Surprising Uses for Botox

Surprising Uses for Botox

Botox is a popular treatment for facial wrinkles, but there are many surprising uses for Botox. Botox works by using low doses of botulinum toxin to paralyze muscles and inhibit sweat glands. Botox is commonly used in cosmetic procedures to treat crow’s feet, forehead lines, and eyebrow furrows. However, Botox can be used to treat a variety of other conditions such as:

Migraines: Botox is FDA-approved to treat migraine headaches. Migraines are painful headaches that can also cause nausea and sensitivity to light. Botox can be injected into several different locations including the temples, neck, shoulders, and forehead. Botox can dramatically reduce the frequency of migraines.

Excessive Sweating: Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is a result of overactive sweat glands. Botox is a temporary treatment for excessive sweating. Botox is injected into the sweat glands under the skin to block the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. Botox can reduce sweating for six to seven months.

Chronic Neck Pain: A 2012 study showed that Botox significantly improved pain levels and quality of life in people with chronic neck pain. When Botox is injected into the muscles it blocks the signals that causes excessive muscle tightening and pain.

Incontinence: Botox is FDA approved to treat overactive bladders. A physician injects Botox into the bladder where it relaxes the muscles. Clinical studies have shown that Botox can decrease incontinence for up to nine months.

Crossed eyes: Crossed eyes, or strabismus, occurs when the eyes appear to be misaligned or pointed in different directions. Usually this results from weakness of the muscles in the eyes. In the 60’s, an ophthalmologist discovered that botulinum toxin could treat crossed eyes. It is still used today to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking.

If you are interested in a Botox treatment, always consult a certified medical professional. Call 678-691-0880 to schedule a consultation with our board-certified physician in the Atlanta area.