Alternative Uses for Botox You Might Not Know About
When you hear the word Botox you may think of fine lines, wrinkles, possibly even crow’s feet around your eyes. However, you’d be surprised to learn that the use of Botox goes way beyond cosmetic. It’s time to reframe our conventional way of thinking when it comes to Botox and introduce its many uses that are not just cosmetic, but also medical. Before we get into its alternative uses let’s dive into what exactly is Botox?
What is Botox?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox is the #1 minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure in the United States. But what does it do and why are so many people running to get this procedure?
Botox is a drug made up of the toxin bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected, the surrounded areas ae block the nerve activities in the muscles. When used in small doses Botox can treat numerous health problems, some of which include:
Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
Treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Muscle spasms
Migraines
Reducing a gummy smile
Reduce the appearance of dimpling in the chin
Soften square jawlines
The benefits of Botox are endless but for the purpose of this article we are going to focus on a few of these treatments you may not know about. Before we dive in, it's important to note that Botox does not come without risks. Always consult with a trusted physician to handle your care while using Botox.
Lip Treatments
It is important to note that lip treatments are not the same as lip fillers. This specific category offers a variety of ways to enhance your lips without the use of filler.
Lip Flips: enhance your lips by making them appear fuller without increasing the volume. Your physician injects it into the corners of your mouth and the edges of your lips resulting in a plump appearance.
Marionette Lines: you know those pesky creases that run down the corners of your lips? Those can be treated as well! Botox is injected near the mouth causing the Depressor Anguli Oris muscle to relax and the corners of the lips to be lifted.
Gummy Smile: a gummy smile is a smile that shows a little too much of the gum line. The best part of this procedure is that it’s not invasive!
Eye Areas
Of course, we’re all familiar with the common treatment of wrinkles but there’s so much more than that.
For example, did you know that that you could lift the appearance of your face with a simple eyebrow injection? What about treating eye wrinkles? It’s all possible!
Eyebrow Lift: A common sign of aging is the sagging of the skin above the brow called brow ptosis. This sagging affect gives the impression of fatigue and gives off an angry or even sad expression. Upon injecting, the muscles around the eyebrows are pulled upwards, elevating the brows. Units needed for this procedure varies but can take as little as 4 to get started.
Crow’s Feet: Yes, Botox can soften the appearance of crow’s feet - when you have deep lines! It softens the orbicularis oculi muscle that is responsible for causing crow’s feet. Results may last 3-4 months depending on the number of units used.
Muscle Stiffness or Movement Disorders
Muscle stiffness and movement disorder treatments are on the more unconventional side of procedures – though it is often due to the fact that most people often are just not aware of them. Although these dysfunctions are often associated with neurological disorders it is not uncommon for the conditions to be of an unknown origin. The following are a few examples that can be treated with Botox:
Spasticity: This condition is known for interfering with movement, speech, and may be associated with pain. It’s a direct result of an abnormal increase in muscle tone and stiffness.
Dystonia: If you ever experience involuntary muscle contractions with slow repetitive movements or even abnormal posture, you might have dystonia. Treating it with Botox
inhibits a release of acetylcholine so muscles no longer have the capability to contract.
Smoothing the Neckline
As we age, we begin to see long vertical wrinkles form along the perimeter of the neck. Sure, hiding them with a turtleneck offers a temporary solution but summer is just around the corner which means those turtlenecks are going to the back of the closet. With Botox, also called the Botox necklace, physicians inject neuromodulator between those pesky lines around the neck. As an added bonus, effects may result in a subtle lifting of the jowls, jawline, and the face!
Get a “Nose Job” with Botox
In the aging process, our body begins to sag and the nose is no exception! The good news is that you don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a nose job – Botox will do the trick! Botox can give you a temporary nose lift by injecting it into the depressor septi nasi, a muscle in the nose that causes a fatter and droopy look. When done correctly, this eases the pull of the depressor septi nasi which frees your nose and creates a perkier look.
It is easy to feel insecure about your body but one thing to remember is that aging is normal! Botox can only serve as a way to slow down the aging process rather than being a permanent solution. Always make sure to consult your physician before getting treatment, whether it's cosmetic or medical. One thing is for certain, the benefits of Botox are outstanding! Now is the time to turn back the clock and defy the calendar – it's time for you to start feeling comfortable in your own skin!
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