Minor Procedures

Medications:

• Continue all regular medications. 

Health Conditions:

• Inform Dr Petre if you have neuromuscular disorders (like myasthenia gravis) or are pregnant/breastfeeding.

Skin Care:

• Prior to the procedure, shower and clean your face or the area to be injected.
• Do not apply makeup or creams on the day of the injection.

• Wear comfortable clothing, especially if injections are for the neck, shoulders, or arms.
• Arrive a few minutes early. 

• A tiny needle is used to inject Botox into targeted areas. 
• You may feel mild pinching or stinging.
• The procedure usually takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the number of injection sites

• You may experience mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site.
• Avoid rubbing or massaging the area for 24 hours.
• Remain upright for 2–4 hours after injections.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Botox effects typically start in 3–7 days and last for 3–4 months.

• Mild pain, swelling, or bruising at injection site
• Temporary headache or fatigue
• Rare: drooping eyelid, uneven smile, allergic reaction

• Dr Petre will review your progress around 12 weeks after the Botox injection. 

A Greater Occipital Nerve (GON) block is an office based medical procedure used to treat headaches, particularly migraine, chronic daily headache, cluster headaches, or occipital neuralgia. The greater occipital nerve, located at the back of the head near the scalp, is injected with a local anaesthetic, combined with a steroid, to reduce pain. 

• Relief from chronic headaches.
• Reduce inflammation or irritation of the occipital nerve.

Dr Petre performs GON blocks in the office. 

1. The patient sits with the head slightly forwards.
2. The site for the injection is identified.
3. The skin at the back of the head is cleaned.
4. A small amount of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected near the nerve.
5. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.

• Medications: Continue all regular medications. 
• Fasting: Not required
• Transportation: You will be able to drive to and from the procedure. 
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

• Wash your hair and scalp to reduce infection risk.
• Avoid applying oils, gels, or hair products.
• Arrive a few minutes early. 

• You may feel a brief pinch or sting when the injection is given.
• Some mild pressure or soreness at the injection site is normal.

• You may notice numbness or tingling in the back of the head for a few hours. 
• Mild soreness at the injection site is common for 1–2 days.
• Headache relief can be immediate or may take several days.
• Resume normal activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Watch for warning signs such as: severe swelling; redness or warmth at the injection site; fever

If any of these occur, contact Dr Petre.

• Temporary soreness, bruising, or numbness
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rare: infection, bleeding, nerve injury, allergic reaction

• Keep a headache diary to track improvements.
• Review will generally be arranged around 12 weeks after the injection