5 Additional Conditions That BOTOX Can Be Beneficial in Treating
While BOTOX has been around for plenty of years, it’s most popular with women and men for cosmetic purposes. When injected, it temporarily diminishes the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles, leaving the skin smooth and younger looking.
BOTOX has become increasingly popular as a cosmetic treatment. Although there are some facts you should know before getting BOTOX, this commonly used injectable has an easier recovery, is overall cheaper and is way less risky than having more invasive procedures like facelifts and other cosmetic surgeries. But did you know BOTOX can treat medical conditions as well?
BOTOX for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which excessive sweating affects the underarms, hands and the soles of the feet. While this condition can be embarrassing, fear not, as there are treatments available!
BOTOX can be injected into the affected area and, just like it freezes the muscles in the face to make it smooth, it paralyzes the glands that secrete sweat. And good news is, the results can last for up to a year!
BOTOX to Treat Acne and Scarring
Acne scarring, or pockmarks, can be another embarrassing condition that BOTOX can be beneficial to treat. When injected to the scarred area, BOTOX helps stop muscle contractions that pull on the scar, preventing the indentation from growing larger.
While BOTOX relieves the tension pulling on the scar, which helps make it less visible, BOTOX alone does not diminish the scar itself. A combination of BOTOX and fillers can work together to treat acne scars, as injectable fillers can then be used to “fill in” the acne scar after BOTOX is used to limit muscle movement. Additionally, BOTOX can be used to prevent excess sebum and oil in the pores therefore, limiting future acne breakouts!
Treating Strabismus with BOTOX
Strabismus is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal alignment of the eyes either causing squinting or crossed eyes. BOTOX can be injected directly into the affected muscle by assistance of an electromyogram (EMG), in which your physician uses the diagnostic procedure to find the specific antagonist muscle to inject.
Once injected, strabismus usually resolves in 24 to 48 hours and usually lasts 3 to 4 months before needing to be repeated. No more avoided eye contact or embarrassing stares!
BOTOX to Ease Cervical Torticollis/Dystonia Symptoms
Cervical torticollis, or dystonia, is a painful neck condition caused by severe muscle spasms. The uncontrollable spasms can cause a person’s neck to tilt forwards, backwards or to the side. This condition can range from mild to severe.
In extreme cases, a person’s head can be permanently tilted in one direction, causing decrease in range of motion and severe pain. Using BOTOX for dystonia treatment is one of the most effective ways to manage the symptoms of this condition.
When injected into the affected cervical muscles, BOTOX blocks the nerve signals from the brain telling the muscle to spasm. Full effect is usually noticeable around 2 to 4 weeks and can last for 3 to 4 months before repeat injections are required.
BOTOX for Treating Migraine Headaches
Migraines are severe headaches that can be accompanied by visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, sound or smell, nausea and vomiting.
BOTOX has been FDA approved in treatment for migraines and is injected in the pain fibers around the head and neck. The medication blocks the nerve endings that release the chemicals associated with migraine headaches. When done every 12 weeks, BOTOX becomes more of a maintenance procedure, as it reduces the frequency and severity of headaches with each dose.
Another bonus, because one of the common injection locations for BOTOX for migraines is around the forehead, not only will you have less headaches, you’ll have a the added benefit of younger looking skin!
Melissa Brady is the Pain Management Expert at MedicareFAQ, a learning resource center for seniors. Melissa loves writing about all fields of healthcare. Aside from writing, she enjoys boating and fishing on the weekends with her husband.
