As nonsurgical procedures have grown more popular than ever, BOTOX® Cosmetic has become a household name. Our Houston patients love using it to fight wrinkles, fine lines, and other common signs of aging. The rest of America seems to agree—in 2018 alone, over 7.4 million BOTOX injections were administered.
While the word “cosmetic” is in its name, this product isn’t only for beauty treatments. BOTOX is an incredibly versatile injectable that can be used in a variety of ways. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how BOTOX rejuvenates the face and neck and how it benefits people with many other concerns as well.
Here are a few important facts you may not know about this innovative treatment.
What Is BOTOX Cosmetic?
BOTOX is an injectable treatment used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in many different areas, such as:
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Horizontal forehead lines
- Vertical lines between the eyebrows
- “Smoker’s lines” near the lips
- Platysmal muscle bands down the neck
How Does BOTOX Work?
The active ingredient in BOTOX is called botulinum toxin type A. When this unique neurotoxin is precisely injected into facial muscles, it causes them to relax temporarily. Once relaxed, muscles no longer pull on the skin, which is the action that forms the wrinkles in the first place. Our injectors always target strategic facial muscle groups to create natural-looking results.
Results from BOTOX injections usually take a few days to develop gradually. Most patients start seeing improvements after 1 week and peak results after 30 days. These results typically last for 3 to 4 months, and many men and women schedule touch-up treatments throughout the year to maintain their appearance.
Unexpected Uses for BOTOX
Most people may know about BOTOX for its wrinkling-fighting ability, but it can certainly do more than just that. The injectable is FDA-approved for a variety of different treatments, and some may not be what you’d expect.
Corrects Strabismus
You may be surprised to learn that BOTOX was initially developed to treat certain eye disorders. One of the earliest uses was for correcting strabismus, a condition that causes “crossed eyes” and improper eye alignment. BOTOX has been used to address this problem since the 1970s and approved by the FDA for strabismus correction since 1989. By relaxing specific muscles around the eye, doctors help the eye to aim forward.
Reduces Migraines
In recent years, BOTOX has become a popular way to address migraines and chronic headaches. This is a major development, as almost a quarter of all U.S. households have a family member who suffers from migraines. Small doses of BOTOX are used to target nerve bundles that are potentially putting pressure on the brain. After BOTOX treatment, patients report a reduced frequency and severity of their migraines and can spend more time doing activities they love.
Minimizes Excessive Sweating
Those with hyperhidrosis sweat excessively, even without hot weather or vigorous exercise. Patients who suffer from this condition may struggle with soaking through their clothes and feeling self-conscious about their appearance. In 2004, the FDA approved the use of BOTOX for treating excessive underarm sweating. If antiperspirants don’t work and you still drip with sweat, BOTOX may be the solution you have been looking for.
Improves an Overactive Bladder
Many people can develop bladder issues due to pregnancy, major body changes, or simply age. Overactive bladder problems, such as incontinence, affect up to 33 million people in the U.S. today. Studies have found that small doses of BOTOX can actually relax the bladder and raise its storage capacity. This provides a huge boost to the patient’s quality of life, and they can spend less time worrying about their next bathroom break.
How Do I Know if BOTOX Is Right for Me?
The best candidates for BOTOX are those who are physically healthy and have no history of neuromuscular diseases (such as multiple sclerosis). To receive a BOTOX treatment, you need to be at least 18 years old and not currently pregnant or nursing. During your first consultation, your provider will assess your area of concern to determine if BOTOX is the right solution for your needs. The treatment can also be combined with many other popular nonsurgical procedures such as dermal fillers to add youthful volume to the face.
BOTOX is a powerhouse for fighting wrinkles and fine lines, but the magic doesn’t stop there. Countless patients have enjoyed the lesser-known benefits and improved their quality of life with this famous injectable.
If you would like to learn more about BOTOX from a dermatologist in the Greater Houston area, please request a consultation online and start your journey today.
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