Who is it suitable for?
Considered, alongside neurological assessment, for people diagnosed with chronic migraine who need preventive treatment. Infrequent migraine and tension-type headache are not what this treatment addresses. It does not work like a painkiller and will not stop an attack in progress.
How does it work?
Botulinum toxin reduces transmission at nerve endings associated with pain at specific points. The aim is not to stop an attack but to reduce how often attacks come and how severe they are over time. The result is therefore judged across a process, not after one application.
How is it performed?
The treatment is applied to defined points across the forehead, temples, back of the head, neck and shoulders. The distribution follows the protocol established for this indication; it is not the same application as cosmetic botulinum toxin.
What to watch for afterwards
Avoid lying down for a few hours afterwards and do not rub the treated areas. A temporary feeling of heaviness in the neck can occur. Existing migraine medication is not stopped except on the advice of your neurologist.
This treatment is not for everyone
Who should not have it?
Not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, where there is infection in the treatment area, or with a known allergy to the components. If the character of the headache has changed recently, neurological assessment comes first.
Frequently asked
About this treatment
How does it differ from cosmetic botulinum toxin?
The purpose, the areas treated and the distribution of points all differ. In cosmetic treatment the target is expression lines; here, treatment follows a protocol defined for this indication, across points on the head, neck and shoulders.
When does the effect start?
The effect is not immediate; a change in how often attacks come reads over weeks. Judging the result after a single application would be wrong — the process is followed over time.
How long does the effect last?
It is not permanent and fades over time. Because it is planned as preventive treatment, timing for a repeat is set at your review, together with neurological assessment.
Do I need to stop my current migraine medication?
No. This treatment does not replace your medication, and anything you take regularly is changed only on your neurologist's advice. Do not stop it on your own.
Will it change my expression?
Because the treatment points differ from cosmetic treatment, restricting expression is not the aim. A slight change in expression can be felt from the points on the forehead; this is temporary.
Does it help with tension-type headache?
This treatment is defined for chronic migraine. Tension-type headache is a different picture and the same response should not be expected. The type of headache should be clarified by neurological assessment before treatment.
What should I do before the appointment?
Medicines and supplements that thin the blood — aspirin, ibuprofen-type painkillers, vitamin E, omega-3 — make bruising more likely. Tell us before your appointment if you take any; whether and when to pause them is your doctor's decision. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own. If you have a history of cold sores, say so: an injection can trigger one.
Does it hurt? Is anaesthetic used?
Very fine needles are used, and a topical anaesthetic cream is applied beforehand where it helps. Most people describe a mild sting. Pain thresholds differ, so if you are uncomfortable during the procedure just say so — it can be paused and more can be done.
Can it be done during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Aesthetic injections are not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is not enough safety data for these periods, so they are avoided. Tell us beforehand if you are or might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Who performs the treatment?
The assessment, the planning and the injection are all carried out by Dr. Burak Gümüşçü. What will be done, why, and what the alternatives are is explained before anything begins.
Which products are used?
Only licensed, single-use, sterile products. If you would like to know the name and contents of the product being used, that is shared at the consultation, and the packaging is opened in front of you.
Why is there no price on the site?
Türkiye's health advertising rules prohibit clinics from publishing prices or promotional offers. Beyond that, the amount used and the number of sessions vary from person to person, so a single figure would be misleading. Your own figure is given directly after the consultation.
Can another treatment be done in the same session?
Some treatments can be planned together in one session; others need to be spaced apart. That is decided after the face is assessed as a whole — the aim is to get the order right, not to add procedures.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Treatment decisions follow a medical examination, and results vary between individuals.