4 Unique Uses for BOTOX® That May Surprise You
Did you know BOTOX® was the most popular cosmetic procedure in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? There were over 4.4 million procedures over the last year (including over hundreds of treatments performed by our experienced Beauty Lounge staff alone) and it’s believed the rise in popularity was due to the recent pandemic. Since many are still working virtually, and the plastic surgery “Zoom boom” is still in full throttle, BOTOX® has become a leading cosmetic procedure for those interested in treating frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead creases and mouth lines. But BOTOX® isn’t just used for facial wrinkles; this effective treatment has a TON of other medical and therapeutic benefits.
What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX®, short for botulinum toxin, is a neuromuscular blocker, which means it paralyzes the muscle into which it is injected. Over time, as BOTOX® is injected into the muscle tissue, it blocks signals from the nerve to the muscle, ultimately stopping the muscle from contracting. Since muscle issues are involved in many different types of medical conditions, BOTOX® has been used to treat several ailments caused by hyperactive muscles since the 1906s, long before it was used for its wrinkle-reducing properties.
What are the medical uses of BOTOX®?
In addition to reducing the signs of aging, BOTOX® can help with:
- Sweating (hyperhidrosis) and body odor
- Do your armpits, hands and feet sweat more often than you’d like? While everyone deals with sweating when exercising, dealing with stress or sitting in the hot sun, people with hyperhidrosis sweat uncontrollably throughout the day. This can cause additional uncomfort, embarrassment and anxiety. BOTOX® is an extremely effective treatment that blocks the nerves that stimulate sweat glands, as well as reduce the smell of body odor, and can drastically improve the quality of everyday life in those who sweat uncontrollably.
- Chronic migraines
- Migraines are caused by reactions to certain triggers that stimulate the production of neurotransmitters in nerve cells, producing pain, nausea, dizziness and other debilitating symptoms. Since BOTOX® works its magic by reducing muscle contractions, it can also block pain signals between the nerves and muscles, resulting in comfort in just a few treatments. For migraines, BOTOX® is injected into several areas in the head and neck; the best part is the procedure can be completed in under 30 minutes!
- Overactive Bladder (OAB)
- Those who experience the sudden, constant urge to urinate, urinary incontinence, and several urination throughout the day and night are typically dealing with OAB. When BOTOX® is injected into the bladder muscle, it treats the obstruction to the outflow of urine or bladder overactivity. By temporarily paralyzing a portion of the bladder muscle, OAB symptoms can improve dramatically.
- Muscle spasms and pain
- During quarantine, many people were left homebound with little exercise, home offices with excessive sitting and lack of relaxation. Those who contracted COVID-19 experienced severe body aches and joint stiffness that still lingered on even after recovering from other virus symptoms. BOTOX® injections are a successful treatment in alleviating chronic neck pain, back pain, nerve pain, muscle spasms and even arthritis. Since the injection process is so easy, it can be applied by directly targeting the muscles involved and help avoid side effects associated with oral medications that are used to treat muscle pain. Many patients who decide to receive BOTOX® treatments do so because their oral medications have been ineffective and have left them feeling fatigued, nauseous, anxious.
What are the cosmetic benefits of BOTOX®?
- While there is nothing wrong with the natural process of aging, as we age, our skin becomes less elastic and starts to lose its volume. Usually, those who develop early signs of aging can start to notice wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and the forehead. Fortunately, our experienced skincare experts can administer this effective cosmetic treatment to treat these issues in just under 30 minutes! With just one treatment, BOTOX® can help soften the pebble-like chin contractions, relax and smoothen the corners of the mouth, provide brow lifts and restore your youthful look.
Beauty Lounge has extensive experience in offering BOTOX® in San Marcos; our highly skilled experts provide all of our patients with a one-on-one, personalized consultation to recommend the best procedure that will give the most long-lasting results. Are you a new patient ready to start your journey towards young, youthful skin? Connect with a member of our experienced Beauty Lounge team and receive five FREE BOTOX® units now.