How Much is Too Much BOTOX?

BOTOX is one of the most popular injectable treatments in the field of aesthetic medicine, successfully used to smooth away wrinkles and achieve a more youthful appearance for nearly twenty years. But in some cases, BOTOX can be overdone and result in a “frozen” look. When it comes to BOTOX, how much is too much?

What does BOTOX look like when it’s overdone?

Since BOTOX causes the muscles to temporarily relax, having too much of this injectable injected causes unwanted side effects, sometimes dramatically affecting your facial expression or making it difficult or unnatural looking when you try to move your face. 

Too much BOTOX in the lower part of your face, where the face is more sensitive to injections, can cause difficulty speaking or puckering the lips or an asymmetric smile.

What are the signs that too much BOTOX has been injected?

In many cases, overdoing it with BOTOX results in your face generally just not looking like your own face anymore. The results can appear as a surprised appearance, droopy eyelids, and other changes, including the following: 

• Arched eyebrows that sit too high on the forehead
• A surprised, unnatural appearance
• Drooping eyebrows
• Heavy, hooded upper eyelids
• A constantly angry or sad expression
• A “frozen” look on the forehead and around the eyes
• A permanent-looking smile that looks fake or odd

What is the right amount of BOTOX?

The amount of BOTOX that is right for each person depends on the specific needs and skin condition of each person. However, as a general rule, when it comes to BOTOX injections, less is more. 

Smaller amounts of BOTOX achieve a subtle, natural look, allowing a range of facial movement that looks normal. While too much BOTOX causes the stereotypical frozen appearance, it’s not really noticeable if it’s done perfectly. A truly qualified, skilled injector ensures your BOTOX treatment is performed just right, never injecting too much or allowing it to be overdone. The result of a proper BOTOX treatment is a more rested look, better brow definition, more youthful-looking, open eyes, and smoother skin without fine lines and wrinkles.

What is the average amount of BOTOX used in different parts of the face?

While every patient’s needs are different and unit amounts vary, there is a general average of BOTOX units that are typically used in each area of the face. 

• Forehead lines: 10-30 units
• Frown lines: 10-25 units
• Glabellar lines (between the eyes): 10-25 units
• Eyebrows: 2-5 units
• Crow’s feet: 5-15 units
• Lines around the nose: 5-10 units
• Outer corners of the mouth: 3-6 units
• Chin: 2-6 units
• Jawline: 15-50 units per side
• Neck bands: 25-50 units

Experience matters

Without proper experience and training, BOTOX can result in an unnatural look. Ensuring you receive the right amount of BOTOX and that you have that BOTOX injected correctly requires thorough training and significant experience. Inexperienced providers do not have the required familiarity with facial anatomy or the experience needed to know what the correct amount of BOTOX is for each person’s needs. 

BOTOX treatments at Avalon Laser

No matter what amount of BOTOX is used, if the injections are poorly done, the results will look unnatural or irregular. BOTOX is a finesse procedure that requires skill, experience, and nuanced attention to detail. Our welcoming practice is completely dedicated to achieving your desired results, providing the most qualified team possible to achieve natural, fresh results.

At Avalon Laser, double board-certified surgeon Dr. Reza Tirgari is on-site at all times. Our registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and estheticians are highly trained and experienced with a full range of cosmetic procedures. Your BOTOX treatments with our team are never overdone, but instead are performed with a nuanced hand that ensures results are beautiful, natural-looking, and refreshed.