Wish your toxin would last longer? Step number one: talk to your injector about your dose. All six currently approved neurotoxin manufacturers in the U.S. agree on one key point—the duration of effect is directly related to the dose delivered in the treated area.
Here’s where things get a little math-y (and messy). While all neurotoxins are measured in “units,” a unit of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is not the same as a unit of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport). Unit equivalency isn’t a simple one-to-one swap. Add to that the fact that injectors may use different volumes to deliver those units—and that volume can vary by injector and by area—and suddenly the math looks like a chalkboard nightmare. The good news? What actually matters is the number of units delivered to each region, which is what’s documented in your medical record and used to guide future treatments.
Not all muscles are created equal. Some are thick and strong (hello, glabella and masseters) and require more product to relax effectively. Others are thinner but cover a wide area (like the forehead or platysma), so they need enough product to spread evenly. And then there are areas we absolutely do not want to overdo—looking at you, lip flip. Too much there can interfere with speech or saliva control, and nobody’s signing up for that. Underdosing may mean results don’t last as long—but sometimes that’s a very intentional and appropriate choice.
So if you’re wishing your toxin stuck around a bit longer, the first step is evaluating whether you’re receiving a sufficient dose for your muscles and treatment area. While there are commonly accepted “usual” dosing ranges, every face is different. Dosing should always be personalized. It’s also important to factor in which product you’re using and what your expectations are. A little movement is totally fine—we just don’t want repetitive motion to etch lines permanently into the skin. And some wrinkles, while not beloved, may be the lesser evil—because a faint rainbow line above the brow can be better than a drooping eyebrow and extra upper eyelid hooding, right?
Age matters, too. Younger skin has healthier collagen and elastin, which can camouflage movement-related wrinkles more easily than thinner, older, or crepey skin.
Your injector’s job is complex. They’re balancing pharmacology, anatomy, technique, and artistry—all while tailoring your treatment to your goals, facial structure, and ideal dose. That’s why building a strong, communicative relationship with your injector is key. Trust, dialogue, and personalization make all the difference.
Dose = Duration
Wish your toxin would last longer? Step number one: talk to your injector about your dose. All six currently approved neurotoxin manufacturers in the U.S. agree on one key point—the duration of effect is directly related to the dose delivered in the treated area.
Here’s where things get a little math-y (and messy). While all neurotoxins are measured in “units,” a unit of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) is not the same as a unit of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport). Unit equivalency isn’t a simple one-to-one swap. Add to that the fact that injectors may use different volumes to deliver those units—and that volume can vary by injector and by area—and suddenly the math looks like a chalkboard nightmare. The good news? What actually matters is the number of units delivered to each region, which is what’s documented in your medical record and used to guide future treatments.
Not all muscles are created equal. Some are thick and strong (hello, glabella and masseters) and require more product to relax effectively. Others are thinner but cover a wide area (like the forehead or platysma), so they need enough product to spread evenly. And then there are areas we absolutely do not want to overdo—looking at you, lip flip. Too much there can interfere with speech or saliva control, and nobody’s signing up for that. Underdosing may mean results don’t last as long—but sometimes that’s a very intentional and appropriate choice.
So if you’re wishing your toxin stuck around a bit longer, the first step is evaluating whether you’re receiving a sufficient dose for your muscles and treatment area. While there are commonly accepted “usual” dosing ranges, every face is different. Dosing should always be personalized. It’s also important to factor in which product you’re using and what your expectations are. A little movement is totally fine—we just don’t want repetitive motion to etch lines permanently into the skin. And some wrinkles, while not beloved, may be the lesser evil—because a faint rainbow line above the brow can be better than a drooping eyebrow and extra upper eyelid hooding, right?
Age matters, too. Younger skin has healthier collagen and elastin, which can camouflage movement-related wrinkles more easily than thinner, older, or crepey skin.
Your injector’s job is complex. They’re balancing pharmacology, anatomy, technique, and artistry—all while tailoring your treatment to your goals, facial structure, and ideal dose. That’s why building a strong, communicative relationship with your injector is key. Trust, dialogue, and personalization make all the difference.