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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence in Botox®, Aesthetic Medicine & Medical Weight Management Training & Certification

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Aesthetic Medicine Symposium — Sept 18–21, Scottsdale, AZ   Secure Your Spot →

The Three Most Common Areas for Botox® Injections

Botox injections are widely used for a variety of cosmetic reasons. Their most common application is to the muscles and skin on the face, helping relax them and reducing the presence of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are three main sites where botox injections are most commonly injected:

  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Crow’s feet lines around the eyes
  • Vertical ‘11’ lines between eyebrows
before and after botox

Forehead wrinkles

Commonly called frown lines, this is probably the most common site amongst the three above where botox is injected.

The forehead muscles are constantly being used and the skin is constantly under stress, so it is natural for frown lines and wrinkles to form. 

It is considered one of the first signs of ageing, which is why this is targeted first. Treatment is simple, quick and effective and requires no anaesthesia. Effects can last up to 6 months.

Crow's feet lines around the eyes

Crow’s feet refer to fine lines that form at the corners of the eyes due to constant muscle use. It is an unfortunate yet unavoidable sign of ageing.

Botox injections can effectively reduce these lines without giving the skin a stretched appearance, restoring the look that younger, healthier skin appears like.

Are you a Practitioner looking to add Botox? Learn more about Botox training.

Vertical '11' Lines

These refer to the two lines between the eyebrows that form when frowning. 

Botox® injections are useful in reducing the depth of these lines and smoothens them out effectively. 

The procedure takes around 10 to 15 minutes to perform and the results are excellent.

These are the top 3 sites where Botox® is injected on the face. 

There are other sites such as chin lifts and botox injections around the mouth that may be performed, but these are a lot rarer. 

Botox® still remains one of the most preferred treatments when it comes to achieving great cosmetic results that will result in younger looking skin devoid of fine lines and wrinkles.

Typical Dosing Ranges by Area

The number of Botox® units needed will vary depending on muscle strength, sex, and aesthetic goals. While treatment is always individualized, conservative ranges can guide expectations:
  • Glabellar “11” lines: usually 10–20 units across the 5‑point pattern (FDA label)
  • Forehead (frontalis) lines: typically 6–12 units spread evenly to soften lines while avoiding brow heaviness
  • Crow’s feet: about 6–12 units per side at the lateral eye corners

A note for patients:

  • These doses are the FDA-approved starting points used in clinical trials for natural-looking softening of lines.
  • Your injector may adjust up or down based on your muscle strength, anatomy, and goals. Men and people with stronger facial muscles often need more.
  • For safety information and global dose limits (e.g., not exceeding 400 units in a 3‑month interval across indications), see the FDA label

Before and After Care

Proper preparation and aftercare help optimize results and reduce side effects.

Before treatment

  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
  • If medically appropriate, pause blood‑thinning supplements or medications that increase bruising (confirm with your provider).
  • Arrive with clean, makeup‑free skin.

After treatment

  • Stay upright for at least 4 hours.
  • Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the injected areas for 4–6 hours.
  • Delay strenuous exercise, saunas, or facials until the next day.
  • Makeup can usually be applied gently after several hours.

Expected Results and Timeline

Botox® effects are not immediate — they develop gradually:
  • Onset of improvement: 2–5 days
  • Peak results: 10–14 days
  • Duration: 3–4 months on average, sometimes up to 6 months
Scheduling a follow‑up around the 2‑week mark allows adjustments if needed.

Common Side Effects and Risk Mitigation

Most people have only minor, short‑lived effects.
  • Common: redness, swelling, pinpoint bruising, headache, or mild tenderness
  • Uncommon: eyelid or brow drooping (ptosis), asymmetry, heaviness
Risk reduction relies on proper technique and anatomy knowledge. For example, injections too close to the levator palpebrae muscle can cause eyelid ptosis; skilled injectors minimize this risk.

