I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that? (Photos)

Question

I loved my eye brow shape before BOTOX. I am a chronic migraineur and BOTOX brings immense relief. But, it distorts the brow shape, even when the dr injects high in the forehead. Is there anything to be done? Besides being distorted, the brows are not symmetrical between L and R.

Orna Fisher, MD · Answer

When botox is done specifically for the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches the priority is different than when we do it for cosmetic purposes. If you are really bothered by how your eye brows look now, my suggestion is that once this round has almost worn off, you have it done for cosmetic reasons and see if it still works for your headaches. Of course insurance won't pay for that, but it's very possible that you will have both benefits, as a number of my patients do. If you try it and it doesn't work nearly as well for your migraines then you will know what you have to do.

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  There are a few options that my help your situation: One would be to either lower the dosage used in your forehead (which may result in more frequent visits as the Botox may not last as long in lighter doses). Another option is to have your injector focus on the temporalis muscle, since most migraines tend to affect the side of the head rather than the forehead.  You may also try visiting an injector who specializes in aesthetics to treat the forehead for wrinkles so that  symmetry is achieved, and consequently, will get relief of your migraines!  Best of luck.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Natasha. The doses of Botox that we give to the forehead for Migraine treatment and prevention is often much higher than what we give for cosmetic purposes. This can cause significant weakening of the forehead muscle and dropping of the brow with loss of shape. You have to consider what is more important to you, migraine prevention or nicer shaped brows. Options for this would include using less Botox and placing the Botox differently to maintain your brow shape. Discuss your concerns with your injector. Hope this helps answer your question.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I think you can have a conversion with your injector and discuss the issue with the eyebrows and show them the photos. It's possible with very careful technique some of the changes can be lessened and perhaps you will feel more satisfaction.Good luck, Dr. ALDO

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

So I would suggest you see the board certified plastic surgeon who has experience treating migraines with Botox. There are other surgical techniques the plastic surgeons have which can permanently remove the nerves that trigger the migraines. This would allow you not to get the field effect of Botox across her forehead and would leave your eyebrow shape as is. I personally know that Botox works great for migraines but with long-term use it may be more cost-effective to consider a surgical procedure. Best of luck, Dr. Boschert

I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that?

Answer: I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that?

Answer: Botox and migraines

Answer: Botox and migraines

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I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that?

Answer: I use Botox for migraine prevention but it distorts my eyebrows, is there a way around that?

Answer: Botox and migraines

Answer: Botox and migraines

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.