HOW MUCH BOTOX WILL I NEED?
Patients frequently ask this question. There is no set amount of Botox or Dysport that is right for everyone. Differences between gender, size of facial muscles, metabolism, frequency of repeat injections and desired cosmetic effect, will all alter the amount of Botox or Dysport needed for each individual. Generally accepted guidelines have been published that list amount of Botox and Dysport in units to treat the most common areas but we often do not follow these for everyone. Most Botox providers use this as a starting point, especially with new clients and customize the treatment plan for each patient.
HOW MUCH BOTOX DO I NEED FOR FROWN LINES?
The frown muscles (elevens) are some of the strongest on the face, as some use them more than others! Typically at least 20 units of Botox and 60 units of Dysport is required but is may take 30 units of Botox to get good relaxation. Men have bigger frown muscles and usually require more than 30 units but it depends.
HOW MUCH BOTOX DO I NEED FOR MY FOREHEAD LINES?
The forehead muscle is flat and relatively thin in most. Multiple, small Botox or Dysport injections are used to relax the forehead. Usually this requires 10-15 units of Botox or 30-60 units of Dysport (same volume).
HOW MUCH BOTOX DO I NEED FOR MY CROWS FEET WRINKLES?
The circular muscles around the eyes called the orbicularis occuli produce the crows feet wrinkles. They are usually visible when smiling or squinting and sometimes even frowning. Several small injections of 10-15 units of Botox per eye or 30-50 units of Dysport will relax the muscles and reduce the wrinkles.
HOW DOES DYSPORT WORK? HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?
Botox and Dysport are a purified protein that we use to relax the muscles of facial expression. It affects the nerves that supply the muscle and temporarily blocks the signal. Botox and Dysport are measured in units. These units are measured on their ability to block the nerve signals to the muscles. The good and bad thing about Botox and Dysport is that these nerves repair themselves after 3-6 months and the muscles return to normal.
BOTOX IN MEN vs. WOMEN
Men have bigger muscles than woman in general. This applies to facial muscles as well. As a result, men will require more Botox per area than an average female.
THE SIZE OF FACIAL MUSCLES
Some people use certain facial muscles more than others. Since Botox works to relax muscles, bigger muscles will require more Botox.
HOW LONG DOES BOTOX OR DYSPORT LAST
Once injected, the effect of Botox or Dysport typically lasts 3-6 months in most people. However, there are a few people in which Botox will only last 2 months or sometimes more than 6 months. One can't predict who will metabolize their Botox faster or slower than average.
FREQUENCY OF REPEAT BOTOX OR DYSPORT INJECTIONS
Our advice to most of our patients is to repeat your Botox when 50% of the muscle action returns usually at 3 months. We find that when this advice is followed, the amount used never increases, or increases slowly. This is because the muscle is kept in a weakened state and doesn’t have a chance to recover so new lines don't form or worsen. If the Botox effect is completely allowed to wear off, most patients have to use more botox or dysport over time.
HOW MUCH BOTOX WILL YOU NEED?
The goal for most patients is to end up with a natural look with Botox or Dysport injections. We want our patients to look refreshed, well rested, and younger without a frozen appearance. Some patients want to have a more dramatic look and this often requires more Botox or Dysport.
