Botulinum toxin, more commonly referred to as Botox, is a protein made from the bacterium clostridium botulinum. As the name suggests, Botox is a toxin that, when injected in small doses into specific muscle groups, can cause significant cosmetic and medical improvements. Botox injections are more popularly known for their ability to reverse signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and worry lines across the forehead.
But did you know that there are other uses for Botox?
Apart from their wrinkle-reducing effects, there are quite a few others to list, some of which you might have heard of and others you might not have yet. Here are five other conditions that Botox can treat:
1. Chronic Migraines
Botox treatment for migraines began in the early 90s when and people were starting to report fewer painful migraines after cosmetic Botox injections. Allergan, the producer of Botox, then began testing the products for migraines and headaches. When injected into a certain muscle along the temple or forehead, Botox will temporarily paralyze this muscle that causes tension and headaches. This injection can relieve migraine symptoms for several months.
2. Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition referred to when one’s body produces an overactive amount of sweat. In addition to disrupting daily activities, this condition has been known to increase embarrassment and trigger social anxiety. Patients treated for facial spasms with Botox reported that they sweat much less, so once again, Allergan began testing the effects of Botox on hyperhidrosis. It was later FDA-approved to treat hyperhidrosis in 2004. It can be used on the underarms, hands, upper lip, and even feet.
3. Overactive Bladder
Urinary incontinence, the unintentional loss of urine caused by your bladder contracting, is common and can impair social, physical, or mental well-being. A urologist can inject Botox into your bladder to treat urinary incontinence or overactive bladder. Botox helps the muscles to relax, which will you give you more time to get to the bathroom before experiencing a leak.
4. Severe Neck Spasms and Stiff Shoulders
Botox has been widely used to treat neck spasms and stiff shoulder for over 25 years. Patients reported that it effective to relieve pain. The injection of Botox relaxes the tensed muscles, limiting its ability to lock and strain. This provides the relief from spasms that cause the uncomfortable pain and muscle stiffness.
5. Calf Botox
Calf Botox has also started to take the lead in uncommon uses for Botox. People are now about to use Botox to slim down their calf muscles. When injected into the gastrocnemius muscle, it relaxes the muscle that is responsible for bulkiness and rigid definition of the calves. This creates a leaner appearance to the calves and allows for to fit into their favorite pair of skinny jeans or calf high boots better.
Discover More About Botox at Allure Anti-Aging and Aesthetics in Huntington Beach, CA
Botox goes beyond the amazing cosmetic results it creates; it can also improve a patient’s life in many other ways. To learn more about what Botox can do, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarah Vakkalanka at Allure Anti-Aging and Aesthetics in Huntington Beach, CA by calling (714) 804-5460 today!