When you think Botox®, the first thing that probably comes to mind is wrinkles and fine lines. It’s true that Botox® gained its popularity because of its anti-aging abilities, being able to smooth and refine the look of dynamic facial wrinkles and lines. However, Botox® packs some interesting secrets in its proverbial tool belt that aren’t as well-known but are just as effective.
At Art of Lines MD, Dr. Naz Baradaran uses Botox® for a variety of purposes. In this blog, we’ll go over the details of Botox and take a look at three other uses that you might not know much about.
What is Botox?
Botox® is derived from Clostridium botulinum, which is the most potent toxin known to man. One of the bacterium’s main effects is paralysis. When properly harnessed for medical purposes, it can block nerve endings from absorbing certain molecules they need to work properly.
Why Has Botox’s Popularity Skyrocketed?
Botox’s popularity has taken off because of its ability to smooth and refresh the skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines. This accessible non-surgical treatment is ideal for anyone with a busy schedule looking to rejuvenate their appearance without having to take time off of work or out of their week for recovery.
Additionally, Botox patients love the immediate results it can produce. Most patients see the effects of their Botox treatment within two to three days, while the full effects can be seen in just two weeks. This may seem like an obvious assertion, but the application of Botox makes the skin appear younger, smoother, and more aesthetically pleasing. The primary reason why Botox continues to appeal to so many individuals is because it can achieve striking results that are easily sustained over time.
What Are the Three Lesser-Known Uses For Botox?
The popularity of Botox® has continued to rise since the FDA approved it for uses other than aesthetic purposes. Three of the lesser-known purposes Botox® is used for include the prevention of chronic migraines, treatment of TMJ, and reduction of excessive sweating.
1. Chronic Migraine Prevention with Botox
In the 1990s, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. William Binder realized that patients who received Botox® injections reported having fewer migraines after treatments. Allergan, the company that developed Botox®, began testing the drug on migraine sufferers and discovered that it did decrease headaches when injected into specific locations around the head and neck.
The science behind this phenomenon is actually quite fascinating. When used in small doses, Botox® blocks chemical signals that cause muscle contracts that contribute to or worsen migraine headaches.
Botox for migraines is a convenient outpatient procedure. You’ll be welcomed in a private room where Dr. Naz will inject Botox into various locations in the scalp, including the forehead, the sides and back of the head, and the neck and trapezius muscles. The procedure can be customized around your specific needs, adding more or less units of Botox depending on where your migraines occur.
2. TMJ Treatment With Botox
The Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the area where the jaw bone connects to the skill, essentially acting as a hinge on either side of the jaw. The connecting bones have a cartilage casing and are separated by a small disk that is designed to provide shock absorption and keep the jaw moving smoothly.
TMJ is commonly caused by strain or overuse of the masseter muscle in the jaw. Clenching, teeth grinding, and overworking the masseter or jaw muscle can lead to tension and pain throughout the jawline and around the face.
When treating TMJ, Botox is injected directly into the masseter muscle. Once injected, the botulinum toxin blocks the neurotransmitters that tell the masseter muscle to contract involuntarily or in excess, allowing the masseter muscle to relax. This provides relief from tension, pain, and involuntary clenching of the jaw from stress or grinding teeth in your sleep.
3. Excessive Sweating Treatment With Botox
Excessive perspiration can be inconvenient and embarrassing and may cause emotional, professional, or social discomfort. Excessive sweating is caused by overactive sweat glands. When injected into the skin, Botox selectively shuts down these sweat glands, resulting in a more normal amount of sweating.
Areas patients receive Botox® for excessive sweating include:
- Palms
- Armpits
- Feet
- Upper lip
Is Botox Safe For These Medical Applications?
Botox® has been FDA-approved for these medical applications, deeming it a safe and effective treatment. Complications and side effects of Botox® in association with these medical applications are rare and few. During your consultation at Art of Lines MD, Dr. Naz will go over your complete medical history to ensure that you are a safe candidate for Botox® treatments and help you avoid any potential side effects.
Why is Finding the Right Botox Provider Important?
Botox® injections are extremely technique-dependent. Complications and risks significantly decrease as the injector’s technique improves. An under-qualified injector can accidentally inject Botox outside of the intended treatment area, causing undesirable results and complications that will need correcting.
The consistent technique and careful attention to injection amounts, as well as the use of ultrasound devices provided by the right Botox provider, can reduce common and rare side effects and complications of Botox®, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying the results of your treatment.
Ready To Schedule Your Botox® Consultation in North Vancouver, BC?
With her extensive medical expertise and artistic touch, Dr. Naz curates each Botox® treatment plan according to the individual aesthetic and medical needs of her patients. To learn more about the different Botox® uses and if it can help you, schedule a consultation at Art of Lines MD by calling (604) 973-1939 or completing our online consultation request form.