Cost Overview

Botox pricing is typically structured in two ways:
  • Per unit: cost reflects how many units are used.
  • Per area: flat pricing for common regions like forehead, crow’s feet, or glabella.
Other factors include injector experience, geographic location, and whether the treatment is part of a package. Choosing a board‑certified, well‑trained provider is more important than finding the lowest price — your safety and results depend on it.

Realistic Expectations and Natural Results

Botox softens wrinkles caused by muscle movement (dynamic wrinkles). It won’t erase every line — especially deeper folds that remain at rest (static wrinkles). These may need additional treatments such as dermal fillers, resurfacing lasers, or medical‑grade skincare.

When done by an experienced injector, Botox should refresh rather than “freeze” the face, allowing natural expression while reducing harsh or tired lines.

Combination Therapies

Many clinics pair Botox with complementary options for more complete rejuvenation:

  • Dermal fillers: restore lost volume and address static wrinkles.
  • Microneedling & lasers: improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation.
  • Skincare regimens: retinoids, antioxidants, and sunscreen to maintain smoother skin

Differences by Anatomy and Goals

Anatomic differences play a big role in tailoring Botox treatment:
  • Men often require higher doses due to stronger muscle mass.
  • Brow and forehead shape influence where injections are placed to avoid heaviness.
  • Ethnic and skin‑type considerations: variation in skin thickness, elasticity, and desired aesthetic outcomes.

Recognizing these differences ensures balanced, individualized results.

Safety, Training, and Credentials

Serious complications are rare when injections are performed by trained professionals using authentic products. Risks increase with counterfeit Botox® or unqualified providers.

  • Always confirm your injector is a licensed medical professional with aesthetic training.
  • Ask about sourcing — Botox should come directly from FDA‑approved distributors.
  • Informed consent, hygiene, and follow‑up are key signs of a safe practice.

Recognizing these differences ensures balanced, individualized results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions you may encounter from patients:

Will I look frozen?
No, natural results are possible when injections are placed precisely and dosed conservatively.

Can I exercise afterward?
It’s best to wait until the next day before resuming strenuous activity.

Can I fly the same day?
Yes, flying is safe after Botox, though avoiding lying flat or pressure on the treated area for several hours is still recommended.

What if I don’t like the results?
Botox naturally wears off in 3–4 months, and adjustments can be made at follow‑up visits.

How soon before an event should I schedule Botox?
Ideally 2–3 weeks before a big occasion to allow time for full effect and recovery from any minor bruising

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Glabellar complex: Muscles between the eyebrows responsible for frown lines.
  • Frontalis: Forehead muscle that raises the brows, often treated for horizontal lines.
  • Crow’s feet: Fine lines at the corner of the eyes.
  • Units: Measurement used for dosing Botox.
  • Diffusion: How far Botox spreads from the injection site.
  • Ptosis: Drooping, often of the eyelid or brow, if Botox diffuses unintentionally.
  • DAO (depressor anguli oris): Muscle that pulls the corners of the mouth downward.
  • Lip flip: Small Botox injection in the upper lip to subtly enhance fullness.
  • Platysmal bands: Neck lines caused by muscle activity, treatable with Botox.
Jeff Russell, Founder and Executive Director of IAPAM

Jeff Russell

Medical Spa Business Expert · Founder & Executive Director

Jeff is the founder and Executive Director of IAPAM. Since 2004 he has built seven companies, including a medical spa, and has personally taught more than 10,000 healthcare providers how to open and run their own practices. He is the best-selling author of Secrets to a Successful Practice and Fire Yourself First®.

View all posts by Jeff →

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Sources:

  1. Abbvie. Botox Cosmetic PI, Section Dosage and Administration.
  2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Botulinum Toxin.
  3. Mayo Clinic. Botox Injections.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Botox.
  5. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. How much do botulinum toxin injections cost?
  6. American Society for Dermatalogic Surgery. Skin Treatments.
  7. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Botulinum Toxin Therapy: FAQs.
  8. National Library of Medicine. Eyelid ptosis following botulinum toxin injection treated with briminodine 0.33% topical gel.
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