5 Surprising Ways In Which Botox Is Used

The versatility of Botox stems from its power to paralyze muscles, which, in treatment, can be beneficial for the management of a wide array of disorders. Get to know Botox a little better and be amazed at its wonderful benefits.

What Is Botox Used For?

When people think of Botox, they inevitably think of it as a cosmetic treatment to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. While the association is far from wrong - given that Botox is the most popular cosmetic product used today - it is also incredibly limited.

Aside from its cosmetic benefits, Botox is used to treat over 20 medical conditions, including eye disorders, overactive bladders, underarm sweating, erectile dysfunction, and muscle spasms. Here is a list of 5 major medical conditions that Botox is being used to treat:

1. Botox For Achalasia: This condition makes it difficult to swallow food, given that the esophagus, which links the mouth to the stomach, has difficulty relaxing/opening. To treat it, Botox is injected into the lower portion of the esophagus around the muscle that attaches to the stomach, causing it to relax so that food can pass through. Like with most other Botox procedures, the results are temporary, but a great alternative for people who are not candidates for surgery.

2. Botox For Chronic Migraine: Defined as "sick headaches," migraines are debilitating headaches that come accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last over 4 hours and return as often as 15 times in a month. To treat chronic migraines, around 30 units of Botox are injected around the neck and forehead.

3. Botox For Depression: The use of Botox to treat depression is very new but it has shown significant improvements in the symptoms of patients. Investigators at the Hannover Medical School in Germany found that treating the facial muscles responsive to emotion diminishes the symptoms of depression. "Our emotions are expressed by facial muscles, which in turn send feedback signals to the brain to reinforce those emotions. Treating facial muscles with botulinum toxin interrupts this cycle." said investigating professor Tillmann Kruger.

4. Botox For Hyperhidrosis: More commonly referred to as "excessive sweating," hyperhidrosis is a condition often treated with Botox. The injections are great for treating underarm sweating by simply deactivating the sweat glands for months at a time. This may be the most effective procedure for this condition and fortunately, we do offer it at Vado Plastic Surgery in Orlando!

5. Botox For Blepharospasm: This condition is defined by abnormal, uncontrolled blinking or movement of the eyelids. While this condition may happen as a result of fatigue or emotional tension, it can grow to become chronic. In these cases, Botox is a great treatment option to relax the muscles that are causing the excessive blinking.

Knowing all the different ways in which Botox is used is such an eye-opener and demystifier. Although Botox is often viewed as a superficial procedure, it can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of several legitimate medical conditions or diseases. Botox is incredibly versatile, and we love seeing it being used more and more to help patients with both cosmetic and medical issues. We always strive to offer the most innovative Botox treatments, and we already offer it for hyperhidrosis. If you think Botox can help you with your medical needs, feel free to book a consultation with our Injection Specialist, Michelle Fletcher!