The Many Surprising Uses For Botox

Facial rejuvenation is becoming more mainstream now than ever before. The American Society of plastic surgeons reports that over 6.7 million Americans received Botox injections in 2015 alone. Why is this form of cosmetic surgery so hot? Besides being a minimally invasive and quick procedure, Botox is readily used cosmetically to eradicate crow’s feet and frown lines. There are new surprising medical uses for Botox, so don’t move a muscle, and read the latest tricks around the Botox phenomenon.

Eye Spasms

Did you know botulinum toxin A or Botox, was discovered in 1989 and was used as an aide for eye spasms? Botox is a substance derived from the bacteria found in botulism that when heavily diluted, can have the similar effect for to aide in muscle relaxation. Botox still continues today to be readily used as an aide in cases such as crossed eyes and uncontrolled blinking called Bleparospasms, amongst other ocular conditions.

Hyperhidrosis

Also known as excessive or chronic sweating can greatly subside with the help of Botox injections. Botox was approved 7 years ago; to help block the chemical receptors that cause sweating between the nerves and the sweat glands. Commonly used to treat excessive under arm sweating, this minimally invasive procedure can also be applied to sweating of the hands and feet.

Migraines

Since the FDA has approved Botox injections to treat migraines in 2013, doctors have been readily using this method on patients who suffer from severe migraines, in order to help reduce the number of migraines and the duration. Contrary to severe headaches, chronic migraines are symptomatic of dizziness, vomiting and light and sound sensitivities. Patients who experience excessive migraines or headaches up to 15 times a month qualify for this treatment. Treatment plans generally are every 3 months with up to 31 injections in various locations including back of head, neck and shoulders.

Chronic Neck and Cervical Muscle Pain

In recent years doctors have discovered that Botox can help alleviate conditions such as Cervical Dystonia, where the neck can contract and cause the head to be in uncomfortable positions. By administering Botox, neck muscles are able to relax and hold the head in an upright position.

Overactive Bladder

In 2013 the FDA approved Botox to be used as an aide with urinary incontinence, overactive bladder (OAB) and severely spastic bladders due to neurologic diseases. The procedure is often performed in a clinic with light anesthesia. Studies found that patients who received treatment saw measurable results within the first 12 weeks. Depending on the severity of your medical condition, results from Botox injections can last up to 8 months.

Muscle Stiffness

Botox is used to help aide medical conditions such as a stroke, brain trauma, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis among many more. Very often patients who suffer from these conditions experience contractions of their fingers, wrists and elbows, making it difficult to go about daily tasks. By having Botox injections, patients can experience a better quality of life with relaxed muscle spasms.

The uses of Botox seem to be shifting from cosmetic to non-cosmetic since being FDA approved 20 years ago. The rate of this change in the medical field has doctors and plastic surgeons predicting that within the next 5 years, the health benefits of Botox and medical sales will actually lead over cosmetic procedures. In fact, health insurance providers are now more inclined to cover these medical procedures. Perhaps that alone, will leave you shocked, more so than if you already have Botox.

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