Most people have heard of Botox and know it as a treatment for wrinkles, but it actually has a number of other uses that are extremely effective. Botox has been approved to treat several medical conditions as well as being used for cosmetic enhancements. This BLOG will outline 5 medical conditions unrelated to aesthetics that Botox has been approved for, or has shown to be an effective treatment for, as well as 5 cosmetic uses for the medication.
Botox has been proven to treat the following medical conditions:
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Botox has been proven to be effective at controlling excessive sweating in the underarm area as well as the face, head, hands, feet, etc. Botox has been shown to reduce excessive sweating in these areas by almost 90%. Of course, a certain amount of sweating is necessary to keep the body’s temperature regulated. However, when sweat glands are over productive, it can be an embarrassing problem.
Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes drooping on one side of the face. It is a type of paralysis of the facial nerves that is caused by the stimulation of a specific cranial nerve. Botox works on the facial muscles, relaxing them to make recovery from Bell’s Palsy possible.
Teeth Grinding
By injecting small doses of Botox directly into the masseter muscle (the large muscle that moves the jaw), the muscle is weakened enough to stop involuntary grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw. This significantly relaxes the muscle and reduces the wear and tear on the teeth due to grinding.
Migraines and headaches
Small doses of Botox can help reduce migraine attacks. In fact, it’s one of the earliest Botox medical uses that the FDA approved in 2010. Two large studies showed enough benefit (reduction in headache days and improved quality of life) that the FDA approved this treatment for chronic migraine.
Acne
Studies have shown that Botox injected into active acne outbreaks can lessen the oil production and eventually lead to less acne.
Here are 5 aesthetic uses for Botox:
Gummy smile
A gummy smile is when one smiles, the lip rests high on the gums. People with a gummy smile may feel their teeth are smaller than normal, may be reluctant to smile, or even self-conscious about their smile. However, a gummy smile can be improved through Botox treatment.
Reverse a downturned mouth
The depressor anguli oris (DAO) acts to depress the lateral corners of the mouth. Patients benefit from the injection of small amounts of Botox — either in isolation or in conjunction with soft tissue injections — to enable the elevators to re-position the corners of the mouth in a more up-turned and smile-like position.
Eyebrow lift
Treatment with Botox elevates the height of the eyebrows and opens up the eyes. This works by relaxing the underlying muscles and the muscles between the brows. This allows the forehead muscles to pull up the now-relaxed muscles between the brows, thereby giving a more awake look and more visibility of the upper eye lid.
Lip flip
The Botox lip flip involves the precise placement of just a few units of botox along the upper lip muscle, near the border, to relax and “flip” the lip to make more of the upper lip visible. This creates a fuller, plumper, but natural-appearing upper lip with the use of fillers.
Lower face and neck lift
As we age gravity pulls on our lower face, leading to sagging jowls, decreased elasticity and hanging skin of the chin, neck and lower face. Injecting Botox in this area can provide a subtle lift and smoother jawline.
