Botox®️ is a brand name for Botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals between the area where the substance is injected and the brain, causing muscles to relax.
When used in small quantities, this toxin can prove to be useful and safe for many conditions and cosmetic concerns.
Botox was first approved as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles in 1989. Since then, it has become one of the most popular anti-aging treatments worldwide.
We asked our experts at Bethel Family Medicine to share some of the many ways Botox is used to manage certain symptoms and improve someone’s appearance.
Botox is often the first treatment that comes to mind when treating wrinkles. However, you can’t treat all wrinkles with Botox. You can only use it to treat wrinkles caused by movement.
Wrinkles and lines that appear as a consequence of losing volume in the face, such as nasolabial folds, are treated with dermal fillers.
For best results, our experts often combine Botox for wrinkles caused by movement and dermal fillers for wrinkles caused by fat loss in the face.
Genetics plays a significant role in the distribution of fat and muscles. If you’ve always dreamed of having smaller calves but can’t imagine having surgery, you can opt for Botox to shrink the muscles in your calves.
Through paralysis, these muscles decrease in size, but the treatment won’t interfere with your ability to walk or run.
Experts can use Botox to relax muscles that cause painful muscle spasms all over the body. They can also use the injectable to relieve muscle twitches on the face.
Certain patients with migraines benefit from Botox, as the toxin in the injectable prevents the pain signals from being received by the brain.
Experts can use Botox to relax the muscles in the bladder. This way, overactive bladder sufferers won’t experience the intense urge to use the restroom.
Botox doesn’t treat the cause of the overactive bladder, but it can relieve the symptoms by giving sufferers more time to reach the restroom when they sense the need to urinate.
Botox is very efficient in treating excessive sweating focused on one area of the body, such as the palms, underarms, scalp, and groin.
The effect is almost immediate, and over time, you will need fewer treatments to keep excessive sweating under control.
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your fine lines and wrinkles, contact us to schedule an appointment. Our experts at Bethel Family Medicine will examine your skin and features, review your medical records, and let you know if you’re a good candidate for Botox.
