Ask a doctor

Question about Botox. Does Botox spread from the site of injection?

  • m222
  • Bangkok, TH
  • 10 months ago
how far(in milimeter)can 1unit botox spread from the site of injection? i had botox injected on my face and it worked on the muscle under the spot where doctor marked and injected but the point where i really wanted to fix didnt change. i asked him to inject on that point but he told me to wait. but if botox only effect on the point/site where it injected, theres no point of waiting right? or will it also spread to some range and will effect on the point i want because it is on the same muscle?

Doctor Answers 6

The spread of Botox

September 27th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Great questions.  The spread of Botox following injection is most commonly affected by dosage and volume and is a passive dispersion.  For the most part it stays close to where you inject.  It usually takes about 7-14 days to see the full effects and if not I usually re-inject at 2 weeks if necessary.  Larger muscles usually take more units to see the effect. 

Dean L. Johnston, MD
September 27th, 2016

The spread of Botox

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Great questions.  The spread of Botox following injection is most commonly affected by dosage and volume and is a passive dispersion.  For the most part it stays close to where you inject.  It usually takes about 7-14 days to see the full effects and if not I usually re-inject at 2 weeks if necessary.  Larger muscles usually take more units to see the effect. 

Dean L. Johnston, MD

Botox migration

August 25th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Botox will migrate 1cm from the site of injection.  It is important to wait 2 weeks for the botox to fully kick in before getting a touch up.

Web reference: http://torontosurgery.com/non-surgical/botox-cosmetic-clinic/

Martin Jugenburg, MD
August 25th, 2016

Botox migration

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Botox will migrate 1cm from the site of injection.  It is important to wait 2 weeks for the botox to fully kick in before getting a touch up.

Learn more: http://torontosurgery.com/non-surgical/botox-cosmetic-clinic/

Martin Jugenburg, MD

Botox and spread from injection site

August 22nd, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It's impossible to give you an accurate answer without knowledge of the dilution used. Typically, with a 2.5 cc of saline per 100 units of Botox dilution, the spread should be about 1 cm around the injection site. Higher dilution means more spread, lower dilution means less spread.

Web reference: http://www.miamiskinandvein.com/botox-cosmetic/

Shaun Patel, MD
August 22nd, 2016

Botox and spread from injection site

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It's impossible to give you an accurate answer without knowledge of the dilution used. Typically, with a 2.5 cc of saline per 100 units of Botox dilution, the spread should be about 1 cm around the injection site. Higher dilution means more spread, lower dilution means less spread.

Learn more: http://www.miamiskinandvein.com/botox-cosmetic/

Shaun Patel, MD

Spread of botox

August 21st, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is difficult to answer with the information provided. The more fluid used to dilute the Botox would cause it to spread further but also diminish the results. One unit is a very small amount and would have a smaller effect. I would give it two weeks and then go back to the injector and make sure both of you understand your desired effect.

Byron A. Long, MD

Byron A. Long, MD
Marietta Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

August 21st, 2016

Spread of botox

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is difficult to answer with the information provided. The more fluid used to dilute the Botox would cause it to spread further but also diminish the results. One unit is a very small amount and would have a smaller effect. I would give it two weeks and then go back to the injector and make sure both of you understand your desired effect.

Byron A. Long, MD
Marietta Oculoplastic Surgeon

Botox spread

August 20th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is difficult to help answer your question without more information: dilution, amounts etc. I would recommend you speak directly with your treating physician to get further information and to help improve your results.

Pamela Stuart, MD

Pamela Stuart, MD
San Jose Physician
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

August 20th, 2016

Botox spread

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

It is difficult to help answer your question without more information: dilution, amounts etc. I would recommend you speak directly with your treating physician to get further information and to help improve your results.

Pamela Stuart, MD
San Jose Physician

Botox dilution

August 19th, 2016
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hello, and thanks for your question. Unfortunately, it's not possible to give you an accurate answer without knowing the dilution that was used. The more dilute the Botox is, the further it will diffuse. Best of luck, Dr. Frucht.  
Corey Frucht, MD, PhD
August 19th, 2016

Botox dilution

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Hello, and thanks for your question. Unfortunately, it's not possible to give you an accurate answer without knowing the dilution that was used. The more dilute the Botox is, the further it will diffuse. Best of luck, Dr. Frucht.  
Corey Frucht, MD, PhD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.