Botox Dilution, Would that Cause Botox to be Lumpy?

Question

My dermatologist's assistant told me that the reason I sometimes get big lumps from Botox injections is because the practice dilutes the Botox more than practices she has worked at in other parts of the country. Does this make sense? I never had this occur at the other practice I used to get Botox at for twice the price. Thanks!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

When those doctors who dilute their Botox with larger volumes of saline than other doctors, they must also deliver greater volume in the injection to deliver the same number of units. They may choose to mix it this way to give them a more even and wider-spread result or they may find it too difficult to inject tiny amounts of liquid when using the more concentrated Botox. If they do use the larger volume, then the botox injected will cause temporary larger fluid bumps. These do go away soon but it may make going right back to work difficult as makeup doesn't hide bumps.

Michael A. Fallucco, MD, FACS · Answer

Whether Botox is diluted more is probably not as important as if the injection was too superficial.  When the liquid is injected that volume will cause a "welt" and is more apparent if too superficial.  Either way, it should go away quickly.  If you had a small area that bled due to the botox you may have a small area that will bruise and take some time for the bump to go away as the blood dissolves.  The good news is that it should not be permanent.

Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH · Answer

The good news is, Botox "lumps" are temporary and nothing to worry about. They have to do with the fluid used to dilute the Botox for injection, since it comes as a powder, and they will absorb into your skin quickly and go away. Sometimes they appear more than others, but it is nothing to be concerned about.

	On the contrary, visible lumps of the hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm) are an issue that should be addressed by your physician. It's normal and often fine for lumps to be FELT beneath the skin after treatment, since sometimes they provide important scaffolding for a deep line, but lumps should never be visible to you or someone looking at you.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

The more Botox is diluted, the more that is needed to be injected to get the same number of units.  The larger the volume of fluid injected the larger the injection "welt" will appear.  However, this will resolve likely over a few hours or less as the fluid gets absorbed into the tissues.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Tiny lumps or "bee stings" as they are sometimes called are apparent after Botox injections. They go away quickly but are there because small amounts of a liquid are being injected under the skin, and it takes a few minutes to absorb. If the Botox is being diluted more than normal rates (meaning rather than 100 units in a vial, they are diluting it to be like 120 units or 150 units or something) then yes, your bumps would be larger because more volume of the liquid is being injected at each site.

Botox Dilution, Would that Cause Botox to be Lumpy?

Answers (6)

Answer: Botox dilution

Answer: Botox dilution

Answer: Lumps after Botox

Answer: Lumps after Botox

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Botox Dilution, Would that Cause Botox to be Lumpy?

Answers (6)

Answer: Botox dilution

Answer: Botox dilution

Answer: Lumps after Botox

Answer: Lumps after Botox

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.