BOTOX® has been a household name for decades now. It’s up there with Coke, Kleenex, and Q-tips, brand names that became genericized trademarks for soda, facial tissues, and cotton swabs. Many people use the word “Botox” to describe any number of cosmetic treatments and procedures that help eliminate lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
In truth, BOTOX® Cosmetic is a specific injectable agent derived from botulinum toxin type A, a bacterium-produced neuromuscular toxin. In its safe, highly diluted form as found in BOTOX® Cosmetic, the botulinum toxin treatment (approved by the US FDA) relaxes underlying facial muscles, thereby diminishing or eliminating lines and wrinkles.
This relaxation of the facial muscles makes BOTOX® different from other popular wrinkle-smoothing injection treatments that plump or fill in lines and wrinkles. But what also sets BOTOX® apart is that it has proven beneficial and effective in a wide range of uses that go far beyond wrinkle-reduction.
Migraines:
In 2010, the FDA approved BOTOX® to treat migraines, intense pulsing headaches often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. As treatment for migraines, BOTOX® is injected around the head and neck at intervals of about 12 weeks. Many patients report diminished migraine symptoms for up to three months after injections.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating):
BOTOX® is also FDA-approved for excessive sweating, which dermatologists estimate affects 3% of the population of the United States. While that percentage may not sound very high, it’s 9.6 million people. That’s a lot of sweat! BOTOX® works by interrupting the chemical signal that activates the sweat glands. The FDA has approved BOTOX® injections in the armpits, but some doctors will also use it to treat excessive sweating of the hands or feet. The treatment may require multiple injections but can last as long as a year.
Dystonia (Muscle Spasms):
BOTOX® blocks nerve impulses by attaching to nerve endings and preventing the release of the chemical transmitters that tell muscles to activate. This makes it a great therapy treatment for muscle spasms. BOTOX® is injected directly into the affected muscle, blocking the chemical message that tells the muscle to spasm. The number of injections necessary and how long the treatment will last depends on many factors. Your doctor will be able to provide specificity about BOTOX® therapy for your particular muscle spasms.
Chronic Pain:
We live in pretty amazing times. Have you ever experienced pain but you couldn’t tell where it was coming from? Well, these days, your doctor can use Computed Tomography (CT) to help find the exact location of where your pain originates. BOTOX® then can be used to specifically target and relax the muscle or muscle groups responsible for your pain and discomfort. Because pain has such a wide range of causes and is specific to each person, it’s important that your doctor carefully analyze your nerve pain, back pain, or whatever ailment you suffer from in order to determine the best course of BOTOX® treatment.
Ask us if BOTOX® might benefit you.
At San Diego Body Contouring, our board certified surgeons are knowledgeable about and experienced in the many beneficial uses for BOTOX®. Join us for our BOTOX PARTY on Saturday, November 7th from 10am – 3pm and receive special pricing—$7/unit if you purchase 50 or more, $7.50/unit if you purchase between 20-49. So, whether you’re looking to address your migraines, your muscle pain, those pesky lines and wrinkles on your forehead, or any of the other many issues for which BOTOX® has proven beneficial, we’re here to help.
Please give us a call and let us know what we can do for you.
