BOTOX is one of the most well-known and widely-used injectables in the world of plastic surgery. But what many clients don’t know is just how many benefits BOTOX has outside of the typical cosmetic benefits. Yes, a BOTOX treatment can help decrease your wrinkles, and reduce signs of aging; but it also has a whole list of health benefits that it can help with as well. So, what exactly are they?
FDA Approved Health Uses for BOTOX
In the realm of health uses for BOTOX, there are two types of treatments, FDA-approved treatments and “Off-label” treatments. FDA-approved treatments are ones that have gone through rigorous testing by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and are determined to have more benefits than potential risks. There are six FDA-approved treatments that BOTOX can help with.
- Excessive Sweating
- Overactive Bladder
- Migraines
- Eye Disorders (Strabismus & Blepharospasm)
- Cervical Dystonia
- Upper Limb Spasticity
1. Excessive Sweating
BOTOX can help with a condition known as hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating. While excessive sweating can happen anywhere on your body—including the palms of your hands, your face, the soles of your feet, in the groin area, and under the breasts; BOTOX is only FDA-approved for hyperhidrosis in the armpits. How does this work? Well, essentially the protein in the BOTOX injection interrupts the chemical which causes the secretion of sweat. In essence, it prevents you from sweating.
2. Overactive Bladder
BOTOX has also been proven to help with overactive bladders associated with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis. BOTOX injections are inserted into the bladder and relaxes the muscles—giving you more time to go to the bathroom.
3. Migraines
Chronic migraines are also able to be treated with BOTOX injections. This is specific to people with chronic migraines which occur 15 or more days out of the month and lasting for 4 or more hours every day. BOTOX is injected into the areas of the face which are close to the pain receptors for headaches/migraines. The BOTOX then prevents the pain receptors from activating, essentially preventing the migraine before it starts.
4. Eye Disorders (Strabismus & Blepharospasm)
Strabismus is an eye disorder which causes crossed eyes and blepharospasm is a condition where your eyelids spasm, causing you to blink involuntarily. BOTOX relaxes the muscles associated with these conditions, allowing them to return to a normal state.
5. Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia is a condition where the neck and shoulder muscles contract involuntarily. This can cause the head to twist/turn to the side or cause it to tilt forward or backward. BOTOX is injected into the muscles causing the condition, which relaxes them and prevents them from spasming.
6. Upper Limb Spasticity
Upper limb spasticity is a condition which causes your muscles to stiffen or flex. This can make it difficult to move and can cause involuntary movements such as twitches or spasms. Similar to other BOTOX treatments, the BOTOX is injected into the muscle and prevents the muscle from twitching/spasming.
“Off-Label” Uses of BOTOX
Outside of the FDA-approved uses for BOTOX, there are a variety of other medical uses which are called “off-label.” Off-label uses have not gone through the same level of approval, but are still used as treatment options. Some of these include treatments for:
- Vulvodynia: Pain and discomfort in the vagina.
- Depression: A common mental health condition which negatively affects your mood.
- Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition which causes a buildup of cells on the skin.
- Alopecia: An autoimmune condition that causes hair loss.
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ): Pain or loss of movement at the jaw joint.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema: Type of eczema that causes blisters on the hands and feet.
- Raynaud’s Disease: Decrease in blood flow to extremities.
Cosmetic vs. Medical Uses of BOTOX
When people hear the word BOTOX, their brains automatically go to the cosmetic uses of BOTOX. And while there are a lot of reasons people love BOTOX for cosmetic purposes, there are also a lot of great medical benefits of BOTOX.
Dr. Kitto provides personalized cosmetic procedures that make a difference not only in how our patients look, but also how they feel about themselves. Her goal is to provide the best surgical experience, using the most advanced techniques and technology, delivered with safety and precision, in a caring and comfortable environment.
