Botox For Migraines

BOTOX FOR MIGRAINES IN SEATTLE, BELLEVUE, AND KIRKLAND

Chronic migraines affect roughly one percent of the population and can interfere with daily activities. For some, this includes being bedridden for days and missing multiple days or weeks of work. Obviously, for migraine sufferers, treatment and prevention of migraines is imperative to daily life. Popular cosmetic injection, Botox, has proven effective in the prevention of migraine headaches. Botox for migraines was FDA approved in 2010 and prevailed as one of the leading migraine prevention and treatment methods on the market. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, we offer Botox for migraines to patients in the Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland areas.

WHAT ARE CHRONIC MIGRAINES?

Chronic migraines are severe headaches that often occur with other symptoms. Migraines–for anyone–can cause you to spend the day in a dark room, trying to treat the symptoms. Often, migraines do not respond to over-the-counter painkillers, or they may not treat all of your migraine symptoms.

For people with chronic migraines, they may have at least 15 or more migraine days a month for three or more months. This means they can experience a migraine more often than they do not. Normally, there is no definitive cause of migraines, making them hard to treat. Migraines can last from four hours to as long as three days with headaches often overlapping or happening consecutively. 

Unlike other headaches, migraines come in stages. Not every chronic migraine patient will experience every stage and every migraine is unique, but they often start off with warning symptoms, then just before the headache patients can experience auras–or visual disruptions and auras sometimes mimic stroke symptoms, the migraine attack, and finally the aftermath which can leave you feeling drained.  

Symptoms of Chronic Migraines:

Migraine symptoms vary from patient to patient, however, almost every migraine sufferer will explain the type of pain and general symptoms. Some common symptoms of migraines include: 

• Throbbing or pulsing pain (usually on one side of the head, but can occur on both)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Visual disturbances or loss
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking

Triggers of Chronic Migraines:

Migraines often do not have a clear cause. For people who experience occasional migraines, an illness or medication may be the cause. Your doctor will most likely identify this and remedying the situation will often stop the headaches. While people with a history of certain medical conditions, medications, or genetic predisposition to migraines may be at a higher risk of migraines, chronic migraine sufferers often find no clear cause for their headaches. 

Many people who experience chronic migraines have specific triggers–environments or situations that appear to cause or worsen headaches–and avoiding these triggers can help prevent migraines. However, many headaches do not have a trigger and not every sufferer has triggers. Even avoiding your triggers may not necessarily reduce the frequency of migraines. Avoiding known triggers and undergoing a prevention treatment like Botox for migraines, may help significantly reduce the days you lose to migraines. Common migraine triggers include: 

• Hormone changes/ fluctuations
• Changes in weather
• Stress
• Diet, sleep, and lifestyle changes
• Certain foods
• Intense sensations (such as a loud sound or intense smell)

HOW DOES BOTOX WORK FOR MIGRAINES?

Botox is a neuromodulator that interacts with the brain to block neuron impulses to the muscles. In cosmetic use, this helps relax muscles which can prevent and soften fine lines and wrinkles. Botox for migraines works similarly. It prevents the muscles from constricting or overexerting themselves, which can reduce the pain experience during migraines. However, Botox for migraines in Bellevue also targets the nerve endings in the head and stops them from transmitting pain signals. 

This helps prevent migraine headaches and Botox for migraines has shown to reduce the frequency of migraines experienced by chronic migraine patients. Botox hinders the nerve function and the release of certain brain chemicals that may contribute to migraines. While Botox does not treat migraines, it is a safe and effective treatment for preventing migraines. 

Most of the time, you can continue most other migraine treatments, such as the prescribed use of antidepressants, painkillers, or other medications. However, before using Botox with other medications it is important to inform your cosmetic surgeon of prescribed medications prior to treatment.

What Is Treatment Like?

When you come to The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery to receive Botox for migraines, your cosmetic surgeon will greet you and take you to one of our private treatment rooms. The entire procedure takes about fifteen minutes. During treatment, your plastic surgeon will inject Botox into specially chosen spots of the head, neck, and temples to target the nerve endings that contribute to migraines. 

The procedure is relatively painless, especially when compared to the pain experienced during a migraine. Normally, patients only feel slight pain that feels like pinpricks.

Botox for migraines is typically administered every twelve weeks. Botox is a treatment that requires consistent maintenance to continue migraine relief. When you first begin your Bellevue Botox for migraines injections, it will take roughly two treatments to see meaningful results. Botox works to train your muscles to relax, but it takes time to do this. However, since the cause of migraines is not fully known or understood, you may continue to need Botox treatments every twelve weeks to continue preventing migraines.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Almost anyone suffering from chronic migraines is a candidate for Botox for migraines in Kirkland. Before beginning Botox for migraines treatments, it is important that a definitive cause or source of your migraines has not been found. It is also recommended only for chronic migraine sufferers and not those who experience only occasional migraines. 

Some health problems or medications can interfere with Botox injections. During your consultation, Dr. Jonov will take a comprehensive medical history before deciding if you are a good candidate. It is important to inform them of your entire history and any medications you are taking.

To receive Botox injections, you must be over 18 and in good general health. Dr. Jonov will not inject Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and recommend you come back to receive your Botox for migraines after you’re done nursing. Dr. Jonov is the best person to decide if Botox for migraines is right for you.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER BOTOX FOR MIGRAINES TREATMENT?

Botox for migraines in Kirkland is a safe and non-invasive procedure that comes with little risk. Some patients will experience mild side effects like swelling or pain at the injection site. It is also possible to see some bruising or a mild headache. Mild numbness, nausea, or flu-like symptoms are also possible side effects of Botox injections. Any major reaction or side effects are rare and all minor side effects should subside within a few days. 

Specifically to Botox for migraines treatment, neck pain is the most commonly reported side effect, but it is easily treated with ice packs. This pain–if you experience it at all–is manageable and should go away within a few days.

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The cost of Botox at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery varies depending on how many units you require. We offer Botox for migraines injections with Dr. Jonov, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. The cost of 30 units is $299. The amount of units you require can be determined by Dr. Jonov or prescribing doctor. Typically, migraine patients receive between 80 and 155 units of Botox, depending upon their specific needs and how many areas Dr. Jonov injects.

EXPERTLY INJECTED BOTOX FOR MIGRAINES IN SEATTLE, BELLEVUE, AND KIRKLAND

Dr. Jonov at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery perfected injection techniques that minimize side effects such as swelling and bruising. He developed his techniques with the patient in mind and is a frequent educator in the field of injectables. He has over a decade of experience injecting Botox and perfected his method that limits swelling and bruising after the procedure.

Our private treatment rooms ensure a sterile and relaxing experience while receiving your Botox for migraines injections. The treatment is quick and nearly painless. Botox is a simple and effective treatment for preventing chronic migraines. 

During your consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Jonov will ask about your history of chronic migraines, medical history, and will explain the procedure to you. After reviewing your history and current medications, your cosmetic surgeon will determine if you’re a candidate for Botox for migraines.

If he decides that you are a good candidate, it is likely you can receive your first round of Botox for migraines the same day. Dr. Jonov will help you craft a custom treatment plan for your Botox for migraines treatment. This includes the units of Botox you need and the frequency you receive injections. Normally, migraine patients get between 80 and 155 units of Botox every twelve weeks.

To schedule a consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, call us at 425-775-3561. Chat by clicking the icon on the lower left, or contact us using the form above.