Uses of Botox

Botox is made up of a neurotoxin produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Botox was originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of strabismus and hemifacial spasms, but it has migrated to becoming a treatment for a variety of cosmetic and medical purposes.

Wrinkles

One of the most well-known uses of Botox is for fine lines, crow's feet and wrinkles on the skin. In this application, Botox is injected into the muscles beneath the wrinkle affected area. The neurotoxin in Botox paralyzes the muscle, causing it to relax, which also forces the skin above the muscle to relax. This helps reduce the look of the wrinkle on the surface of the skin.

Hyperhidrosis

Botox is also commonly used to treat excessive sweating under the arms, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. According to a study done by Professor Richard Glogau, M.D., from the University of California San Francisco, Botox is a significant alternative option for patients who do not want to undergo surgery for sweating. Botox works for hyperhidrosis by blocking the release of the chemicals that are responsible for telling the glands under your arms to produce sweat.

Migraines

Botox is also growing in popularity as a way to control migraines. Although not fully approved by the FDA for migraine treatment, cosmetic surgeons and physicians are more frequently using Botox as an off-label method to reduce migraine pain. During this treatment, Botox is injected into the muscle areas where the migraine pain is originating. The neurotoxin then paralyzes the affected muscle, purportedly helping to relieve the migraine pain by reducing stress on the nervous system and deactivating nerve cell pain receptors.

Urinary Incontinence

The use of Botox for urinary incontinence was pioneered by a urologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center named Michael Chancellor. One contributing factor to urinary incontinence is uncontrollable spasms of the bladder muscles. Botox treatments for this disorder work by injecting Botox into the muscles experiencing the spasms, resulting in less problems with urinary incontinence.