Facial Injections: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Studies on Botox show that people need between 20 and 30 units for the “11”s or frown line between the eyebrows.

On a group of female patients in their 50’s, the comparison between 20, 25, and 30 units showed that 25 units lasted longer than 20, but 30 units did not last longer than 25.

Given that, every patient is different. Some have larger and stronger muscles than others. So, a good Botox injector will vary the number of units based on the musculature of the patient they are treating.

Remember, if you have moderate to severe “11”s, it will take months to years to really smooth out the wrinkles. Think of how long it took to make them. Botox is NOT a filler. So it works to relax muscles and keep them from contracting.

On a young female with only minor lines, botox will smooth the skin completely within a couple of months. That is why botox is great to start using when you first notice “static” lines, or lines that are there when your face is at rest.

For deeper lines, it might be best to combine ongoing use of Botox with a one or two time use of fillers such as restylane or juvederm. Laser resurfacing can also be used to smooth deeper lines. (Jennifer Reichel, MD, Seattle Dermatologist)

Botox for frown lines – mid-range is 20 units

The amount of botox you need between the eyebrows depends on:

1) the amount of muscle mass (usually less in women, and more in men)
2) whether you want to be totally frozen or to have a more natural look

Fifteen to twenty units for frown lines is a very good general starting point. It takes several days for Botox to start taking effect and you will get your maximum effect in 1-2 weeks.

Please wait for a couple of weeks to see what your final results are. Then you can go back for a touchup, if needed. (Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD, Houston Dermatologic Surgeon)

Botox For 11’s Varies

The units of Botox required for glabella correction varies depending upon the severity. It takes as long as 7-10 days for Botox to take full effect, so it is understandable that you have not yet seen correction since your injection was only the day before.

I typically see in my practice 20-30 units used in this region, so give it some time and then reevaluate. (Jeffrey W. Hall, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)

Botox for the “11’s” — how many units?

First, the effects of Botox treatment are not seen until 3 to 6 days later. An accurate judgement of the treatment plan can’t be made until after this time.

Second, different faces require different doses. This is why some practitioners charge by area of the face rather than by unit. This pricing allows the practitioner more leeway to get the desired effects without worrying about overcharging the patient or sticking to a particular budget with the risk of an unsatisfactory treatment.

Leaving pricing aside, I find that the “11’s” require 25 to 30 units for full treatment in most of my patients. (Evan Ransom, MD, FACS, Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon)

Studies have shown that Botox takes an average of four days to take effect. Occasionally, two weeks may be required for Botox to demonstrate its anti-wrinkle skills. So you should be patient, the stuff does not work overnight.

Placing 20 units into the glabellar region, which causes the 11’s, is a pretty standard amount in the female face. Units can always be added if you and your physician feel that you have been under-treated.

Studies have also shown that using minimal dilution, i.e. adding only 1 cc to a vial, allows Botox to last longer. Botox may also last 30% longer with the use of Zytaze, a combination of zinc citrate and the enzyme phytase.

You would take these pills four days before and four days after injections. (Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD, Virginia Beach Dermatologist)

Botox to correct the “11 lines”

It usually takes 3-5 days to see the results of your botox between the eyebrows. Every patient will require different amounts of botox to achieve the optimum result. Most people will require 20-25 units to smooth out the glabella “11 lines.” (Scott Farber, MD, FACS, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)

Too Early for Results

Typical treatment amount in this area is 20 units for most individuals Botox takes 3-4 days to begin working, so you would not expect to have results at this point

The optimal effect of treatment with Botox is not seen until 10 -14 days after treatment “moderate/severe 11’s” may also require the addition of a filler to obtain the best result

Botox works extremely well and I do not remember having a dissatisfied patient following treatment in this area.

Be patient and you will likely be very happy with your result. (Jacque P. LeBeau, MD, Pensacola Facial Plastic Surgeon)

It can take up to 7 days for you to see the results, especially if you are new to Botox. 20 to 30 units is an appropriate dose between the eyebrows for a new patient; you may need a dose adjustment in a week or so.

It’s always better to be conservative with treatments, and I am sure your physician will want you to be happy so don’t hesitate to call him or her if you don’t see the result you would like. (Daniel Townsend, MD, Boston Oculoplastic Surgeon)

How Many Botox Units for 11’s or Frown Lines?

That is dependent upon the strength of the corrugator muscles. Men usually have strong corrugator muscles and need about 25 – 50 units of Botox ; however, most women can be treated with 10 – 15 units in the area between the eyebrows. (Thomas Guillot, MD, Baton Rouge Plastic Surgeon)

Botox for Glabella Area

Botox for the glabella area between the eyebrows and the so called “11’s” typically requires anywhere from 16-20 units in female patients (perhaps a little more in men). Often patients can require additional units depending on the strength of the muscles.

Now, over time the pulling of these muscles can create deep etched in lines that can be softened or improved by neurotoxins but sometimes they can not be completely removed. A very superficial hyaluronic acid filler can be placed to smoothen the line or resurfacing with lasers may be necessary.

However, despite all of this, it takes typically 3-7 days before the toxin effects kick in. If after that time, you don’t notice a difference, then I would follow up with your physician for evaluation. (Diane Walder, MD, Miami Dermatologist)

Twenty units is a very fair starting dose.

Try to avoid observing yourself for the next ten- fourteen days. When you look in the mirror in two weeks, you will see weakness or inability to scowl. The brow posture will be more relaxed.

The skin between the brows may not be smoother quite yet, as it takes more time for the skin to restore itself, once the muscle movement has ceased. A good surgeon will have you visit them in two weeks if you are new to Botox, so that they can confirm the dose and placement of the administered Botox. (Andrea Basile, MD, Naples Plastic Surgeon)

Botox dosing for “11”s

The usual starting dose for the lines between the eyebrows in an average woman is 20 units. I like to use that dose and have my patient return in 2 weeks to assess and add additional Botox if needed.

Then I know the exact dose appropriate to that patient and in the future she will not need a touch up visit. Another thing to consider is that if after 2 weeks the movement is gone but the wrinkle is still there you may need a little filler. (Susan Van Dyke, MD, Paradise Valley Dermatologic Surgeon)

Botox Dosage

20 units of botox in the Glabella region is a standard/average dosing for the “11s” between your brows. However, this number can vary person to person depending on the strength of your muscles and severity of the lines.

Having moderate/severe lines, you may require additional units to get the desired response, however at only 1 day post-treatment, it would be difficult to tell since the Botox has not even begun to work yet.

Give it one week then follow-up with your provider. (Grant Stevens, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Losing our “11’s” With Botox

The furrows that form over time between the eyebrows (also known as the “11’s” or glabella area) is one of the most common indications for Botox, and often gives the best results. The amount of Botox required depends on you and the size of your muscles.

Doses of 20-30 units can achieve excellent results in this area in women, while men often require more. It takes about 2 weeks to see the full effect, and sometimes a touch up is required to make sure you are getting the best response.

I generally ask my patients to return 2 weeks after treatment to ensure they have achieved the results they’re looking for. (Adam J. Mamelak, MD, Austin Dermatologic Surgeon)