BHRC BLOG
How Many Units of Botox Do You Need? Forehead, Crow’s Feet and Frown Lines
Neurotoxins · Units by area
A Botox price only means something once you know the units. Here are the FDA label doses for each area and what they cost at each BHRC clinic.
Botox units by area: the FDA label doses
BOTOX Cosmetic is approved for four areas, and its prescribing information gives an exact recommended dose for each one. These are the numbers your injector starts from:
| Area | Label dose | How it’s placed |
|---|---|---|
| Frown lines (the “11s” between the brows) | 20 units | 4 units at each of 5 sites |
| Crow’s feet | 24 units (12 per side) | 4 units at each of 3 sites per side |
| Forehead lines, treated with the frown lines | 40 units total (20 + 20) | 4 units at each of 5 forehead sites, plus the 20-unit frown dose |
| Forehead + frown lines + crow’s feet | 64 units total | The full upper face |
| Platysma bands (vertical neck cords) | 26 to 36 units depending on severity | 2 units at 4 sites under the jawline, plus 1 unit at 5 points along each band |
So how many units of Botox for the forehead?
The label dose for horizontal forehead lines is 20 units, given together with 20 units for the frown lines, for 40 units in total. The label doses them together because relaxing only the forehead lifts the brow muscle’s opponent out of balance and can make the brows feel heavy or droop. If you’ve been quoted “10 units for the forehead”, ask what is being done about the frown muscles.
Areas that are dosed individually
Many popular treatments are off-label: legal and common, but not covered by a label dose. These are dosed by your injector after assessing the muscle:
- Lip flip: a small dose along the upper lip so it rolls out slightly. See lip flip vs. lip filler.
- Masseter (jaw slimming and clenching): one of the larger doses in aesthetics, because the masseter is a big, strong muscle.
- Bunny lines, chin dimpling, gummy smile, brow lift: small, precise doses.
Because these are off-label, anyone who quotes you an exact number without examining you is guessing.
What your units cost at each BHRC clinic
| Clinic | Price | Frown lines (20u) | Full upper face (64u) |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Hollywood | $14 / unit | $280 | $896 |
| West Los Angeles | $14 / unit | $280 | $896 |
| Paradise Valley | $14 / unit | $280 | $896 |
| Westlake Village | $13 / unit | $260 | $832 |
| Valencia | $13 / unit | $260 | $832 |
| Summerlin | $600 / 50-unit vial | $600 (one vial) | $1,200 (two vials) |
| Henderson | Quoted at consultation | — | — |
List prices, October 2026, before any promotion. In Nevada, neurotoxin is dispensed by the full 50-unit vial.
Dysport units are not interchangeable with Botox units. A Dysport treatment uses more units at a lower price per unit, so compare the total cost of the treatment, not the unit price.
Common reasons people need more units
- Stronger muscles. Deep frown lines formed by a powerful muscle need enough toxin to relax it. Too little and the result fades in weeks.
- A wider forehead or higher hairline. A larger area can need more injection points to stay even.
- Lines that already show at rest. Botox stops new creasing, but lines etched into the skin may also need skin treatments such as microneedling or a peel to soften fully.
- Your goal. Some patients want a fully smooth, “frozen” forehead, and others want soft movement. A lighter, natural-movement result uses fewer units and may wear off a little sooner.
Why “per area” pricing is a red flag
A per-area price hides the one number that decides your result. If the clinic gives fewer units to hit the price, the result fades early and you’re back sooner. Ask for the number of units in writing. At BHRC the dose and the price are on your treatment plan before anything is injected.
Get a unit-by-unit plan at a BHRC clinic
Your consultation is free, and the units and price are written down before treatment. Choose your clinic:
Frequently asked questions
How many units of Botox for the forehead?
The FDA label dose is 20 units for forehead lines, given together with 20 units for the frown lines, so 40 units in total.
How many units of Botox for crow’s feet?
24 units in total, 12 on each side, according to the label.
How many units of Botox for frown lines (11s)?
20 units, split across five injection points.
How many units of Botox do I need for my first time?
First-time patients usually start at or near the label dose for each area. Your injector may book a two-week check to fine-tune it.
How long does each dose last?
About 3 to 4 months. See how long Botox lasts for the full timeline.
References
- AbbVie / Allergan. BOTOX Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) full prescribing information: recommended doses by area, onset and duration of effect, boxed warning. rxabbvie.com
- Allergan Aesthetics. BOTOX Cosmetic treatment areas: forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. botoxcosmetic.com
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Botulinum toxin: procedure overview. plasticsurgery.org
Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center. This content is general education and does not create a provider-patient relationship or constitute medical advice. Candidacy, dosing, results and pricing vary by person and by clinic and are confirmed at your consultation. Prices shown are standard list prices as of October 2026 and exclude promotions. Written and reviewed by the BHRC clinical team.
