Watered Down Botox - I also get the worst sinus headaches for several weeks after my injections. What could be the problem?

"Watering down" a BOTOX® injection implies that your provider is using less medicine than you are paying for. Although there may be some unethical providers of BOTOX® treatments around, this would be most unusual amongst leaders in this field. Different Specialists that provide BOTOX® may choose to dilute the BOTOX® in a manner that facilitates their technique or the results they want. This refers to adding more saline to the vial of BOTOX® prior to the injection. However, the dose of BOTOX® or the number of units you receive should not be affected by this personalized approach. What should matter is that you feel confident in your provider and they have the credentials and experience to optimize your treatment. Although access to BOTOX® has become far to easy, this is not a treatment that should be performed in a cavalier or hasty manner.

Low grade headaches for 1-2 days after a forehead injection of BOTOX® occurs in about 10-20% of patients and is usually mild and easily managed with over the counter medications. This should not concern you and is likely related to the minor irritation caused by the injections. In fact, BOTOX® treatments have become a highly effective treatment for chronic and severe migraine and tension headache sufferers.

Dr. Mosher

Botox is a freeze dried powder that has to have some fluid added to it in order to be injectable through a needle.  How much we add depends largely upon our training, use and experience.  1cc is common, 4cc is common and even 8cc (for armpits) is sometimes used.  What matters is the dose in units.  1/2 cc of 100 Units/cc is the same dose as 2cc of 25 Units/cc.  Just ask what the dose is, in units, not cc's.  BTW,  cc's and ml's are the same thing.