Botox is one of the most widely-used and successful treatments for temporarily reducing unwanted wrinkles from the forehead, around the eyes, between the eyebrows and around the mouth. These are the muscles most involved in facial expression, and the lines caused by movement deepen over time. An injection relaxes the muscles over a period of a few days, and lasts for about 3-4 months.
However, Botox has another trick up its sleeve. It can also be a very effective treatment for headaches and migraines! Headaches are a very common condition most of us will experience if we’re stressed, sleep-deprived, dehydrated, or sick. Migraines take it to the next level. They’re an intense and debilitating form of headaches that can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Talk to your doctor before making any decisions.
Want to learn more? Request an appointment.
HOW DOES BOTOX HELP HEADACHES?
The FDA approved Botox for use in treating chronic migraines – meaning people who live with migraines for 15 days a month or more – back in 2010. Botox is a drug that essentially blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, which means it temporarily reduces muscle contractions.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, it can be injected around the pain fibers that cause the headaches, which can block the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. It’s an incredible drug that’s capable of much more than just smoothing out the lines on your face.
It’s really important to discuss your headaches with your physician. They’ll be able to conduct an examination that will help find potential causes and rule out underlying conditions.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHERE TO GET BOTOX?
Our clinician, Sara Dunlop, is a registered nurse who specializes in aesthetic and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. She has extensive experience and has participated in multiple advanced training courses throughout the United States and Canada, including training offered by offered by the company that manufactures Botox. She’s currently the #1 Botox injector in Alaska.
Sara specializes in creating individualized results. She loves it when her clients send through images, or stop by the clinic, to show the amazing results of her treatment. Here are two examples:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4EDdOKgNBr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6PJwzdHEvC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
When it comes to choosing the right person to administer the Botox, Sara says it’s really important to do your research. (If you think it’s expensive to be injected by an expert, wait until you’re treated by an amateur!) She’s highly skilled at injecting Botox and correcting bad injections.
“Botox and injectable fillers are prescription products that need to be injected by someone who is thoroughly trained and legally allowed to inject,” she says.
Here are some things she recommends you keep in mind:
- Choose someone who injects Botox as their full-time job, because it’s hard to build expertise if this is only something your clinician does on the side.
- Look for an injector who has been working for at least a few years. This is medicine, and it’s both an art and a science. It requires time and experience.
- Ask your clinician about their training. This includes their original training, as well as their continuing education. A one-day course isn’t enough!
- Check out their before and after pictures to see if you like the results.
- Ensure they have a degree in nursing or medicine, either as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor.
Curious about Sara? View her profile here and her Instagram here.
WHAT IS BOTOX TREATMENT LIKE?
When you come to AK Beautiful You to get Botox, your consultation will start with a discussion of your desired result, before an examination and evaluation of your unique facial musculature, and a thorough explanation of how Botox works. Your clinician will educate you about recommended dosage, possible side effects, and activity restrictions following the injection.
The injection itself feels like a small pinch. You may feel some pressure, or a sting, as the Botox is injected into your skin. There will be a small needle mark afterwards that will quickly disappear.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BOTOX?
Most patients do not experience any unwanted side effects from Botox injections. However, if they occur, they may include bruising, tenderness at the injection side, swelling, and headaches.
Ready to see what Botox can do to ease your pain? Request an appointment.