When most people think of BOTOX®, the first thing that comes to mind is wrinkles. This injectable is popular at our clinics, including Paramus, NJ and Orange, CT. It is most commonly used to relax and soften muscles around forehead and frown lines, crow’s feet, nose bunny lines, chin dimples, skin bands on the neck, and smoker’s lines around the mouth. It does wonders for helping men and women look younger, but it also does a whole lot more.
How does BOTOX work?
BOTOX is actually the brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large quantities, this toxin can cause a form of muscle paralysis known as botulism, which you may associate with food poisoning. But don’t fret. Scientists discovered how to use these effects to our advantage. When used in small, diluted doses, it can safely be injected into specific muscles to cause controlled muscle relaxation. It’s been FDA-approved since the late 1980s, and the American Academy of Dermatology answers many of your BOTOX questions in this related blog post.
BOTOX for More than Just Wrinkles
Beyond its more commonly known uses for cosmetic improvements, what many people don’t realize is it has been found to help with a variety of other physical ailments. Back in 2010, it was approved for use in adult chronic migraines and has seen much success.
When injected around pain fibers that are involved in headaches, Botox blocks the release of chemicals involved in pain transmission. According to the American Migraine Foundation, patients who have had two or three treatments—each lasting 10-12 weeks—have seen a reduction in the number of headache days by approximately 50%.
Beyond chronic migraines, BOTOX is also used to relieve TMJ and jaw tension, and as a byproduct, reduces headaches caused by teeth grinding. Just last month, the FDA approved it for use in pediatrics for the treatment of upper limb spasticity.
Other uses for BOTOX include:
- Fixing a gummy smile
- Reducing and preventing acne
- As a treatment for hyperhidrosis (severe sweating)
- Teeth grinding
- Improving chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis
- Alleviating depression
So, if you are looking to try BOTOX to minimize those fine lines, you might consider all of the other benefits it can offer. The Derm Group has a number of board-certified physicians across Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey who can safely and effectively provide this injectable.
Want to learn more? We’re here for you! Request your visit online or call us at (973) 571-2121 to talk to a member of our team.