Common and Not-So-Common Treatment Areas for Botox

The contraction of certain muscles lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines in our face. These are considered the signs of ageing, but thanks to advancements in cosmetic treatments, we have Botox to correct these now. By controlling the contraction process, it helps in removing these lines. In this blog, you will know more about Botox, how it works, and the common and not-so-common treatments with it.

What is Botox and what are its uses?

Botox is a cosmetic injection administered to correct wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and similar ageing signs. It is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The commercial preparation of Botox is Botulinum Type A, also known as onabotulinumtoxin A.

Botox is made up of complex proteins, unlike other forms of botulinum used for similar treatment purposes. It is certified safe for skin transformation as per the FDA. But care should be taken to inject only small amounts of Botox since a high dose of toxin can prove deadly.Nerves usually send signals to the muscles in response to which the muscle contracts. When the nerves send signals, a chemical called acetylcholine is released. This results in wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is a neurotoxin that disrupts the signalling process of the nerve temporarily.

Botox is usually given to the facial muscles where correction is desired. It is a minimally invasive procedure and is painless. For people worried about pain, topical anaesthesia may be given. Some Botox injection sites to avoid are the temple, nose region, perioral region, frontalis muscles, etc.

Botox is used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. It is used to treat conditions like:

• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Wrinkles
• Smile lines
• Frown lines
• Brow furrows
• Cobblestone skin on the chin
• Cervical dystonia
• Eyelid spasm
• Crossed eyes
• Hyperhidrosis
• Enlarged masseter muscles

What are some common treatment areas for Botox?

Here are some most common areas to get Botox:

Crow’s feet

Fine lines appear at the end of the eyes called crow’s feet. Botox can reduce the formation of these lines.

Brow lift

The position of the eyebrows can uplift the looks of a person. Botox, if injected into certain muscles near the brows, can help lift them.

Forehead lines

Horizontal lines appear on the forehead due to ageing. These can be reduced with the help of Botox injections.

Frown lines

Glabellar or frown lines are the vertical lines that form between the eyebrows. These can be reduced with Botox.

Lip lines

Smoker’s lines or lip lines appear around the mouth, which can be corrected using Botox injections.

Chin dimpling

Certain muscles underneath the chin contract too much and cause the chin to dimple. This contraction can be corrected with Botox injections.

What are some uncommon treatment areas for Botox?

Some of the FDA-approved treatments using Botox, other than for wrinkles, are:

Migraines

Botox can be used for the treatment of chronic migraines. Migraines are considered chronic when you experience a headache for hours together for nearly 15 or more days a month. A research by the American Headache Society has observed that Botox can reduce the number of episodes of chronic migraine. Botox injections for migraine work by hampering the nerve signals that send pain messages to the brain.

Spasticity

When muscle contractions become abnormal and uncontrollable, it results in a condition called spasticity. Botox has been approved for the treatment of such conditions that include multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and stroke.

By restricting the nerve signal, Botox reduces the muscle contraction process. This helps in bringing improvements in spastic patients. The number of times it is administered is based on the condition of the patient and the improvement shown.

Neck spasms

Neck spasm is also known as cervical dystonia. It is caused when the nerves send signals to the muscles for excessive contraction. It is a painful condition where the head twists and turns to one side due to the involuntary contraction of the muscles.

Botox restricts the uncontrolled movement of the head by stopping the nerve signals. It also eases the pain around the neck. The injection is applied to the neck area. The duration of treatment depends on the requirements of the patient as analyzed by the specialist physician. Treatment may be repeated after a period of three months, if necessary.

Eye problems

Eye twitching (blepharospasm) and crossed eyes (strabismus) are some of the problems of the eye that can be treated with Botox. These conditions are caused by involuntary contraction of muscles near the eyes. This treatment can be given to people older than 12 years only.

The effect of the treatment can be seen within a few days, and the results last as long as six months.

Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis is a condition where there is abnormal and excessive sweating for reasons other than exercise or heat. The sweat is more than what the body normally needs for regulating your body temperature.

Botox is approved by the FDA for treating hyperhidrosis in adults. When the injection is given, it restricts the nerves from producing the chemical that leads to sweating. The results of the injection last nearly nine months. If needed, you will be given an injection again to control excessive sweating.

Bladder issues

Excessive bladder muscle contractions can result in an overactive bladder. Botox is used to treat an overactive bladder by relaxing the muscles. This reduces the frequent urge to urinate. It is also one of the rare uses of Botox approved by the FDA if other treatment mechanisms do not seem to provide improvement.

Botox injections may be repeated after 12 weeks of initial administration, if there arises a need.

Conclusion

Botox is safe to use for the conditions mentioned above. Research is on to identify other potential benefits where the injectable can be used, like the treatment of depression, any gynecological condition, etc.

Remember Botox should be administered only in controlled doses. Make sure you approach a reputed, certified practitioner for your Botox treatment.