Botox, which derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, has many applications. But perhaps most prominently, it helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for them.
But it also has other beneficial uses, such as treating conditions like chronic migraine and droopy jaw. So, if you're interested in learning more about this drug, here are eight best uses everyone should know:
Reduces Facial Wrinkles
If you have wrinkle-prone skin around your eyes, forehead or mouth, Botox can help soften them out. It works by blocking acetylcholine--a chemical messenger that signals muscle cells to contract--from reaching these areas.
Dynamic wrinkles, such as crow's feet around your eyes or lines on the forehead, can also treated with this remedy.
Doctors commonly utilize Botox for medical conditions like chronic migraines, neck spasms and excessive sweating. But it can also used safely for cosmetic purposes.
During the procedure, we inject botulinum toxin into specific facial muscles to prevent them from moving and creating wrinkles. This reduces the signs of aging and makes your complexion appear younger and more vibrant.
Reduces Migraines and Headaches
For those suffering from chronic migraines, Botox is a safe and reliable solution to stop headaches in their tracks. Injected into seven different muscle areas around your head and neck every 12 weeks, this injection provides temporary relief.
The injections work by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a chemical neurotransmitter responsible for pain signals. Furthermore, it prevents substance P from irritating nerve endings on the trigeminal nerve that cause tension or migraine headaches.
OBTA also reduces blood levels of CGRP, a protein elevated in migraine patients. This decrease believed to be one of the primary mechanisms behind OBTA's effectiveness.
OBTA has approved in many countries for the prevention of chronic migraines. If you suffer from frequent and intense migraines and have tried unsuccessfully to take other oral preventative medications, your healthcare provider may suggest OBTA. It is best to speak with a doctor or neurologist who has experience using this medication to treat migraines.
Reduces Excessive Underarm Sweating
If you're dealing with excessive armpit sweating that not caused by a medical condition, there are several treatments that may help. Some are over-the-counter while others require prescription medications. Botox is an FDA-approved injectable that can use to reduce the excessive under arm sweating. The results are excellent with no downtime.
If over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants don't work for you, your doctor may suggest a stronger topical treatment such as aluminum salts. These contain chemicals that cause sweat glands to swell, stopping the body from producing excessive sweat.
However, even strong antiperspirants cannot completely stop excessive sweating. Furthermore, they tend to be short-acting and must be reapplied throughout the day.
Other at-home remedies that may provide some relief include washing your arms with mild soap and wearing clothing made of cotton - the softest materials for absorbing moisture. Cotton, linen and wool are particularly effective at this task.
Other options that can reduce underarm sweat include anticholinergic medications like QBrexza and iontophoresis - which involves submerging hands and feet in a shallow tray of water and passing a mild electrical current through it.
Overactive Bladder
About 30 million Americans suffer from overactive bladder (OAB). This disorder causes an intense, sudden urge to go to the bathroom - and could potentially result in leaks if you don't take action quickly enough.
An overactive bladder typically caused by signals sent by your brain telling the bladder to squeeze even when not full. This can lead to frequent leaks and the need to go to the bathroom frequently - more than seven times per day or once at night.
Injecting Botox into the bladder muscle partially paralyzes it, making it easier to control your bladder. This can reduce leakage and urgency, with many people reporting improvement after their first treatment.
A urologist, an expert in treating urinary tract disorders, can assess your symptoms and recommend the most suitable treatment plan. They may suggest a combination of behavioral changes, medications or nerve stimulation if necessary; all safe and effective options. The first step towards getting better is scheduling an appointment with your provider today!
Crossed-eyes
Botox, an FDA-approved neurotoxin that smoothes wrinkles and improves skin tone, is also a successful treatment for crossed eyes (strabismus). Crossed-eyes or eye twitching may be cause by excessive muscle activity.
Double vision, poor depth perception and a distorted field of view can cause by this condition, making it difficult for individuals to read, focus and complete daily tasks.
Many people with strabismus are ineligible for surgery, so Botox is an effective solution. It injected into the extraocular muscles that pull the eyes out of alignment, causing them to relax and allow your vision to return to normal.
This injection takes around 2-3 days to begin working, 1-2 weeks for maximum effect and then wears off over several weeks, leaving patients with improved eyesight. Unfortunately, this procedure may cause double vision or disorientation at first; thus, it is recommended that those who cannot tolerate wearing an eye patch during this period refrain from having this treatment.
Corrects Strabismus
Botox is a non-invasive solution for children and adults with strabismus, administered directly into the extraocular muscles that control eye alignment.
Double vision may occur or develop into amblyopia (lazy eye). Treatment for this condition is difficult and it may cause other eye issues like irritation and discomfort.
Injections of this neurotoxin temporarily weaken the muscle, allowing it to relax. This can help correct misalignments that are small or large.
To date, this method has proven to be safe and effective in treating a wide range of misalignments. It can be use as an alternative to surgery when treating strabismus in adults and children alike.
Injected, this toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, impairing neuromuscular transmission and leading to temporary weakness as well as overcorrection of strabismus (muscular misalignment).
Lessens Neck and Shoulder Pains
Botox is an FDA-approved injectable that can use to reduce the pains associated with several medical conditions. It's particularly useful in treating cervical dystonia, spasmodic torticollis and whiplash.
Botox works by paralyzing muscles, which helps reduce involuntary muscle contractions that cause neck and shoulder pains. It may also be effective at relieving symptoms caused by conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome and migraine headaches.
People with chronic neck and shoulder pain who don't respond to other at-home treatments or medical therapy can benefit from this treatment. Injections administered by a doctor are usually follow by physical therapy for strengthening the affected area.
Treatment with Botox can last anywhere from three to 12 months, depending on the condition treated and dose prescribed by your doctor. It may also cause mild to severe side effects like bruising or headaches; if any of these occur, notify your physician right away.
Minimizes Acne
Botox, best known for its ability to freeze facial muscles that cause wrinkles, has many other uses as well. One such benefit is that it reduces acne scarring - an unsightly condition that can be debilitating for those with sensitive skin.
One of the best ways to reduce acne breakouts is by stopping oil production that causes them. Botox injections into skin's sebaceous glands can do just that, as their reduction in oil production reduces pimple size and number as well.
The only drawback to tiny injections is that they may leave behind a slightly raised spot on your skin; however, this can easily be fixed with moisturizer or sunscreen and some TLC from you favorite moisturizer or sunscreen.
Some less frequent side effects include a local bacterial infection and headache, but these are usually minor enough to be ignored quickly. According to the FDA, it's best to only get Botox from trusted sources in order to minimize these risks. The biggest medical concern arises if the toxin spreads beyond where it injected, leading to muscle weakness or double vision requiring immediate medical assistance.
