How Many Units of Anti-Wrinkle Injections Do I Need?

By Alex Donald, Registered Nurse | 15 August 2026

This is the question I get asked more than any other: "How many units will I need?" It's understandable — you want to know what to expect, both in terms of results and cost. While I can't give you an exact number without seeing you in person, I can explain the typical ranges and what factors influence your dosage.

Why It Varies

Every face is different. The number of units you need depends on your muscle strength, the depth of your lines, the size of the treatment area, your gender, and the result you're hoping to achieve. Two people with the same frown line can need very different amounts of product.

Typical Unit Counts by Area

Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines)

These are the vertical lines between your eyebrows that appear when you frown or concentrate. Typical dosage: 15-25 units. Men or people with strong corrugator muscles may need 25-35 units.

Forehead Lines

These are the horizontal lines that appear when you raise your eyebrows. Typical dosage: 8-18 units. I tend to be conservative here — over-treating the forehead can cause a heavy feeling or brow droop.

Crow's Feet

These are the lines radiating from the outer corners of your eyes when you smile. Typical dosage: 12-24 units total (6-12 per side).

Masseter (Jaw Slimming / Teeth Grinding)

For TMJ relief or facial slimming, the masseter muscles require higher doses. Typical dosage: 20-30 units per side (40-60 total).

What Affects Your Dosage?

Gender

Men typically need 30-50% more units than women for the same treatment area, due to greater muscle mass and strength.

Age and Line Depth

Deeper, more established lines may require more units for adequate softening. Younger clients with early, fine lines often need less.

Muscle Strength

Some people simply have stronger facial muscles. I assess this during consultation by asking you to make various expressions.

First Treatment vs Maintenance

For your first treatment, I may start conservatively. It's easier to add more units at a follow-up than to over-treat. Once we know how your muscles respond, we can optimise your dosage for future treatments.

Desired Result

A "refreshed" look with some movement needs fewer units than a "frozen" look. Most of my clients prefer natural results with residual movement — this typically requires fewer units.

How to Know What You Need

The only way to determine your exact dosage is through a consultation. I'll assess your facial anatomy, muscle strength, and discuss your goals before recommending a treatment plan. I'll also tell you the estimated cost upfront — no surprises.

If you're starting treatment for the first time, read our first treatment guide to know what to expect from start to finish.

Read more: Anti-wrinkle treatment | Cost guide | Pricing