How Many Botox Units Do You Need?

One of the first questions clients ask during a Botox consultation is: "How many units will I need?"

It's a fair question—since most Calgary clinics charge per unit, knowing the typical range helps you budget for treatment.

The short answer is that Botox units vary significantly from person to person. I've treated patients who needed 20 units total and others who needed 60+ for similar concerns. Understanding what influences these numbers will help you set realistic expectations for your consultation.

What Determines Your Botox Unit Count?

Several factors affect how many units of Botox you'll need:

Muscle strength matters most. If you have particularly expressive facial muscles—the kind that create deep lines when you smile or frown—you'll typically need more units than someone with less active muscles. Men generally require 20-30% more units than women because facial muscles tend to be stronger.

Treatment areas add up quickly. Treating your forehead alone requires fewer units than combining your forehead, frown lines, and crow's feet. Most of my clients treat 2-3 areas in a single session.

Your aesthetic goals make a difference. Some patients want complete smoothness with minimal movement. Others prefer a softer look that reduces lines while maintaining natural expression. The "frozen" look requires more units, while a natural result uses less.

Age and metabolism play a role. I'm typically more conservative with patients over 60, as the risk of side effects like brow droop increases with age. Very active individuals or those with faster metabolisms may metabolize Botox more quickly, which can affect how long results last rather than how many units you need initially.

Typical Botox Units by Treatment Area

Here's what most patients need for common treatment areas. These ranges account for muscle strength and desired results:

Botox Units for Women:

• Frown lines (glabella): 16-26 units
• Forehead lines: 5-18 units
• Crow's feet: 4-12 units per side (8-24 total)
• Upper lip (gummy smile): 4-6 units
• Lip lines (smoker's lines): 2-3 units per side
• Chin (mentalis): 4-6 units

Average total for women: 25-50 units depending on areas treated.

Botox Units for Men:

• Frown lines (glabella): 16-30 units
• Forehead lines: 8-18 units
• Crow's feet: 4-12 units per side (8-24 total)
• Lip lines: 2-3 units per side

Average total for men: 30-60 units depending on areas treated.

What a Typical Treatment Looks Like

Let me walk you through a real example. Last month, I saw a 37-year-old patient—a runner who wanted to address her forehead lines and crow's feet while keeping natural movement. Her forehead muscles were moderately strong, and she was expressive when she talked.

We discussed her goals: soften the lines without looking "done." Based on her muscle strength and activity level, I recommended 12 units for her forehead and 20 units for crow's feet (10 per side)—32 units total. At our Calgary clinic's pricing, that's roughly $320-$384 depending on current rates.

Because she's very active, I mentioned she might metabolize treatment slightly faster than average, meaning she might need touch-ups every 3 months instead of 3.5-4 months. She chose to start conservatively, and we scheduled a two-week follow-up to assess results.

This is exactly how I approach every consultation. We talk through what bothers you, examine your facial movement, and build a treatment plan that matches your goals and budget.

How Much Does Botox Cost in Calgary?

Most Calgary medical aesthetic clinics charge between $10-$12 per unit of Botox or Dysport. Using the ranges above:

• Dysport - $9.50/unit
• Botox - $10.50/unit
• Lip Flip Only - $60
• Therapeutic Botox Injection Fee - $200

At Arlo Medical, we're transparent about pricing during your consultation. I'll tell you exactly how many units I recommend before we proceed with any treatment.

First-Time Botox? Here's What to Expect

If you've never had Botox before, I typically start conservatively. It's easier to add more units at a two-week follow-up than to wait out an over-treated result. First-time patients often need slightly fewer units because their muscles haven't been treated before.

I also see patients who've had Botox elsewhere and weren't happy with the results—usually because they received too few units or had them placed incorrectly. During your consultation, we'll review your previous treatments to understand what worked and what didn't.

Common Questions About Botox Units

Can I split my units across multiple visits?
Yes, though most patients prefer to complete their treatment in one session. If budget is a concern, we can prioritize your top area and schedule the rest for later.

Will I need more units over time?
Not necessarily. Some patients actually need fewer units over time because their muscles become trained to move less. Others maintain the same dose. It depends on how your muscles respond to treatment.

What if the recommended units seem high?
If you're surprised by the number of units I recommend, we can start with less. I'd rather you feel comfortable with the plan than proceed with treatment you're uncertain about. Some patients need to see results once before they're ready to invest in full correction.

Why Unit Counts Vary Between Providers

You might notice that unit recommendations vary between injectors. This happens for a few reasons: injection technique (some injectors use more concentrated doses in fewer points), clinical philosophy (conservative vs. aggressive approach), and accuracy in assessing muscle strength.

I've found that detailed facial analysis before treatment—actually watching you make expressions, not just looking at resting lines—gives the most accurate unit estimate.