Does the number of injections have anything to do with Botox results?

I recently moved from LA to Dallas and was ready for my 2nd Botox treatment. The laws are different here, and you don't have to be a doctor or nurse to inject.

In LA, I was injected with 28 units for lines across the forehead and the ones between my eyes. She only needed to inject me in 8 places or so. I was super happy with the results! My face looked more open and fresh. Two days ago in Dallas, I went to a "Derm Spa" and the esthetician used 25 units, but "poked" me all over the place! My forehead looked like major hail damage! Seriously, like 20 injection sites, and I don't think she even got the area between my eyebrows! I have a small bruise, but at least the redness and bumps went down. Why is there such a huge difference? Is it possible she did it wrong? Is it safe for me to go back for the lines between my eyebrows?

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11 answers to “Does the number of injections have...”

A: Research the individual who will be performing your Botox treatment

By David A. Robinson, MD - Munster Plastic Surgeon

Although there is no standard number of units or number of injections per site, it is wise to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon prior to your next treatment. Unfortunately, many health care assistants do not have the same training and experience as board certified plastic sureons. I... more

A: If you were not totally happy, I would seek out a plastic surgeon to do your Botox

By Caroline H. Chester, MD - Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Whereas there are certainly non-physician injectors that do a great job with Botox and fillers, a physician, especially a true plastic surgeon, has much more training and experience and may have a different opinion about what exactly would be best for your face. There is a reason for those... more

A: Sounds a bit unconventional, but if it worked well again...

By Bruce Barach, MD - Albany Plastic Surgeon

There are different ways to do things and still get good results. If 10 days post treatment you are again happy with the result, then the second provider found a different way to get a good result. If not, you may want to find a different injector for next time. Twenty injections for just the forehead sounds... more

A: Injection techniques for Botox

By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Botox can be constituted in varying dilutions and all are equally effective based on the absolute quantity of botox injected. There are varying techniques for injection depending on the experience and overall practice emphasis of the practitioner. In any case, the botox injections should be based on the... more

A: Botox injextions

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Like making chicken soup, everyone does it differently. I couldn't tell you why one did it one way and another did it a different way. Just find someone who does it right for you.

A: The only thing that matters is how you look at two weeks.

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

To RobinLee, Hi! The number of injections can vary. I personally use about 7 injections for the forehead and about 5 more injections for the area between the eyebrows. And you have to meticulously avoid the little veins under the skin: otherwise you get bruising. In general, stick with... more

A: No - It is injection targeting, the Botox dose and your sensitivity

By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, You probably just had enough of the Botox by the second set of injections. You can also make antibodies to it at some point, making your response to the drug lessen. I have tried a few such patients on Myobloc and it works better, but the response varies. Best Regards

A: Botox: Dose, concentration/dilution, and number of injections help determine the result

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Botox injection is somewhat of an art and skill and different "artists" use different techniques. The result is a combination of: Total units given Concentration/dose/dilution Number of injections Diffusion (up to 3 cm = 1.2 in) To give a simple analogy, injecting botox is like laying... more

A: Different Botox injection technique

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Hi Robin, It is still too early to see a result. Botox usually takes 4 to 7 days to work. What you are seeing are the differences in the technique between the two people injecting. Twenty sounds like a rather large number of shots! If you are not happy with the treatment, you may want to seek... more

A: There is not one correct technique

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Robin, There are many techniques for injecting Botox and different techniques may be better for different people. The most important thing is that you find a qualified injector that you like and who gives you good results. Injection results will depend on the Botox concentration, number of injections,... more

More answers to Does the number of injections have anything to do with Botox results?
San Diego - Generally, no.

Comments

Steven A. Schlosser M.D.
92 posts
13 Jan 2009

No. It is not the number of injections that determines results with Botox, but the number of units placed, the locations, and the skill of the injector. Aestheticians should not be doing Botox injections in my opinion. Leave it to well qualified doctors or RN injectionists. The quality of Botox injections received in a "day spa" , and the end result, are unlikely to match those received in a physician's office. Botox is not a "costco" product. Choose more cautiously and wisely next time, so you get excellent results that we have all come to expect with Botox.

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