What to Expect: Botox® Injections for Migraines
Botox received its very first approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989. It was first introduced to the market as a therapeutic, but Allergan, the company that made it, quickly began noticing dramatic improvements in the appearance of frown lines in some patients who got Botox injections. In 2002, Botox was approved as a cosmetic treatment and has exploded in popularity ever since. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, about 7 million Botox injections are now given each year in the United States.
In addition to helping treat many signs of aging, Botox’s popularity has also helped drive researchers back into looking at its ability to address other medical issues. In 2010, the FDA approved it as a useful tool for treating chronic migraines, which sometimes surprises patients at our practice. In this post, we’ll describe the types of chronic migraines that Botox helps alleviate, and what you can expect the treatment to be like.
What Types of Migraines Does Botox Treat?
Over the last decade, more than 3 million Botox treatments were performed to help more than 500,000 patients who suffer from chronic migraines. According to the American Migraine Foundation, a person experiences chronic migraines when they have headaches on more than 15 days a month, and on at least 8 of those days the headaches last more than 4 hours. Botox is not recommended if a patient experiences less than 15 days with headaches in a month.
Botox treats headaches by affecting the nerve endings near injection sites and by blocking neurotransmitters responsible for the transmission of painful sensations. Some research suggests that a few Botox treatments may cut headache days in half for some patients with chronic migraines.
What Botox Treatments for Chronic Migraines are Like
Treating chronic migraines with Botox can be attractive for many because it doesn’t require much of a time commitment. Appointments generally only last about 20-30 minutes, with patients’ results improving over the course of about six months.
During a Botox consultation, injection sites are selected among several key areas around the patient’s head and neck, and the number of appointments can be estimated based on the severity of the individual’s headaches. In general, most people report feeling a tiny pinch or no discomfort during appointments. Botox may be combined with other migraine management drugs prescribed by a primary care physician.
Contact Us to Learn More About Cosmetic and Medical Injectables
If you’re thinking about an injectable or a dermal filler treatment for cosmetic or medical reasons, make sure you choose a skilled, experienced team for your consultation. Dr. Dustin Reid and Dr. Ashley Gordon of Restora Austin Plastic Surgery Centre can help you create the perfect treatment plan for your unique goals.
Call our plastic surgery practice in Austin, TX, at (512) 371-8817 for a Botox consultation today. You can also conveniently send us a message through our website if you have questions or need any additional information.
