Botox can be a practical option for people with chronic migraine—that’s headache or migraine on 15 or more days each month. It doesn’t treat a migraine once it starts; it helps prevent attacks so you have fewer headache days over time.
We see patients from Richmond, Midlothian, Short Pump, Glen Allen, and Henrico, and the questions are almost always the same. Let’s walk through them in plain English.
Who is Botox For?
If you’re dealing with headaches or migraines 15+ days a month, Botox might be a good fit.
If it’s less than that (a few bad days here and there), Botox usually isn’t the first stop—make sure to talk to your doctor about other options that make more sense.
If you’re not sure which bucket you’re in, start a simple headache diary on your phone this week. Jot down “headache or no headache,” how long it lasted, and what you took. Bring that in; it makes this decision much easier.
How Botox Helps Migraines
Botox calms the nerve signals that kick off migraine pain in specific head and neck muscles. It doesn’t make an active attack vanish like a rescue med. Instead, it reduces how many attacks start in the first place. That’s why we use it on a schedule—not just when you’re hurting.
What to Expect During Botox Migraine Treatment
- Visit length: ~10–15 minutes.
- Injection pattern: Small doses placed at mapped points across the forehead, between the brows, temples, back of the head, upper neck, and shoulders/traps—typically 31 quick injections.
- Comfort: I use extremely tiny needles, cooling packs, and a distractor named Buzzy to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Most patients feel very little to no pain.
- Frequency: Every 12 weeks to keep results steady.
Where is Botox Injected for Migraines?
My headache treatment protocol involves carefully injecting very small amounts of Botox into the muscles of the face, head and neck. This is known as the microdroplet technique, and focuses individually on the common headache areas which are unique to each patient.
When Will I Notice the Effects?
Botox takes about 4 days to reach its effect, and treatments need to be repeated every 3 months. Depending on your personal condition, Botox may be covered by your insurance.
The realistic goal is fewer headache days per month, less intensity, and lower use of rescue medication. You may still get headaches, just not as often and not as severe. We’ll measure results against your baseline and adjust if needed.
Side Effects of Botox for Migarines
Side effects may include tender spots, mild neck stiffness, and brief flu-like feelings.
SET UP A CONSULTATION
Experience headache relief today. Call our office (804) 774-4559, check out our website, or visit us on Facebook.
Travis Shaw, M.D. is a double board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive/ENT surgeon
