Occipital Botox is the Latest trending ‘tox Treatment—Here’s Why
If you thought Botox was just for smoothing frown lines or slimming the jawline, think again. More and more patients are discovering the surprising functional benefits of Botox to the back of the head. This treatment is known as “Occipital Botox,” and it may be an excellent option to help release tension and provide relief in ways you may not expect.
What is Occipital Botox?
Occipital Botox is the application of a strategic dose of neurotoxin—we offer Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau—to the muscles at the back of the head, just above the neck. These muscles at the base of the skull, known as the occipital muscles, help control head and neck movement and often become tense from stress, poor posture, or underlying conditions like migraines.
When these muscles are relaxed with Botox, it relieves pressure and tension throughout the upper body. Occipital Botox is quickly gaining popularity among patients who want real, lasting relief without relying solely on medication.
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Occipital Botox may be an excellent option to help relieve chronic headaches, upper back tightness, or posture-related discomfort.
What are the benefits of Botox to the back of the head?
This treatment may not be as well-known as masseter Botox or Botox for forehead lines, but the results speak for themselves:
1. Headache and migraine relief
Chronic tension in the occipital muscles is a common trigger for migraines and tension headaches. Injecting a neurotoxin into these occipital muscles can help calm nerve activity and reduce muscle strain—two major contributors to headache frequency and severity. Patients who receive neurotoxin injections for chronic headaches typically experience fewer episodes and improved quality of life.
2. Neck and upper back tension release
Do you feel like you carry stress in your shoulders? You’re not alone. This tension in your shoulders can be caused by everything from hours sitting at a desk to high-stress lifestyles. Botox in the occipital area can help release that chronic tightness to help your neck and upper back feel loose and more relaxed.
3. Support for posture and spinal alignment
When the muscles at the base of the skull are constantly overworking, they can actually pull on your neck and upper back and throw off your alignment. Botox can reduce that tension and allow your posture to return to a more natural state, helping ease strain on your neck, shoulders, and spine.
It’s not a fix-all, but it can be a significant complement to chiropractic care, physical therapy, or ergonomic adjustments.
“Only place I’ve been happy with my Botox!”
—5-star Google review
What is treatment like?
After a consultation to determine your candidacy, our experienced injector Andrea—our go-to neurotoxin expert—will map out a customized treatment plan for your needs. Using a small needle, she places a few precise injections into the occipital region. Your appointment is quick and relatively painless. Most patients describe it as a series of small, quick pinches.
There’s no downtime, although you might experience mild soreness at the injection sites for a day or two. Your full results typically appear within 7 to 14 days, and you can enjoy some much-needed relief for up to 3 to 4 months. The longevity of your results depends on how long it takes for Botox to wear off—this varies slightly from person to person, and also depends on the brand of neurotoxin used. You can maintain your results with touch-up injections every few months!
How is occipital Botox different from masseter Botox?
Both treatments work by relaxing overactive muscles, but they address different problem areas. Masseter Botox targets the jaw muscles to slim the face or relieve jaw clenching and TMJ, whereas occipital Botox focuses on relaxing the upper neck and skull region. Patients who experience jaw tension and headaches may benefit from both treatments to get full upper-body tension relief.
Is Occipital Botox right for me?
Occipital Botox isn’t for everyone, but it may be an option if:
- You have chronic tension headaches or migraines
- You carry stress in your neck and shoulders
- You’re looking for a non-invasive way to ease postural strain
- You’re interested in a supportive treatment for physical therapy or chiropractic care
The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation with a provider who has experience specifically in performing occipital neurotoxin injections.
Let’s help you feel better—starting at the back of your head.
At our Joplin medical spa, we’re passionate about helping our patients with more than just cosmetic treatments. Feeling your best is just as important to us and we would love to meet with you and explain how we can help.
Call Maningas Wellness + Injectables, located within Maningas Cosmetic Surgery, at 417-437-0303 or schedule your consultation with Andrea or a member of our team.