Migraines can be debilitating especially when the pain persists, casting a shadow over daily life. When conventional medicine falls short, what’s the solution? Here at Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai Marina, our esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr. Maurizio Viel, unveils the transformative power of Botox in alleviating migraines. Botox has been approved as a pain relief by the NHS in the UK also.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a condition that can cause several symptoms, including severe, pulsing, and debilitating headaches. These are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. They tend to occur on one side of the head and can last from a few hours to a few days.
What is Botox?
Botox, also known as Botulinum Toxin, is renowned for its cosmetic applications in reducing wrinkles and fine lines. However, not many know that its therapeutic uses extend far beyond aesthetics. This purified protein acts by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter that is responsible for muscle contraction, which prevents your muscles from moving. Although Botox is widely acknowledged for its cosmetic advantages, its therapeutic capabilities are equally noteworthy. Among these, its remarkable ability to alleviate muscle tension is central in providing relief.
Why Botox for Migraines?
Chronic migraines are characterised by intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. For individuals grappling with these debilitating symptoms, conventional treatments may offer limited relief. Botox works by blocking the neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from the brain before they reach the nerve endings around the head and neck.
An initial consultation with Dr. Maurizio Viel will help determine the right amount of Botox and the location of the injections, personalised to where the patient’s requirements lie. The injections, administered to the scalp and neck, are intended to provide uniform coverage across both sides of the head. They are not painful (think more of a ‘pinch and a pinprick’ rather than a deep injection) and are administered quickly with minimal downtime and bruising, usually lasting only 15 to 30 minutes. You may experience a few small red marks at the injection sites immediately after treatment, but these are temporary and fade quickly.
By targeting specific muscles in your head and neck, Botox helps loosen them up, which can help reduce how often and severe your migraines are.
How long does Botox last for?
Within a span of days to weeks, numerous patients often experience a significant decrease in both the frequency and intensity of migraines following Botox treatment. Typically, the benefits of Botox persist for approximately three to six months, with follow-up injections to sustain the desired outcome. Dr. Maurizio Viel, at Cornerstone Clinic, Dubai Marina, will tailor the dose according to your needs.
Results can last longer with repeated treatments!
To book a Botox consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our plastic surgeon, Dr Maurizio Viel.
Dr Maurizio Viel is a licensed plastic surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Milan, Italy and finished his studies in aesthetic plastic surgery in London, UK. He has been a practising plastic surgeon for over 30 years, working between Harley Street, London, Dubai, and Milan.
17 April 2024
