Although people still often think of Botox Cosmetic as simply a wrinkle eraser, it has a number of medical functions. Before it took the world by storm as a treatment for temporarily smoothing lines and wrinkles on the forehead and by the corners of the eyes, Botox Cosmetic was FDA approved for treating conditions such as strabismus, or crossed eyes, and cervical dystonia, a condition that causes the neck muscles to spasm. After it was approved by the FDA for treating wrinkles, it received approval for use in treating a number of other ailments.
Ease Migraine Pain
In 2010, the FDA approved Botox Cosmetic as a treatment for chronic migraines. It’s worth noting that Botox Cosmetic for migraines is only FDA approved for people who have a chronic form of the condition, meaning they have migraines on 15 or more days each month.
The injections work in a preventative manner, meaning they don’t treat headaches that are already in progress. Instead, they work to reduce the number of days each month that a person has a migraine. When Botox Cosmetic is given for migraines, treatments are spaced about 12 weeks apart. During a single treatment, a patient usually receives 31 injections in the forehead, back of the neck, temples and shoulders.
Calm an Overactive Bladder
Botox Cosmetic injections can also help calm an overactive bladder. In 2013, the FDA approved the injectable as a treatment for urinary incontinence and overactive bladders. As it does when used to treat migraines or smooth wrinkles, Botox Cosmetic works by keeping certain nerves from signaling the muscles that cause the bladder to contract.
It can help patients with bladder problems caused by a neurologic condition (such as Parkinsons, MS or a spinal cord injury) in three ways. The treatment lowers the pressure on the bladder, can increase the capacity of the bladder, and reduces incidences of leakage from the bladder. It’s meant as an alternative treatment for people who haven’t seen results from other options or who can’t tolerate the effects of other options.
When used to treat an overactive bladder, Botox Cosmetic is injected directly into the bladder wall. In many cases, patients are given antibiotics before and after the injection, to help prevent a urinary tract infection. The doctor will usually test a patient before the treatment to make sure there is no infection. After treatment, you’ll usually have to return to the doctor every couple of weeks to see if urine remains in the bladder.
Dry Up Excess Sweat
Every body sweats, sometimes. But, some people sweat a lot more than others. For people who are dealing with excessive sweat in the underarms, palms or feet, Botox Cosmetic can be an effective treatment. Botox Cosmetic is usually recommended only when other possible treatment options, such as prescription strength antiperspirants, aren’t effective. It was approved by the FDA for excessive sweating back in 2004.
One course of treatment can help reduce sweating in the underarms for about 6 months. The treatment works by cutting off the nerve signals to the glands that are responsible for the sweat in certain areas. Contrary to popular belief, when certain sweat glands aren’t working, your body doesn’t produce more sweat in other areas. Instead, the affected glands simply stop making sweat for the time being. Although those glands aren’t making sweat, others in your body are, so there’s no risk of you overheating or being negatively affected by the non-functioning glands.
Off-Label Uses
Although the FDA has approved Botox Cosmetic for a variety of medical and cosmetic purposes, there are still a number of treatments that have yet to gain its approval. For example, some facial plastic surgeons use Botox Cosmetic injections or similar injectables to ease the appearance of vertical bands on the neck. The injectable or similar products has also been used to ease what’s known as a gummy smile, which occurs when a person’s lips rise up, exposing much of the gum line when he or she smiles.
Finding an Injector
Whether you are considering Botox Cosmetic to reduce your chronic migraines, treat your excessive sweatiness or ease the “11s” between your brows, finding the right injector is key. It’s important to think of the area being treated when you are looking for a doctor to perform the injection. For example, it’s a good idea to see a facial plastic surgeon for Botox Cosmetic or similar injections to ease wrinkles.
But, if you are dealing with migraines, you’ll probably want to see your neurologist for the treatment instead. A plastic surgeon understands facial anatomy and knows exactly where to inject and how much to inject to ease wrinkles while your neurologist knows exactly where the relevant nerves are when he or she is treating migraines. Always check to make sure your injector is board certified in the appropriate speciality and that he or she has had plenty of experience performing Botox Cosmetic injections for your specific issue.
If you are considering Botox Cosmetic to ease lines and wrinkles, contact Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique at 281-810-9083 to schedule a complimentary consultation appointment. Mirror Mirror is overseen by Dr. Paul Vitenas who is one of the top plastic surgeons in the Houston area.