Migraine Treatment

Chronic migraine is defined as headache on at least 15 days a month for more than three months, with migraine features on at least eight of those days. It can be disabling and is often harder to control with over-the-counter or standard prescription medicines alone, which is why preventive treatments are considered.

Given as a series of tiny injections at set points around the head, neck and shoulders, botulinum toxin is thought to reduce the release of pain-signalling chemicals along the small nerves that carry pain from the head, helping to interrupt the feedback loop that perpetuates migraine. It is used to reduce how often migraines occur.

No. Botulinum toxin is a preventive treatment that may reduce the frequency and burden of chronic migraine for many people, but it does not cure migraine and the condition can return if treatment is stopped. It is best understood as one part of an ongoing management plan.

No. This is a preventive treatment given on a schedule to reduce how often migraines happen; it does not relieve an acute attack that is already underway. You would continue to use your usual acute migraine medicines as advised for individual attacks.

Treatment uses a recognised set of injection points across the forehead, temples, the back of the head, the neck and the shoulders. The injections are small and shallow, and the standard pattern is planned for you at your assessment.

Treatment is typically repeated about every 12 weeks. It is continued while it is helping, and we review the response using your headache diary to judge whether to continue and how to adjust the plan over time.

Botulinum toxin for migraine builds over time rather than acting immediately. Many people notice improvement after the first or second round of injections. Keeping a headache diary from the start helps us judge your response objectively across cycles.

Most people tolerate it well. Very fine needles are used and the injections feel like brief pinpricks; anaesthetic is not usually needed. The appointment is short, and any tenderness afterwards is usually mild and short-lived.

Downtime is minimal — most people return to normal activities the same day. Mild redness, small bruising or a short-lived headache or neck ache can occur and settles quickly. We provide simple aftercare advice.

Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine for many years and is generally well tolerated for migraine prevention when given by an experienced practitioner. As a prescription medicine, it should only be given after a medical assessment, and an accurate migraine diagnosis is essential. Dr Nina will discuss any less common risks at your consultation.

Side effects are usually minor and temporary: mild redness, small bruising or tenderness at the injection sites, a short-lived headache or neck ache, or temporary neck stiffness. Less commonly, mild, temporary weakness or slight brow or eyelid heaviness can occur near injection sites and settles as the effect wears off.

Yes. Migraine management often combines several approaches — identifying and reducing triggers, lifestyle and sleep measures, and acute or preventive medicines — alongside treatments like this where appropriate. A combined, individualised plan is usually most effective, and Dr Nina will discuss this with you.

Where jaw clenching and grinding (bruxism) contribute to your headaches, relaxing the masseter muscle with our jawline slimming treatment may help that specific component. Chronic migraine itself is treated with the dedicated migraine injection pattern. Dr Nina will assess your symptoms and advise which approach, or combination, is appropriate.

Migraine treatment at Facial Sculpting is from £760 per session. As it is repeated about every 12 weeks, your plan and the schedule are discussed and confirmed after your medical assessment.

Yes. Because botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine and migraine needs an accurate diagnosis, a consultation and medical assessment are required to review your headache history and previous treatments, confirm suitability, set realistic expectations, and agree your plan and price.