How many units of Botox for my forehead?

Question

I'm a young patient, 23. I started Botox a year ago for my frown lines. I only receive 10 units and it completely freezes my glabella region for 4.5-5 months at a time. I'd like to get my forehead done as well, but I'm really afraid of it being over-injected due to my requiring very little Botox for a completely frozen glabella. I don't want an eyebrow droop or stiff look. How many units would you recommend trying for my upper forehead?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your
question in regards to Botox. Units can vary depeneding on the goals you want to achieve. Typically 16-20 units are recomened. To be sure what is best for you, see two
or more board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to
make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have
treatment.I hope this helps.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

The dosing for Botox is variable and based on the desired effect, the amount of current animation, and the strength of the muscles. See link below. Some rough guidelines are:Forehead: 16 unitsCrowfeet: 8 units per sideGlabella: 18 unitsA conservative starting dose in a person who responds unusually well to Botox would be to half the normal dose at the initial treatment (8 units). Additional Botox can always be added at a later visit for more effect. Consultation with a surgeon certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery would be the next best step.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without and in person examination it is difficult to provide an accurate answer. If you had an injector provide you with a satisfactory treatment to your glabella, your forehead should be no different after explaining what you want. Best,

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The standard Botox dose is 20 units per area. Given that you only require 10 units in the glabella, I would start with 8-10 units in the forehead. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon who commonly performs this procedure. Hope this helps and good luck!

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Botox Cosmetic is a medication that should be customized to the specific needs of the dynamic wrinkling of your face. A patient really must be seen in office before an exact recommendation of medication can be given. You should also always be able to discuss a treatment pathway with your physician, or medical professional before committing to the procedure. I hope this helps!Be well,Dr. Hobgood

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Every patient's treatment is individualized based upon their lines and presentation so units should not be estimated without an evaluation. I would suggest you should be evaluated by a board certified dermatologist experienced in this procedure to advise you properly and address your concerns.

Elena Vega, DO · Answer

I suspect since your injector has already determined 10 units of Botox is just the right dose for you (half of the normal required dose being 20 units), they will also be very conservative with your forehead.  With that said, most likely, starting off with 4 to 8 units of Botox would be a great start for you.  Once you return for a 2 week follow up, if any touch up is needed it can be given at that time.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Afgf,10 units working for 4.5 months to the glabella is very lucky.  That is a low dose and a long time for it to work.  Since you have such luck, start with a low dose for the forehead.  I usually like to start at 10 units but with your previous response, try 5.  You can always add more.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Andrew Pichler, MD · Answer

Thank you for your well structured question. Since you had excellent result from 10 units in the frown area which is about half of a normal dose for one site, I would suggest using the same amount for your forehead . And ask your injector to avoid the lower third of your forhead to lessen the risk of lowering your brow. Good luck.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

You could start as low as 5-7.5 units to the forehead if you want to start conservative.  In my hands, it is actually rare to give more than 10 to the forehead.  I can usually achieve good softening of the forehead lines with 10 units or less while still leaving some residual movement for a more natural look.  Some people require a bit more (up to 15 units) but I almost never go up to 20 units for the forehead.  The one exception would be a male patient who has very strong muscles and needs more units than most.The other issue that most people don't mention is dilution of the Botox.  I use a 4 cc dilution which gives slightly more spread of the Botox compared to a lower dilution.  In my opinion, this gives a greater Botox effect for a given number of units.  The results that I get with 10 units of Botox might not be the same as someone else's results using 10 units at a lower dilution.

How many units of Botox for my forehead?

Answers (16)

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