Botox®, the brand name for the toxin extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is most commonly known for its ability to fight aging signs. However, that’s not its only use.
In 1978, the FDA cleared Botox for the correction of uneven eyes. Today, experts use Botox for both cosmetic purposes and medical purposes.
Our expert, Dr. Gail Zimmerman, injects Botox regularly. Read on to find out some of the problems Botox can address.
1. Wrinkles
Botox can prevent muscles from contracting by blocking nerve signals to the muscles. Therefore, fine lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contractions can be successfully addressed with Botox. After the muscle contractions stop, lines soften and eventually disappear.
Areas on the face that can be treated with Botox include the forehead, the eyes, and the mouth.
2. Lazy eye
Lazy eye, or strabismus, is a condition in which the eyes don’t line up, causing one eye to point in a different direction from the other.
Nerve damage in the muscles that control the eyes causes this condition. However, Botox can help weaken the overactive eye muscles and prevent misalignments.
3. Chronic migraines
Because Botox affects nerve endings, it prevents the transmission of pain signals. Research shows that Botox can prevent migraines within three months after the first treatment.
4. Temporomandibular syndrome
Temporomandibular syndrome (TMJ) is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint and its surrounding muscle. It’s caused by trauma, overuse or inflammation.
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, and it enables jaw movements such as chewing.
Signs of TMJ include:
- Pain in the upper jaw and cheek muscles
- Clicking noises when opening and closing the mouth
- Stiffness in the jaw
- Locking of the mouth
When tooth grinding or tense muscles cause TMJ, Botox can help by relaxing the muscles, which relieves tension and reduces inflammation.
5. Excessive sweating
Botox can treat excessive sweating by blocking the nerves that send signals to the sweat glands.
When Botox interrupts the nerve communication to sweat glands, sweat production can be reduced by up to 87%. Experts use Botox to control sweating in the underarm area, feet, hands, back, and face.
Learn more about Botox
Medical practitioners have been using Botox injections since the late ’70s. If you’re interested in learning more about Botox and its uses, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Zimmerman will be more than happy to explain what you can expect from Botox, and she will also help you determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.