The Curious Case of Botox

Everybody knows how Botox, and Xeomin can be used to reduce and eliminate fine lines and dynamic wrinkles in our face. But as reversible muscle relaxants, the applications of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin go beyond that.

Let’s have a look at things we can do using these medications:

• First the easy one – those pesky lines and wrinkles: Excessive and frequent contraction of facial muscles can introduce lines and creases in the overlying skin, and as long as those lines are not permanently etched into the skin (becoming static lines), Botox can be an excellent treatment. These lines can emerge in different parts of the face but they do one thing and that’s making us look tired, downbeat and disproportionally aged: Crow’s feet, forehead lines, frown lines, vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines), chin wrinkles, neck lines (platisma bands), and more. Botox, Dysport and Xeomin do great job in reducing the appearance of these lines, and preventing them from turning into static lines which could be a lot more difficult to treat. Results last 3 to 6 months depending on the area.

• Adjustment of facial features: The effect of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin on blocking and relaxing muscles can be used to make subtle adjustment to facial features. Examples include boosting eyebrows, uplifting corners of the mouth, and lifting a droopy nose.

• Jaw slimming: For those with prominent and “square” jaw due to hypertrophic masseter muscle, Botox, Dysport or Xeomin can be used to relax the muscle, making the jaw line and lower face slimmer and rounder. Treatment results typically last for 6 to 12 months.

• Calf slimming: Similar to jaw slimming, patients who are not happy with their calf bulkiness due to hypertrophic muscles can achieve slimmer lower legs with the use of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin injections.

• Excessive sweating: If you suffer from too much sweating, your first stop should be a visit with your primary doctor. A number of medical conditions such as thyroid problems, diabetes, malignancies and inflammatory and infectious diseases can cause hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Once these and other medical reasons have been ruled out, Botox can provide great relief for hyperhidrosis. Once injected carefully into affected areas (often underarms, soles of hands and feet), Botox will block the tiny muscles that are responsible for depressing the sweat glands and prevent too much sweating. The results often last for 8 to 12 months or more.

• Migraine headaches: For patients with chronic migraine headaches not responsive to other medications, Botox can provide great relief, as it can relax the face and neck muscles involved in migraine attacks. Some insurances cover this treatment as a medically-necessary procedure.

The many uses of Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are not limited to the above and the list keeps growing. To know more about how your doctor can help you with Botox and other medications in this family, contact us today!