BOTOX isn’t just for celebrities and the elite. It is one of the top elective procedures among people from all walks of life. Young and old are turning to the injectable treatment to reverse the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, BOTOX is FDA-approved for many medical and therapeutic purposes. Here are 5 uses for BOTOX that are changing lives.
1. Chronic Migraines
In 1992, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills found Botox patients experienced fewer headaches when using the injections for wrinkles. It wasn’t until 2010 that the drug was approved by the FDA to treat migraines.
2. Excessive Sweating
A similar discovery was made between the injections and patients with excessive sweating. When used to treat muscle spasms, the patients also had less sweating. BOTOX was cleared in 2004 for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating, but it can also treat sweaty hands and feet.
3. Overactive Bladder
A study by the Loyola University Stritch School of Dental Medicine found that 70% of women with overactive bladder had fewer leaks when treated with BOTOX. Many physicians claim BOTOX has been one of the most impactful treatments when used for the condition.
4. Crossed-Eyes
Treating strabismus (crossed-eyes) was one of the first BOTOX approvals. About 4% of Americans don’t have eyes pointing in the same direction. BOTOX can paralyze specific muscles to allow the eyes to share one direction.
5. Neck Spasms
Did you BOTOX was approved for neck spasms before frown lines? It gained the FDA’s support in 2000 to treat cervical dystonia, which causes abnormal head positions and chronic neck pain.
Other Potential Uses for BOTOX
Besides the FDA-approved uses, BOTOX can be beneficial for several other conditions as well, including:
- Depression: Early trials indicate BOTOX may relieve symptoms of depression in certain patients. A small 2014 study found that 52% of people had an improvement in their mood for up to 6 weeks after the infections.
- Premature Ejaculation: When injected into the penis, BOTOX can relax the muscles and delay ejaculation. Current testing is underway about the potential benefits of treating premature ejaculation.
- Abnormal Heartbeat: Surgeons believe BOTOX can prevent an abnormal heartbeat when used during open-heart surgery; however, research is still in the early stages.
- Severely Cold Hands: BOTOX can relax hand muscles that constrict blood vessels, resulting in poor circulation. BOTOX can prevent the vessels from narrowing to improve blood circulation to resolve cold hands.
BOTOX’s versatility can do more than stop the clock on aging. Besides looking your best, you can also feel better than ever when choosing it for your medical needs. As research and clinical trials continue, BOTOX is certain to play a major role in healthcare as an alternative to traditional treatments.
About Dr. Kenneth Bell
Dr. Bell earned his dental degree from The University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He strives to provide the best care possible. Besides dental services, he also offers BOTOX and dermal fillers for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Contact our office today to request your consultation.