How Much is 20 Units?

Question

From answers to other questions, I understand that females are usually given 20 units for the glabella. I am confused as to exactly how much 20 units is. When I have had Botox in the past, they usually take the Botox from a vial which appears to hold approximately 2 tablespoons of fluid and resembles the vials in which contact lenses once were packaged. Is this a 20 unit vial? If I pay for 20 units of Botox, should I expect to get the full contents of that vial?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

20 units is less than a vial, so you will not get the whole vial.  The cheapest amount people charge for Botox is about 8 dollars a unit.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Every provider prices their Botox differently, and uses a "range" of units for treatment to different areas of the face. Consulting with a well-trained and experienced provider/practice in the area will help you understand. Generally, offices that provide high volume can give you a better unit cost.

Michael Horn, MD · Answer

Botox typically comes in either 50 or 100 unit vials. You are correct that 20 units can work well for the glabella. The vial can be mixed with varying concentrations as the doctor adds saline to mix it, but 20 units would be either 2/5 of a 50 unit vial or 1/5 of a 100 unit vial.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Louisesc809,

	
		20 units is enough to treat the frown lines between your eyebrows OR the crow's feet (not both)
	
		The volume of liquid does not matter because some injectors like it more concentrated, some like it dilute, either way, you still get the same number of units
	
		You should be paying for a result, not necessarily the number of units


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

Botox cosmetic is approved for the treatment of frown lines and 20 units is the recommended dose. Doctors may use more or less based on the individual. With the standard dilution ( though many doctors use other dilution ) 20 units is 1/2 cc. The syringes are usually 1cc, so it would be half a syringe.  

Ask your doctor that same question. It is good to be up front about this concern and if I were your doctor I'd like a chance to answer the question.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are two different vial sizes for Botox. One has 100 units and the other has 50 units, so either way, you should not expect to receive the entire contents of a vial when you are treated with 20 units to the glabella.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

A unit of botox is not a unit of measurement but a unit of efficacy.   A vial of botox contains 100 units if diluted with 2.5 cc of saline that yields 4 units of botox per .1 cc.

	You can do the math to see how may units your were given based on the dilution used.

William P. Mack, MD · Answer

Each female, as with males, vary in the amount of units needed for the glabellar region. Everyone has different muscles strengths and requires a different amounts of units. A vial contains a total of 100 units. The Botox in the vial must be reconstituted before it is injected. Typical amounts of Botox Cosmetic for my patients in the glabellar region ranges from 15-30 units.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Botox can come in 100 and 200 unit vials in Canada. 20 units would be part of a vial, so the remainder of the vial would be used in other people; there are no safety or sterility concerns with that in real world usage. 20units is enough for the glabella in some cases in women mainly, while 30-36 units can give a better result for older people, those with strong muscles, or those who want no movement at all. Some people, especially men, require even higher doses in the glabella/frown lines. ~ Dr. Benjamin Barankin, Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Botox comes in a muti-dose vial so an area such as the glabella will not require a full vial.  You would only be charged for the amount of Botox that you required.

How Much is 20 Units?

Answers (16)