Botox Injections for Migraines

Botox injection treatment for migraines involves having 31 to 39 tiny injections into the muscles around your head, upper neck and shoulders. You will usually have a treatment session every 12 weeks. 

The procedure itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes, but your entire appointment may take a bit longer as your consultant will spend some time asking about your symptoms and explaining the procedure to you. 

During the procedure: 

1. You’ll be invited to sit or lie down in the treatment chair.

2. Your consultant will clean the injection sites.

3. Your consultant will use a fine needle to inject Botox into specific muscles, typically in your forehead, temples, the back of your head, neck, and shoulders, targeting areas where migraine pain and muscle tension often start.

Botox injections for migraines are a generally safe procedure, but as with any medical treatment, there is a small risk of side effects and complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible side effects of Botox injections before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible side effects of Botox injections for migraines include: 

• pain, bruising, or bleeding around the injection sites

• your migraines may get worse temporarily for the first couple of weeks after treatment 

• infection

• temporary drooping of your eyelids or eyebrows

• temporary muscle weakness

• muscle pain and/or stiffness

• allergic reaction

• the botulism toxin may spread to other areas, causing symptoms such as difficulty speaking or swallowing, muscle weakness and problems with your vision (this is very rare)

To prepare for your appointment: 

• avoid having any other facial treatments, such as clinical peels, within a few weeks of your Botox treatment 

• don’t use harsh skin care products such as those containing retinol, glycolic acid or strong exfoliants for at least two days before your Botox injection treatment

• avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least 2 days before your appointment

• tell your consultant about any medications you’re taking, and avoid medicines that can thin your blood, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, for a few days before your appointment

• drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment to ensure you stay hydrated

• eat a light, healthy breakfast on the day of your appointment 

• on the day of your appointment, wash your face with a mild cleanser and ensure your skin is clean and free from makeup, dirt, and oil

Recovery from Botox injections for migraines is generally quick, and you should be able to return to normal activities, including driving and going back to work, straight after your treatment. 

You may have side effects such as mild pain, tenderness or bruising where you had the injections. These typically improve within a few days. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol if you need to.  

After your Botox injections, you should avoid: 

• lying down or bending over for at least 4 hours 

• rubbing or massaging the injection sites for at least 24 hours

• strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours 

Many patients notice an improvement in their migraines after the first treatment, but you may not see the benefits until after your second set of injections, 12 weeks later. 

At Welbeck, we offer continued support and aftercare throughout your treatment. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns after your Botox injections for migraine treatment.

Please contact our Neurology centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our consultant neurologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book private Botox injections for migraines, you must be referred by either your GP or a consultant neurologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a consultant neurologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.