Posted February 16, 2026 in BOTOX®
You know BOTOX® Cosmetic is the go-to treatment for pesky forehead wrinkles, but did you also know it’s a treatment for chronic migraines? For people with this debilitating condition, BOTOX® offers relief from pain and the ability to return to the daily activities many of them had been missing. This blog explains how BOTOX® works to prevent migraines before they start and how often patients need treatment to maintain their results.
4 Min. Read:
Table of Contents
- BOTOX® Basics
- How BOTOX® Prevents Migraines
- Who Is a Candidate for BOTOX® for Migraines?
- What to Expect With Your BOTOX® Treatments
- Common Side Effects After BOTOX® Injections
- How Long Does BOTOX® Last?
BOTOX® Basics
BOTOX® is a neurotoxin used to reduce muscle activity in targeted areas temporarily.
As a wrinkle smoother, BOTOX® Cosmetic works by blocking facial muscles that cause wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic was FDA-approved in 2002 for the treatment of wrinkles and has demonstrated safety and efficacy for more than two decades.
Before BOTOX® Cosmetic was introduced, BOTOX® was used as a medical treatment for various medical conditions, including uncontrollable eye twitching and severe neck spasms. Since its initial FDA approval in 1989, its use has been expanded for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), overactive bladder, and chronic migraines.
How BOTOX® Prevents Migraines
Scientists don’t know precisely how BOTOX® works to prevent migraines. They believe the neurotoxin may block neurotransmitters, which are chemicals released by nerves. These neurotransmitters carry pain signals to the brain. Blocking them may stop those pain signals, preventing the pain associated with migraines.
BOTOX® often works best as a migraine treatment when combined with other therapies, including lifestyle changes and other medications. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you, and you may need to adjust your treatment plan to achieve optimal relief.
Who Is a Candidate for BOTOX® for Migraines?
The FDA has approved BOTOX® for migraines in patients aged 18 or older who experience 15 or more headaches per month. At least eight of those headaches should meet migraine criteria. Many patients find that BOTOX® treatments reduce their headache frequency by 30–50%. Doctors have found that patients who suffer more headaches tend to get the best relief with BOTOX® injections.
Patients should have tried at least three other migraine treatments with no success before undergoing BOTOX® treatments. BOTOX® is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients with neuromuscular disorders like ALS or those who are allergic to the botulinum toxin should not undergo this treatment.
What to Expect With Your BOTOX® Treatments
Doctors inject BOTOX® in various areas that align with the major nerves in the head linked to migraines, including:
- Around the forehead
- Above the ears
- On the back of the head
- Along the neck and shoulders
Patients typically receive 30–40 small injections using a very fine needle. Treatments usually take less than 30 minutes, and patients rarely need downtime afterward.
Common Side Effects After BOTOX® Injections
BOTOX® is considered a safe treatment when administered by a provider with expertise and experience with the neurotoxin. Patients may experience these mild BOTOX® side effects, including:
- Redness and tenderness at the injection sites
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Drooping of the eyelid
These side effects usually resolve within a few days after the procedure. Some patients may notice their migraine attacks worsen before they get better. However, most see improvement over time.
How Long Does BOTOX® Last?
BOTOX® is a temporary treatment that must be repeated to maintain the therapeutic benefits. The national standard, as recommended by the American Headache Society, is to treat every 3 months.
Unfortunately, the treatment doesn’t always last quite that long, leaving patients in need of alternative medication or therapy for about two weeks of each cycle. Administering BOTOX® more frequently than every three months may increase the risk of developing antibodies to the neurotoxin, making future treatments ineffective.
Ready to Learn More About BOTOX® in Weston, FL?
Whether you are looking for a way to smooth away wrinkles in the upper face or relieve debilitating migraines, BOTOX® might be the appropriate treatment for you. Dr. Charles Messa is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. To learn more about your BOTOX® options in Weston, call our office at (954) 659-7760 or (877) 250-8117, or complete our online contact form to schedule your appointment.