What if Botox Was Mixed with Sterile Water Instead of Saline?

Question

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The body fluids contain salts.  The salt solution (normal saline) is carefully balanced to matter the concentration of salt in the body fluids.  If one injects more or less concentrated solution,  significant pain is caused as fluids shift to correct the salt imbalance.  Normal saline is profoundly more comfortable when injected than sterile water for this reason.  Diluting Botox with sterile saline almost always the unpleasant cause of painful Botox treatments.  Don't allow yourself to be injected by someone who dilutes their Botox with sterile water.  The treatment will be unnecessarily painful and it suggests the injector does not read or follow directions.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

If it was reconstituted with anything other than the company's recommendation, it would sting, hurt, and cause general discomfort, upon injection.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. In terms of the Botox effect, there should be no difference. However, the sterile water has a different mineral concentration and level of acidity (pH) than saline.  Saline is chosen because it generally more comfortable (i.e., won't cause a burning sensation when injected).

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is recomended to use sterile saline without perservative. Sterile water is not a balanced solution and may burn upon injection.

Elizabeth Piantanida, MD · Answer

The botox injection is much more painful if mixed with sterile water but it should still work well.  You could add some saline and make it more dilute.  This should make it a bit more comfortable. Hope this helps.

What if Botox Was Mixed with Sterile Water Instead of Saline?

Answers (10)

Answer: Saline or water for Botox dilution

Answer: Saline or water for Botox dilution

Answer: Botox mixed with sterile water

Answer: Botox mixed with sterile water

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.

What if Botox Was Mixed with Sterile Water Instead of Saline?

Answers (10)

Answer: Saline or water for Botox dilution

Answer: Saline or water for Botox dilution

Answer: Botox mixed with sterile water

Answer: Botox mixed with sterile water

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.