How Many Botox Units Do You Need For Your Forehead?

For many, the decision about whether or not they want to use Botox rests on how uncomfortable the procedure will be. That decision is especially tough for people with a fear of needles. 

Understanding more about how Botox works and how many Botox units for forehead concerns that skincare professionals recommend can help you more easily make your choice. 

Miami MD has built our brand around functional beauty products that provide an alternative to some of the more invasive cosmetic procedures. With that in mind, we’ll also feature some options if you decide that Botox isn’t for you. 

Remember, it’s your body, and you should always do what feels right for you — don’t let anyone pressure you into cosmetic procedures you’re unsure about doing.

What Is Botox?

Botox, or Botulinum toxin type A, is an injectable medication some skincare professionals use for cosmetic purposes. The drug is made from a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, a type of bacteria known for causing botulism. 

When injected into the muscle just underneath the skin, it weakens or paralyzes the nerves that trigger movement in that specific area. With less (or no) muscle movement in those areas, the skin appears naturally smoother. 

However, Botox doesn’t actually get rid of the fine lines and wrinkles, and they come back as soon as the Botox wears off. These types of lines, known as dynamic wrinkles, are the result of the moving structures of the face. 

How Many Units Are Needed To Manage Specific Areas?

When it comes to Botox, the amount of units needed is likely to vary between people and cosmetic providers. However, most professionals stick to using Botox in a range of recommended amounts.

So, how many Botox units for forehead fine lines and wrinkles do they recommend?

The amount of Botox needed depends on the type of wrinkles that you are concerned about managing. If you have horizontal forehead lines, they may use anywhere from 15 to 30 units. 

If you are more concerned about glabellar lines (more often referred to as the “11s”), you may receive up to 40 units today (and sometimes more for people who identify as male). 

The other common area to receive Botox is the lateral canthal lines outside the eyes, known as crow’s feet. Because this is a smaller surface area than forehead lines, most providers will use between 6 and 10 units to treat each side (12 – 20 in total).

Seems like a lot of needles and injections, right?

In addition to the amount of Botox needed, there is also a waiting period. After the injections are complete, it takes anywhere from one to two weeks to see results. 

To keep up with those results, you’ll need to have injections repeated at least three to four times a year. It’s a lot of time and commitment, as well as a lot of money.  

Are There Any Side Effects With Botox?

Although Botox is mostly safe when administered by trained professionals, there are some risks and side effects associated with its use. 

Many of these issues are caused by not following the recommended guidance given for aftercare, especially avoiding rubbing the face. Rubbing the face after the injections can cause the Botox to migrate under the skin, which may cause temporary facial drooping or weakness.

In addition to the potential for migration, people who receive Botox injections may also notice flu-like symptoms, including nausea and headache. They may also see some bruising and redness at the injection sites, especially for the first 24 to 48 hours and pain. 

Botox injections may lead to trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, slurred speech, and breathing problems in severe cases. These issues require immediate medical attention. 

Alternatives To Botox

If you’re one of the many people who do not want to use injectable medications to help with your cosmetic concerns, there are alternatives. The key is looking for ingredients that are backed by scientific research. We have multiple options in our functional beauty skincare line.

Instant Wrinkle Eraser

One of our favorite Botox alternatives is our Instant Wrinkle Eraser. 

You can add this topical skincare product to your existing routine without issue, and it targets the shadows that sit inside fine lines and wrinkles, making them more visible. Instant Wrinkle Eraser works by combining two powerhouse ingredients — Matrixyl Synthe-6 and Acetyl Hexapeptide 30. 

Matrixyl Synthe-6 can help the skin appear more smooth by evening it out, naturally reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The ingredient may also boost the amount of collagen in the skin, keeping it firm and resilient. 

Matrixyl Synthe-6 pairs with Acetyl Hexapeptide 30, a skincare ingredient that blocks the nerve signals that tell the muscles of the face to contract. In this way, it works similar to Botox, smoothing out the skin so that fine lines and wrinkles are less visible. 

Instant Wrinkle Eraser is a serum, which means you should apply it to your face after it has been cleansed and dried. 

However, we designed it as a targeted serum, so you’ll only apply it to your areas of concern. Use gentle pressure and a patting motion, and try to keep your face as still as possible for five minutes after application to allow it to dry. You’ll likely notice the results immediately!

Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream

The other product we’d recommend is our Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream. With the combination of Progeline, Matrixyl 3000, and Argireline, the cream can immediately help to transform loose, saggy skin while visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.   

Progeline works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by targeting a protein that can make the skin appear thinner. With regular use, the ingredient may help increase the volume and density of the skin. The result is firmer, more plump skin that naturally looks more youthful.

We combine Progeline with Matrixyl 3000, which falls into the peptide category. Specifically, Matrixyl 3000 is a potent age-fighter that tells the body to produce additional collagen. The benefit of having more collagen in the face is that it keeps the skin strong and firm. 

But the star of the show is Argireline. 

Argireline’s method of action is very similar to Botox, as it helps prevent the same types of muscle movement that causes the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. The ingredient can help provide many of the same benefits as Botox with no needles.

To incorporate our Age-Defying Lift & Firm Cream into your skincare routine, you’ll want to use it as your last step. It is safe to use the cream twice daily, and you can even use it on the lower jawline and neck. 

Allow it to dry for at least three to five minutes before applying makeup or sunscreen so that it has time to absorb into the skin thoroughly.

In Conclusion

How many Botox units for forehead concerns you’ll need likely play a significant role in deciding whether it’s worth it for you. 

If you’ve considered your options and you’re ready to look for needle-free alternatives, turn to the functional beauty experts at Miami MD. 

We have all of the skincare products you need to help reveal the firm, smooth, youthful skin you’ve been looking for with none of the pain of Botox.

Sources:

Botox | Botulinum Toxin | Botox Injections | MedlinePlus

BOTOX (onabotulinumtoxinA) for injection, for intramuscular | FDA 

Botulinum Toxin Risks and Safety | American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org)