What Does 20 Units of Botox Do? A Real, Honest Calgary Guide to Beauty, Budget & Balance

Whether you stroll into our Calgary clinic in Gucci heels or carrying your essentials in a Walmart tote, one thing stays the same — when it comes to your face, you deserve respect, transparency, and genuine care.

At Bonsai Medical & Aesthetics, we’ve seen all kinds of people: teachers, nurses, CEOs, stay-at-home parents, new graduates, and retirees. What they all share isn’t a “look” — it’s a desire to feel comfortable in their own skin.

We’re not here to judge or oversell. We’re here to listen, to educate, and to help you make choices that fit both your lifestyle and your budget. Because let’s be honest — beauty trends come and go, but integrity and results stand the test of time.

So let’s have a real conversation, the kind you rarely get from glossy ads or fast-talking clinics: What does 20 units of Botox actually do?

It’s one of the most common questions we hear — and it deserves an honest answer, free from jargon or sales spin.

Botox 101: What Are “Units” and Why Do They Matter?

A “unit” of Botox is a standardized measurement of a medical product. It’s not random; it’s science. Each unit contains a specific, controlled amount of the purified protein that gently relaxes overactive muscles — the ones that create wrinkles when they contract repeatedly.

If that sounds clinical, think of it this way: Botox is to facial muscles what a good night’s rest is to your mood. It doesn’t erase who you are; it simply helps your expressions look less tense and more at ease.

In most cases, 20 units is the typical starting point for one treatment area. Here’s what that might look like:

• Forehead: Those horizontal “thinking” lines that show up when you raise your eyebrows.

• Glabellar (“11s”): The vertical lines between your brows that deepen every time you squint at your phone or open your inbox.

• Crow’s Feet: The radiating smile lines at the corners of your eyes — often the most endearing yet most telling signs of time.

When injected properly, 20 units can help soften these lines, reduce tension, and refresh your features while maintaining your natural expressions. You’ll still look like you — just more rested and approachable.

Let’s Talk Numbers: Botox and the Calgary Budget Reality

In Calgary, Botox typically costs $10–$14 per unit. That means 20 units of land somewhere between $200 and $280, plus GST.

But numbers alone don’t tell the story. When you invest in Botox, you’re not just buying a product; you’re paying for expertise, safety, and trust.

Here’s what that includes at Bonsai Medical & Aesthetics:

• Medical-grade Botox sourced and appropriately stored.

• A licensed medical environment that meets all Alberta Health standards.

• A physician-led team trained in facial anatomy, safety, and aesthetic artistry.

• A thoughtful consultation where we discuss your goals, budget, and comfort level before anything touches your skin.

• Sustainable operational costs that support fair wages, continuing education, and an ethical standard of care.

We don’t rush treatments, and we don’t treat faces like fast-food orders. We take the time to understand your proportions, your expressions, and what makes your face uniquely yours.

Because when it comes to injectables, the best outcome is the one that still looks like you — just refreshed, balanced, and confident.

Cheap Botox: Let’s Talk Sustainability, Not Shade

You’ve probably seen ads in Calgary offering Botox for $6 a unit or “area deals” for under $100. They’re tempting — especially when you’re comparing prices.

Now, let’s be fair: affordability matters. Everyone deserves access to safe, professional aesthetic care. However, there’s a difference between occasional promotions (which we will offer from time to time) and clinics that permanently operate at rock-bottom prices.

The truth is simple — quality Botox treatments require more than just a syringe and a chair. There are costs you don’t see: medical-grade product handling, sterile technique, registered staff, insurance, training, and proper disposal of biohazard materials.

If someone’s charging dramatically less for the same service, something’s being sacrificed. Maybe the injector isn’t fully trained. Perhaps the product isn’t stored correctly. Or maybe the clinic is cutting corners elsewhere.

And here’s the real issue: you want your provider to be around still when you come back.

Unsustainable pricing often means clinics disappear as fast as they pop up, leaving you without continuity of care — and without support if something doesn’t go as planned.

At Bonsai, our prices are fair and transparent because we want to be a long-term partner. We want you to trust that your follow-up appointment will happen with the same injector, in the same safe environment, by a team that knows your history and your goals.

That’s sustainability — not just for your wallet, but for your skin and your peace of mind.

Budget Talk: We Get It

Let’s be real — most of us manage a hierarchy of spending. Mortgage, groceries, gas, kids, and maybe, if there’s room left, self-care.

We respect that. That’s why at Bonsai, we never pressure you to do more than you’re ready for. If you tell us you’re working within a budget, we’ll design a plan that fits your means without compromising your safety or integrity.

Maybe you start with 20 units to soften your forehead or ease those “11s.” That’s an excellent place to begin. You’ll notice a gentle lift in your appearance — like someone quietly turned down the stress volume on your face.

From there, we can build gradually. True aesthetic harmony happens when we balance all expressive areas, but it doesn’t have to happen in one visit.

Think of it like fitness: one great workout helps, but consistent effort builds lasting results. We’ll pace your treatments so they grow with your goals — no guilt, no pressure.

Your beauty journey should feel empowering, not financially stressful.

Sometimes Botox Isn’t the Whole Story

Here’s a truth most clinics don’t tell you: sometimes, Botox isn’t the only (or even best) solution for what you want to improve.

