The Other Benefits of Botox

It's not just for wrinkles

Though best known for filling wrinkles, Botox has a variety of other medical applications that may be surprising to the average medical spa guest. The popularity of Botox and dermal fillers has grown substantially in recent years – making the procedure much more mainstream.

Facial injectables, like Botox, is a large category that’s comprised of either the neurotoxin botulinum or of dermal fillers comprised of hyaluronic acid. Their most well-known purpose is ridding the skin of surface-level wrinkles. Botox does this by paralyzing the facial muscles that bunch up the skin and cause wrinkles. Fillers work by filling in gaps underneath the skin to smooth lines and wrinkles.

But the benefits of Botox beyond wrinkle reduction are plenty – and they may surprise you.

What are the medical uses of Botox?

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox for nine medical conditions and several cosmetic treatments, according to TIME. Due to its paralyzing capabilities, it’s often used to treat various muscle conditions.

Botox for Migraines

It all started when some patients that were using Botox to get rid of forehead wrinkles began reporting a decrease in chronic migraines. Botox likely works for headaches because it blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from the brain. Before those nerve messages can get from your brain to your head or neck, Botox blocks that path.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, Botox is said to decrease migraines by an average of 50 percent for those who suffer chronically. Chronic sufferers are people who experience 15 or more headache days per month.

Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Underarm Sweating)

Similarly to the migraine discovery, doctors noticed that patients being treated for facial spasms were sweating less. That’s how Botox as a treatment for hyperhidrosis began. Botox blocks nerve signals that can cause sweat glands to overproduce.

Overactive Bladder

The cause of overactive bladder is nerve-based. These nerves can cause the bladder muscles to squeeze without warning, resulting in “the need to go” and even leaks. Botox works to limit that nerve signal, decreasing the presence of overactive bladder symptoms.

Twitching Eyelids

You guessed it. Another instance of the brain sending a signal to a muscle that’s not entirely welcome. While this isn’t an FDA-approved medical use of Botox, it can operate in a similar way as other treatments as a cosmetic treatment.

How do I know if I should get Botox?

Talk to a trusted provider and schedule a consultation on the cosmetic applications of Botox. We believe that knowledge is power, so you may also consult with your primary care provider to discuss any other medical treatments for Botox.

Know your goals. What are you trying to achieve with Botox? Are the wrinkles or fine lines you’re trying to get rid of noticeable when your face is resting, or when you’re making an expression? This is worth noting because it could determine if injectables or fillers are right for you.

Consider the alternatives. There are plenty of other non-invasive medical spa treatments that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Get your routine down first. There are daily to-do’s that can be incorporated into your routine to keep your skin looking fresh, young and smooth. Consider your SPF routine, your morning and nighttime skincare routine and how much water you’re drinking on a daily basis.