When most people think of Botox, they think of injections to reduce wrinkles or to plump lips. Some may even picture over-the-top reality stars with stiffened expressions or Hollywood socialites with exaggerated features. While the former is more common than the latter, Botox also has other uses that can offer beneficial treatment to everyday cosmetic and health issues. More than its reputation as an injection of youth, Botox is now being used to treat migraines and excessive sweating as well.
With roughly 20 years on the market as an FDA approved prescription medicine, new uses for Botox continue to be discovered. In small doses, the drug is not considered poisonous to the body. It’s most common use as a solution for cosmetic issues works by blocking the nerves that contract muscles to soften the appearance of wrinkles. The prescription medicine is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines or severe crow’s feet.
And now, for anyone who suffers from the intense, nauseating pain of migraine headaches, Botox treatment is an option. The procedure is quick, taking around 10 minutes to complete. Botox is injected into various sites around the head. This is thought to prevent certain chemicals from reaching nerve endings and reduce migraine pain. Patients can expect to notice the effects within a week. Like its other uses, this treatment is temporary as well so patients will need to return in about three months to continue the “woo-sah” inducing relief from severe headaches.
Another new use for Botox is treatment of excessive sweating. If things tend to get steamy regardless of your activity level, it turns out the injections could offer relief. The technical term for this condition is axillary hyperhidrosis, and Botox has been shown to alleviate symptoms of extreme sweating of the underarms, hands and feet by blocking the release of the chemical responsible for stimulating the sweat glands. By injecting into the sweat glands, Botox goes beyond anti-perspirant protection to help patients feel fresh and less self-conscious.
If you’re suffering from either of these conditions, surprisingly enough, Botox may be an option. As with any treatment, consult with your Doctor first.