San Diego Plastic Surgeon Discusses Potential Migraine Benefits from Facelifts

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 08, 2013 (Press-News.org) According to a new study of a special facelift technique, debilitating migraine headaches may become a thing of the past. Dr. John T. Alexander II (www.alexandersurgery.com), a prominent San Diego plastic surgeon with experience treating migraines with BOTOX, discusses the potential health benefits that patients may gain from this procedure.

"This facelift technique is a new approach toward migraine treatment that addresses the pain at the source, rather than treating the symptoms," explains Dr. Alexander. "My practice already offers advanced migraine treatment using BOTOX to target tightened muscles that can cause migraine pain. But for some people, a surgical solution could lead to better outcomes and long-lasting relief of migraine symptoms."

The study in question, published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, examines patients with migraines that have specific origins in a localized area of the head. Preliminary research was undertaken through BOTOX injections directly to the trigger points. A portion of the patients who experienced relief of migraine symptoms as a result of the temporary muscle paralysis gained from the BOTOX then received the specialized facelift surgery. Fifty-seven percent of the patients who had surgery reported that their migraines had been completely eliminated, and 84 percent reported at least a 50 percent improvement in symptoms.

"This technique could mean a huge improvement in the overall quality of life for migraine sufferers," says Dr. Alexander. "At my practice, we've already seen great success with treating migraine treatments using BOTOX injections and the benefits are really rewarding."

Although primarily used for treating skin wrinkles, the mechanism of BOTOX makes it an effective migraine treatment as well. BOTOX paralyzes the muscles that cause "dynamic wrinkles" due to repeated facial expressions. Similarly, BOTOX injections can paralyze the muscles that may be responsible for triggering a migraine attack. It's thought that BOTOX may also calm the nerve endings on the surface of the brain that cause irritation and inflammation and lead to severe pain.
BOTOX is FDA-approved to treat those who suffer chronic migraines. Since the body absorbs BOTOX over the next several months, maintenance treatments are recommended for ongoing relief of symptoms.

"I will be following the studies of this new surgical treatment of migraines to see if the technique is worth incorporating into our practice in the future," says Dr. Alexander. "Increasing quality of life for our patients is always our top priority."

Alexander Cosmetic Surgery (http://www.alexandersurgery.com) has been San Diego's leader in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic plastic surgery since 1964. Led by father and son duo, Drs. John T. Alexander, M.D., and John T. Alexander II, M.D., F.A.C.S., J.D., the clinic has a history of patient dedication and care, while leading the way with innovative treatments such as the QuickLift procedure.