When we hear the word “Botox,” we immediately picture a woman having a needle injected just under the skin of her face…usually around the eyes or forehead. Just Google “Botox” and look under images to see what we mean. We’ve all come to know Botox as a treatment for reducing wrinkles. But there are people using Botox treatments for many other reasons, some that may surprise you.
Botox is actually derived from a bacterium and has the effect of freezing muscles. It was originally used to treat eye spasms, but soon became a popular method to minimize the effect of crow’s feet and small wrinkles. When the muscles that cause a wrinkle to appear are frozen, the wrinkle essentially goes away.
Since doctors and researchers began using Botox, they have found other beneficial uses of the injections. Here are just some of those uses:
Migraine Headaches
Experts believe that Botox blocks the sensory nerves that send the pain messages to the brain, thus alleviating some of the discomfort associated with migraine headaches. The drug also relaxes surrounding muscles. Those who have received Botox injections for migraines report a drop in the frequency that they experience headaches, and say that the pain is much less severe.
Typical timing for Botox treatment for migraines is once every 12 weeks. You may see improvements in migraines around 2 weeks after getting Botox shots, though it could take 4 weeks to see reduced migraine days or intensity.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweat)
Botox injections can help prevent excessive sweating by temporarily blocking the chemical signals that trigger the sweat glands. If the signals are stopped, the sweating stops in the treated area. The sweat doesn’t get backed up or go anywhere else: it’s just simply not produced in the areas treated with Botox.
Once the Botox is injected into the area, patients typically see results in less than a week, with full results after about two weeks. Effects can last up to a year, though you may need boosters after 4-7 months.
Enlarged Prostates
Studies show that men with enlarged prostates see a relief in pain when they receive Botox treatment. When Botox is injected directly into the prostate gland, it can stop problems such as frequent urination and urinary tract infections. Plus, unlike the injections used for wrinkles, the relief men experience can last up to a year.
Pelvic Muscle Pain
Many women report feeling pain when having sex due to sensitive pelvic muscles. Doctors are now using Botox injections to help relieve this pain. Botox can help normalize the length and tone of the muscles in the pelvic area and result in less pressure.
These are just a few of the many ways Botox is being used to treat pain and discomfort for both men and women. Botox treatments are temporary and seem to have very few side effects when performed by a certified doctor.
Botox Treatments in Tempe, Arizona
At transformyou, we’ve treated dozens of patients in the last few months with Botox and the results are fantastic! We hope you’ll give us a call if you have any questions about Botox and how it can be used.