Botox, a botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), has gained immense popularity because of its non-invasive nature. It is one of the best anti-aging treatments that helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles without the risks and downtime of surgery. With a few Botox injections, you can reduce wrinkles, particularly in your face, where signs of aging are most visible. The treatment effects usually last from three to six months, depending on how and where it is used.
Besides its usage in cosmetic and aesthetic functions, Botox treatment is also used to treat severe conditions. Here are five surprising uses of Botox:
#1 TMJ treatment
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. A person suffering from TMJ disorder often hears clicking or popping in these joints when eating. The problem may lead to chronic pain in facial muscles and trouble in opening the jaw when chewing. Sometimes people also witness pain in the neck, back, and shoulders. If this problem is left untreated, it may lead to substantial pain and dental damage. Due to its medical and therapeutic uses, involving muscular conditions, some dentists use Botox injections directly to the affected facial muscles to relieve the pain.
#2 Treating migraines
Botox is an accepted treatment for chronic migraines, which lasts for 15 or more days each month for over three months. Chronic headaches often result from infections, inflammation, low or high intracranial pressure, a brain tumor, or a traumatic brain injury. The best thing about these injections is that they are safe for long-term use and are well-tolerated. Though the exact mechanism is unknown, the Dysport cosmetic injections and Botox injections help paralyze the muscles in the face and head. By contracting muscle contractions that lead to spasms, the pain signals to the brain are inhibited.
#3 Overactive bladder
Urinary incontinence can affect your social interaction, work, and your overall well-being. Some people may experience leaking urine in rare situations, like straining, coughing, or sneezing. However, for some, it may happen suddenly. Frequent urination happens during both the day and night hours. People who do not respond or tolerate other treatments are prescribed Botox that shows dramatic improvements in symptoms. The Botox helps treat thick muscle bands, called trabeculation, that cause blockage to the outflow of urine. Nearly 75 percent of patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms.
#4 Eyelid spasm and twitching
Voluntary facial movements often aggravate spasms of the eyelid and face. It starts with twitches and results in a sustained spasm. The involuntary twitching is called myokymia and may appear in the lower lid, upper lid, or both. For some, it might be occasional; for others, it can become excessive, leading to the closure of both eyelids. In some cases, Botox injections can relieve that twitching. If done right, most of the patients report a noticeable improvement.
#5 Drooling or excessive salivation
People with severe neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy may witness drooling or excessive salivation. Apart from giving lousy breath, drooling can cause sores at the corners of your mouth. Using ultrasound, the physician helps insert Botox directly into the gland. The procedure approximately takes 30 minutes, and you should see a maximum effect at two to three weeks. Clinicians can consider Botox before some other medications.
While botox can treat these five conditions, it also has uses in several other conditions. At Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics, we administer botox cosmetically to treat moderate-to-severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines.
About Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics
Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics should be your one-stop destination if you want laser skin treatments. We have been helping Portsmouth residents since 2002 with non-surgical cosmetic skin therapies, including CoolSculpting, injectables, laser, and profound RF. Fill our new patient form to find out which skin treatment works best for you.
You can call us at (603) 319-8432 or email at hello@ballentynemedicalaesthetics.com to know more.
