Contributor: ……, Reviewed by Dr. Justin Harper, MD
Cracking The Botox Units Code
Botox is one of the most popular aesthetic services in the United States and has been for over 10 years. Botox is made from a naturally occurring substance that diminishes the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
Most clients are familiar with what Botox does, but what exactly is a unit of Botox?
How much Botox do I need?
A “unit” is a measurement used to determine the amount of Botox given.
All medications have measurements that describe that amount of the active ingredients. Most of these medications are measured by weight (milligrams, grams, etc.).
However, medications that are biologically derived (such as Botox) are measured in units. These describe the amount of effect of the medication in a given lab test.
For example, Insulin is measured in units, just like Botox!
Botox and Dysport
A Botox unit is essentially a measure of a defined amount of biological activity. This corresponds to a fixed number of botulinum toxin molecules.
Just like Botox, the other wrinkle relaxer called Dysport is also measured in “units”.
However, these two drugs are not equivalent. Some claim that Botox is approximately 3 times stronger than Dysport. But Dysport is simply a smaller-sized molecule so it’s unit measurement is different than Botox.
Overall, both products are very similar and the comparison of the two would be like Coke to Pepsi – it’s a personal preference!
While a unit is a measurement used to determine the amount of Botox given, the true question now is “How many units of Botox do I need?”
Most of our clients use Botox for areas like the forehead, upper eyelids, neck, and the areas around the brow. Some treatment areas need only 5 units while others may need 20!
Thankfully, our Master Providers are expertly trained to evaluate your concerns and advise you on the best course of action. A completely free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Master Providers is available to all clients at any time to advise you on exactly what you need.
While you won’t know exactly how many units of Botox you need until you visit us. Here’s a quick guide on the typical amounts of Botox used in each area for most clients:
If you were to estimate your Dysport unit needs for each area, you would multiply the number of Botox units by 3. So, if you need 20 units of Botox on your forehead, you would need 60 units of Dysport!
Alternative uses of Botox
All of the included measurements on the graphic are estimates, and everyone is different. You may need more or less Botox, and this is best determined during your free consultation with your Master Provider.
While the chart includes areas such as the forehead and crow’s feet, there are also many other areas that can be treated with Botox. These include, but are not limited to, the cheeks and even the armpits!
Over the last decade, Botox has become known for helping to stop excessive sweating. It is typically injected under the arms, actually blocking the message from sweat glands to secrete sweat.
These injections have been shown to decrease sweating by up to 87%. To achieve this reduction in sweat, your underarms typically requires about 50 units of Botox per arm. This would be about 100 units total for the entire treatment!
Botox treatments have also been shown to slim the appearance of a “square face” by concentrating injections in the masseter muscle (the muscle around the jawline).
With proper administration, this muscle will relax and actually give the face a narrower appearance!
This is a great option for people who clench and grind their teeth at night, as the Botox relaxes your muscles and can ease the tension that carries over into your day.
For masseter Botox, about 25-35 units are used per side to relax your jaw. The amount used can vary for each client due to biological factors and the severity of the muscles to be treated.
Botox in aesthetic practice
Both Botox and Dysport can be used for all of these purposes, and more! From wrinkle relaxing to sweat prevention, Botox is truly one of the best non-invasive aesthetic treatments out there.
It’s also virtually painless! Most people report no pain at all with Botox treatments. There is no numbing medicine (HowMed) administered for these injections because none is needed. The needle used for Botox is much thinner than the average needle such as those used to draw blood.
Botox is one of the safest cosmetic treatments available! Long-term study results have shown that 853 treatments with Botox over a 9 year period resulted in no side-effects for 99% of participating clients.
Many clients get Botox treatments before work, during their lunch hour, or after work and return to their normal routine with no symptoms of having been treated!
Allergic reactions and side-effects are extremely rare when it comes to Botox. It’s important for potential clients to discuss allergies, or medications, during the consultation ensure your Master Provider chooses the right treatment for you.
Would you like to explore your options with Botox or Dysport?
Use the button below to book a completely free consultation with your Master Provider to determine if wrinkle relaxer is the right choice for you!
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