16 Surprising Uses for BOTOX®

A common myth regarding Botox is that it is only useful for imparting a younger look. The use of this versatile protein is not restricted to reducing wrinkles, lines, and other visible signs of aging. In fact, health authorities around the world have approved this substance to treat a wide range of dangerous neuromuscular disorders, including spasms, twitching, and pain. This is not to mention the multiple off-label uses that the drug is known for, such as reducing hair loss and soothing severe swallowing pain. 

All these benefits contribute in making Botox North America’s most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure. 

See what Botox can do for you! 

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Botox: More Than A Treatment To Look Young

With COVID-19 restrictions forcing people to stay at home during much of 2020, more Canadians than ever have had the time to consider Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox). A facial surgeon in Calgary, for instance, has seen demand for cosmetic surgery rise by 300% in her salon. 

While the protein’s claim to fame is largely attributed to its skin rejuvenating effects, Botox has a surprising number of medical applications. So don’t be surprised if your doctor recommends a Botox injection to regulate an overactive bladder or reduce chronic neck pain! 

Whether you want to explore how Botox can slow down visible signs of aging or discuss the treatment’s off-label uses, call the Okanagan Skin Care Centre at (250) 868-9290 or fill out the online contact form. 

16 Surprising Uses For Botox 

Most people undergo this minimally invasive cosmetic procedure to delay facial aging. Botox can: : 

• Eliminate frowns between the eyebrows
• Raise the eyebrows and brow
• Reduce wrinkles across the face 
• Minimize neck cords 

However, Botox injections have been proven to help address a range of non-cosmetic, medical conditions. 

Health authorities around the world have recognized at least 7 neuromuscular conditions that Botox can treat:

• Upper limb spasticity: This condition makes your arms muscles stiff and twitch uncontrollably. Six separate clinical trials have shown that Botox can help reduce muscle stiffness in the arms. 
   
• Strabismus: Botox has been used to treat crossed-eyes since the 1970s. It changes the position of the eyes so that they align correctly. 
   
• Hyperhidrosis: Patients injected with Botox tend to sweat less. Doctors have realized that the substance can reduce excessive sweating in the underarms. Some doctors also recommend Botox to reduce sweating in hands and feet. 
   
• Chronic migraines: Research has shown that Botox can reduce the frequency of migraines by up to 75%. 
   
• Overactive bladder: Studies have shown that Botox is an effective treatment in decreasing bladder urgency and resulting incontinence.
   
• Blepharospasm: Botox injections provide relief to chronic eyelid twitching, according to ophthalmologists. 
   
• Cervical dystonia: By blocking nerve signals that tell the neck muscles to contract, Botox can reduce neck spasms and pain. 

Doctors and physicians can also safely and legally prescribe Botox to treat conditions that it was not originally intended for. These 9 off-label uses include:

• Alopecia: Botox is a safe and effective treatment for systematic hair loss. 
   
• Sialorrhea: Botox injections can disable salivary glands. This makes it effective at treating excessive salivation. 
   
• Psoriasis: This autoimmune condition causes the overgrowths on the skin. Botox has been shown to inhibit the growth of these lesions. 
   
• Dyshidrotic eczema: Blisters forming under the soles of your feet or the palms of your hand can be treated with Botox injections. 
   
• Anismus: Botox can relax extreme muscle contractions in the pelvic area. 
   
• Post-herpetic neuralgia: Shingles can affect nerve fibres and skin, causing pain that endures after the skin condition has disappeared. Botox has been shown to significantly reduce pain in the days following the treatment. 
   
• Vulvodynia: Chronic pain in the vulva can be alleviated with Botox injections. 
   
• Raynaud’s disease: Extremities of your body, such as fingers and toes, feel numb to the slightest cold. Botox treatments have been promising, though further studies are needed. 
   
• Achalasia: Botox has been shown to soothe severe swallowing pain. 

Is Botox For You? 

Just because Botox is used to confer a youthful appearance to its patients does not mean that it is limited to cosmetic uses. On the contrary, Botox is a powerful medication that can address a wide range of neuromuscular disorders. Health agencies have approved this protein to treat no fewer than 7 medical conditions. This is in addition to it being a promising, off-label cure for 9 other conditions. 

See how Botox and its many applications can improve your quality of life. Call the Okanagan Skin Care Centre at (250) 868-9290 or fill out the online contact form to get the conversation going!

FAQs

Q: How long does Botox last?

A: Botox usually lasts 3 to 4 months. However, subsequent treatments can last longer than the initial treatment. Over time, you will need fewer Botox treatments to achieve the same results. 

Q: Are Botox injections painful?

A: No. Injections are given through a fine needle. The patient will only feel minor discomfort.  

Q: What side effects can you expect?

A: Side effects for Botox injections are generally minor. You can expect some temporary bruising in the treated area. Sometimes, you may experience a mild headache.