5 Medical Conditions You Never Knew BOTOX Could Treat
BOTOX Cosmetic is commonly known for its ability to treat facial lines and wrinkles, but the injectable has actually been gaining recent attention for its much lesser-known medical effects. Whether the first signs of aging or these 5 medical conditions are a concern, you may benefit from speaking to a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if BOTOX might be able to help you.
1. Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a medical condition that 33 percent of the population suffers with. Depending on the severity, hyperhidrosis can get in the way of your daily life and can even lead to social withdrawal and low self-esteem. For some people, even clinical strength antiperspirants can’t do the job. In these situations, BOTOX may be an effective solution. It works by minimizing or blocking the activity of your sweat glands, in much the same way that it inhibits muscle contractions in your face for wrinkle treatment. (University of Maryland Medical Center)
2. Dystonia
Roughly 300,000 Americans suffer from dystonia, a neurological conditions that causes involuntary muscle spasms and tremors in the face and neck areas. In some more severe cases, the disorder can affect the entire body. BOTOX has been shown to help treat those with dystonia by inhibiting the muscle contractions that lead to these uncontrolled spasms. As with BOTOX treatment for wrinkles, those receiving injections to treat dystonia can expect to see results that last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. (The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
3. Chronic Migraines
Men and women who suffer from chronic migraines may be able to find effective relief in BOTOX, which has been FDA-approved for use as a migraine treatment. A specialist will typically place 31 BOTOX injections into seven specific points in the head and neck, which has been shown to provide relief from chronic migraines that can last up to three months. (The Journal of Headache and Pain)
4. Joint Pain
Joint pain related to arthritis, injury, or other conditions has also been shown to respond well to BOTOX injections. In fact, one study concluded that these injections could reduce shoulder pain by up to 71 percent, and lower extremity joint pain by up to 55 percent. These results could last between 3 to 12 months, depending on the individual situation, but many people have found that regular BOTOX injections are a small price to pay for effective joint pain relief. (Neurotoxicity Research)
5. Incontinence
Incontinence caused by an overactive bladder is a common condition that affects millions of men and women. This condition occurs when the bladder contracts suddenly and without notice, or too frequently, which can be difficult to manage and control. Those who don’t respond to other treatment options may be able to benefit from BOTOX injections, which are FDA-approved for use as a treatment for incontinence. When injected into the bladder, BOTOX causes it to relax, which can increase its capacity and ability to contain more liquid, thus reducing the symptoms of overactive bladder. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
The Bottom Line
Research shows that BOTOX may be much more than a line and wrinkle treatment. In fact, additional studies are still discovering new ways that the product may be able to alleviate symptoms of common medical conditions that may not respond well or at all to other options. Of course, it’s crucial that you speak with your doctor or a board-certified plastic surgeon before determining whether or not BOTOX treatments may be right for you.
If you’d like more information on how BOTOX could help you look younger and more energized, consider scheduling a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil of Acqua Blu Medical Spa in Pittsburgh and Wexford. Dr. Heil can provide a thorough assessment of your unique needs and goals and can help you decide if BOTOX is right for you. Please feel free to contact us at (724) 933-1800, and a member of our friendly staff would be happy to assist you in any way possible.
