For years we’ve known of the marvels of Botox. Botulinum toxin A has been used to remove fine lines and wrinkles from the areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth with great effects. This fantastic treatment has been able to reverse the effects of aging over the past decade and has been used on over four million patients each year.
Botox would be an impressive treatment if that were even all it could do. However, as doctors are able to research the treatment more and more, alternative uses for Botox are being discovered.
Migraines
For patients who suffer severe migraines, traditional oral medications may not be sufficient to alleviate pain, making day-to-day life miserable. Patients are able to undergo Botox injections as a means to prevent chronic migraines. Often, this treatment is combined with oral medications and other therapies.
Blepharospasms & Eye Squint
Blepharospasms, or eye twitching, and eye squint, also known as crossed eyes, were actually the original therapeutic uses for Botox. Doctors found that the treatment could be used to relax muscles and explored other similar options.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating, sometimes becoming a socially debilitating condition. Patients are injected in the skin just under the sweat glands and can typically find relief for up to nine months.
Overactive Bladders
Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects 20 percent of individuals over the age of 40, causing uncontrollable urges to urinate. When other options have been expended, injecting Botox into the walls of the bladder has been found to reduce or eliminate these urges for up to six months.
Neck Muscle Spasms
After finding that Botox was useful to relax muscles, doctors explored other options, including muscular spams of the neck. The vertical banding in the neck, known as platysmal bands, are injected with Botox. This treatment, paired with physical therapy, is able to alleviate stress and pain in the neck muscles.
Enlarged Prostate
For men suffering from an enlarged prostate, Botox may be able to reduce discomfort. The injection decreases the size of the prostate, reducing irritation. By reducing the prostate, men are able to urinate more efficiently, reducing the risk of bladder and kidney damage that is often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Multiple Sclerosis & Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis are both neuromuscular conditions that cause extreme physical disability. Botox has been found to decrease contractions and spasms in patients suffering from these conditions. While it doesn’t completely eliminate problems, it is able to make some improvements for the patient.
As research continues, doctors and scientists are able to find even more valuable uses for Botox. Even their cosmetic applications are being pursued further with some applications pending FDA approval.
We are happy to assist you with your Botox needs. If you have any questions about Botox or alternative Botox treatments in Charlotte please contact the office of Dr. Erik Miles at North Charlotte Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery today. Please call to schedule a consultation with our staff at (704) 896-5556.
