If you’re new to Botox, the worst thing you can do is go too heavy on your first appointment. The second worst thing is going too light and concluding “Botox doesn’t work on me.” Here’s the dosing playbook our Toronto injectors use for first-time clients.
The standard first-time recipe
| Area | First-time dose | Maintenance dose |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead | 10-15 units | 15-20 units |
| Frown lines (11s) | 15-20 units | 20-25 units |
| Crow’s feet (both) | 10-16 units | 16-24 units |
| Total upper face | 35-50 units | 50-70 units |
Why under-treating is a trap
Going too light on a first appointment ($150 total instead of $300) leaves muscles only partially weakened. The result is awkward: one eyebrow lifts higher than the other, or you can still frown but with extra effort. Patients walk away thinking “this is what Botox does” when really they just underpaid.
Why over-treating is also a trap
“Frozen forehead” face. Eyebrows that don’t move. Skin that doesn’t crease at all. It’s also harder to course-correct – too much Botox can’t be undone; you wait it out. We always recommend starting at the lower end of the dose range for first-timers.
The Bar Beauty Medical protocol
- Consultation. Mirror, photos at rest and animated. We mark the spots and explain unit-by-unit.
- Start conservative. 30-40 total units for upper face is our typical first session.
- 2-week follow-up. Free. We assess whether you need a few touch-up units or you’re set.
- Next appointment. Dose can increase if first session was under-effective.
What if you’ve researched 50 units forehead and we say 15?
Numbers you see on TikTok are usually total face doses including 11s and crow’s feet. Forehead alone almost never needs more than 20 units even for maintenance.
Cost for first-time Toronto Botox
At Bar Beauty, our rate is $10 per unit. A standard first-time session of 30-40 units runs $300-$400. See our Botox page for full pricing and what to expect.
FAQ
Can I just do the 11s first?
Absolutely. Many first-timers start with just frown lines (15-20 units) to see how their body responds before adding forehead and crow’s feet at the next visit.
Will I look “done”?
With a conservative first dose, no. You’ll look like yourself, just more rested.
When can I tell if it worked?
Soft results start day 3-5. Full results by day 14. Don’t judge before 2 weeks.
Book your free first-time Botox consultation at Bar Beauty Medical Toronto. No pressure, no upsells.