of the wrinkles, and gender.
- Strength of the facial muscles: Individuals that have strong facial muscles normally need more botox to relax the facial muscles.
- Severity of facial wrinkles: More botox will be needed to treat deep, severe wrinkles.
- Gender: Men generally have stronger facial muscles when compared to women, so they usually need more botox.
Choosing the right injector
Above all, you should select an experienced injector to help you figure out how much botox you need to diminish wrinkles. Botox is a highly individualized procedure that must be tailored to match the facial anatomy of each patient, because it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
When looking for an injector, choose a physician that has a good understanding of botox, and knows how to administer it correctly. During your initial consultation the physician should analyze your face and discuss your aesthetic goals, in order to create a customized plan that will ensure that the right amount of botox is used for each area. An expert injector knows how to match dosage with the desired results.
Some doctors opt to give patients getting botox for the first time a low dosage to see how they react after a few weeks, and then make any necessary adjustments at later visits.
Receiving too much botox will give the eyelids a droopy appearance, and make the forehead feel heavy. On the other hand, under-treating an area with botox won’t give you the desired results. So if you would like to get soft, natural looking results with botox, be sure to select a qualified, experienced injector.
How does botox get rid of wrinkles
Botox is effective for dynamic wrinkles, which are the wrinkles that develop over time due to the repeated movement of the facial muscles. Botox relaxes the muscles that create these facial expressions, and in so doing, causes the overlying wrinkles to gradually soften.
During the treatment session a tiny needle is used to inject the required doses of botox into the facial muscles, causing wrinkles to become less noticeable. Botox blocks the nerve signals to the muscles, and this prevents them from contracting. Botox starts to take effect about 5-7 days after treatment, and the results last approximately 3-4 months.
Would you like to learn more about botox facial rejuvenation.
If you are in the Newport Beach and greater Orange County, CA areas, contact board certified plastic surgeon Tenley Lawton MD, to find out more.
You can reach Dr. Lawton at www.lawtonmd.com, or by calling (949) 835-5249.