Botox relaxes muscles, but if your concern is loss of volume, uneven tone, or dullness, we may recommend complementary options like:

• Dermal Fillers to restore volume and contour where fullness has diminished.

• Microneedling to stimulate collagen and smooth texture.

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or laser treatments to enhance tone and radiance.

• Medical or lifestyle interventions are used when hormones, stress, or nutrition play a role in your skin’s health.

This is where my background as a family physician comes in. I don’t just see wrinkles; I know the person behind them. Your skin often tells a story about your sleep, hydration, hormones, and even emotional well-being.

That’s why every recommendation we make considers your complete picture — not just your forehead lines.

What Happens After Your Appointment

Botox takes patience. You won’t walk out of the clinic instantly smooth — and that’s a good thing.

Here’s what to expect:

• Days 1–2: No visible changes. You’ll wonder if anything’s happening.

• Days 3–5: Subtle softening begins; your expressions feel lighter.

• Days 7–14: Peak results appear — smoother, balanced, refreshed.

The effects typically last 3–4 months, though consistency can extend results. With regular treatments, your muscles “learn” to relax, meaning lines form less deeply over time.

We’ll guide you through every step, including aftercare: avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours, skip facials for a few days, and keep your head upright for several hours post-treatment.

Small steps that ensure beautiful, even results.

Why Experience and Standards Matter

Almost Anyone can buy Botox or try to get a knock-off. Not everyone can inject it properly.

Precision matters — understanding where muscles move, how they balance, and how your facial structure interacts with emotion. This is where artistry meets medicine.

Our injectors at Bonsai, myself included, bring both clinical expertise and aesthetic sensibility. We know when not to inject, and we know how to avoid the dreaded “frozen” look.

Every face has its own rhythm and story. Our job is to preserve that while enhancing your natural beauty.

Running a Medical Aesthetics Clinic: The Unseen Reality

There’s a side of aesthetics few clients ever see. Behind every calm, beautiful clinic space lies layers of responsibility:

• Regulatory compliance with Alberta Health Services.

• Insurance coverage for patient safety.

• Rigorous sterilization and infection control standards.

• Continuing education to stay updated on techniques and technologies.

• Ethical pricing that pays trained staff fairly.

So when you see clinics like ours charge what seems like “more,” remember: responsible pricing reflects responsible care. We’re not inflating numbers; we’re protecting both your results and your safety.

We’re not in this business for quick profits or social media clout. We’re building something lasting — a clinic grounded in respect, science, and relationships that endure.

Confidence Isn’t Vanity

Let’s retire the old stereotype that caring about your appearance makes you shallow.

Wanting to look vibrant isn’t vanity; it’s alignment — how you feel on the inside matching what you see in the mirror. When patients tell me, “I just want to look less tired,” what they’re really saying is, “I want to see myself again.”

Maybe you’ve weathered stress, long work hours, or sleepless nights. Perhaps you’ve raised kids, cared for parents, or carried the mental load of life for years. It’s not about looking 25 again — it’s about reclaiming your spark.

If Botox helps you do that, there’s nothing superficial about it.

Confidence affects how you present yourself in meetings, relationships, and even at the grocery store checkout line. Feeling good in your skin isn’t indulgent; it’s self-respect.

Your Consultation: Our Promise of Transparency

When you book a consultation at Bonsai Medical & Aesthetics, you’re not entering a sales pitch — you’re starting a conversation.

We’ll talk about what you hope to achieve, what concerns you, and what’s realistic within your comfort and budget. We’ll explain exactly how many units we recommend and why.

If we think Botox won’t get you the complete result you want, we’ll tell you that — honestly and compassionately. We’ll suggest alternatives or combinations that align with your goals.

And before you leave, you’ll always know exactly what it costs—no surprises, no hidden fees, no “add-ons” at checkout.

Transparency isn’t a marketing line for us — it’s our way of doing medicine.

The Bonsai Difference

At Bonsai, our philosophy is rooted in four words: Safety. Integrity. Results. Relationships.

We don’t rush appointments, and we don’t chase volume. We focus on people. We want to see you year after year — helping you age gracefully, confidently, and authentically.

Our space is intentionally calm, inclusive, and unpretentious. Whether you come in from a boardroom or straight from soccer practice, you’ll be treated with the same care and respect.

Every face matters. Every story matters.

So, What Does 20 Units of Botox Do?

On paper, it softens one area of your face — the forehead, the crow’s feet, or those “11s.”

But in real life?

It can do so much more.

It can make your mornings feel lighter when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. It can give you back a sense of control, confidence, and quiet assurance. It can make you look how you feel — capable, vibrant, and refreshed.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about harmony. About looking like yourself, only a touch more at ease.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Tomi Mitchell

At Bonsai Medical & Aesthetics, we’re not just about injections — we’re about empowerment, sustainability, and the quiet confidence that comes from feeling aligned inside and out.

We respect your time, your money, and your trust. Whether you come in for 20 units or a full-face treatment plan, you’ll receive attentive care, professional expertise, and genuine compassion.

We’re not building a revolving door of one-time clients. We’re building a community founded on transparency, consistency, and care that endures.

So if you’re curious about Botox — even if you’re hesitant — come talk to us. Bring your questions, your concerns, and your real-life budget. We’ll meet you there, judgment-free.

Because that’s what makes Bonsai… Bonsai — where beauty meets integrity, and where every face is treated with the respect it deserves.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider for guidance on your health.

View our privacy policy here.