# *Units.*

> What units mean for botulinum toxin, why products have different units, typical dose ranges per area and why 'more' is not 'better'.

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-einheiten-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

Botulinum toxin is dosed in units. They are not directly comparable between products; the dose follows muscle strength and goal.

## A closer look.

A unit describes the biological activity of an amount of botulinum toxin, not its weight. Each manufacturer determines its units with its own test method, so 20 units of one product are not automatically 20 units of another. Comparisons across products are only approximate.

Typical ranges for a common product: frown lines about 15–25 units, forehead 10–20, crow's feet 8–12 per side, masseter 20–40 per side, armpits 50 per side. Men often need more because of stronger muscles. What matters is not the number but the distribution across the right points.

An 'area price' includes the usual dose for that area; that is why prices per area rather than per unit make sense. Doses too high produce the mask-like look, doses too low wear off quickly – the physician looks for the individual middle and checks after two weeks.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).

## At a glance.

- **Unit:** biological activity
- **Frown lines:** approx. 15–25
- **Masseter:** approx. 20–40 per side
- **Comparable:** only within one product

## Frequently asked questions.

**Why don't you tell me how many units I will get?**

The dose is set after examination and stated in the consultation. It is individual, not a catalogue value.

**Do more units last longer?**

Slightly, but at the cost of natural expression. Durability is mainly determined by muscle and metabolism.

## Related pages.

- [Botulinum toxin](https://www.vivaderm.de/botox-en.html) – Treatment
- [Botulinum toxin](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-botulinumtoxin-en.html) – Lexicon
- [Prices](https://www.vivaderm.de/preise-en.html) – Area prices

## Sources

- [NHS: Botox injections – patient information](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures/botox-injections/)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices](https://www.bfarm.de/)
- [European Medicines Agency (EMA)](https://www.ema.europa.eu/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.