When
most people think of Botox the first thing that usually comes to mind
is wrinkle reduction. Indeed, Botox is the world’s most popular
treatment for eradicating wrinkles and fine lines. The toxin is
specifically FDA approved for treating frown lines between the eyebrows
(glabellar lines) and lines around the eyes (crow’s feet). In addition
to being the gold standard for wrinkle reduction, Botox can also be used
to treat a variety of issues, both cosmetic and non-cosmetic. Dr.
John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board certified plastic
surgeon. He provides a list of conditions that Botox has been used to
treat.
Acne
Botox
can curb oil production, reducing breakouts. "To totally treat acne,
you'd need to use doses of Botox so large they'd prevent you from
constricting your facial muscles," says Dr. Zannis. "But tiny amounts of
Botox injected very superficially help reduce oil production, and you
can still have facial expressions." Though he'd recommend it for almost
any patient struggling with acne, Zannis would likely advise trying
another dermatologist-prescribed treatment, like spironolactone or birth
control pills, first. And though it can technically be used to quell
oil production anywhere on the face, he cautions against using it all
over because of potential effects on muscular activity (a.k.a. frozen
face). The most effective and common area for using Botox to curb oil
production, he says, is the forehead.
Gummy smile (not FDA approved)
A
"gummy" smile, one that's characterized by a smile that shows too much
of the gums, usually results from "excessive lip elevation" when the
upper lip rises too far above the upper teeth when smiling. Injecting
Botox into the upper lip weakens the upper lip's retractor muscles so
that it won't raise as high and your smile will seem better-balanced. It
can be done in about five minutes. Usually lasts for four to six
months. Costs range from $200-$300. Dr. Zannis says, "This technique is
not for the novice Botox injector. Too much, and your lip won’t raise
enough, too little and you will need more, or if injected
asymmetrically, you might have a funny asymmetrical smile."
Urinary incontinence.
Overactive
bladder problems affect up to 20% of women over 40. For severe cases
where medications do not provide complete relief, Botox injections into
the bladder wall may provide relief lasting about 6 months.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is uncomfortable, itchy, and not exactly easy on the eyes. Luckily, this flaky skin condition could be a thing of the past thanks to Botox. Though psoriasis is technically incurable, Botox minimizes the activity of inflammatory cells that bring on outbreaks.
Psoriasis is uncomfortable, itchy, and not exactly easy on the eyes. Luckily, this flaky skin condition could be a thing of the past thanks to Botox. Though psoriasis is technically incurable, Botox minimizes the activity of inflammatory cells that bring on outbreaks.
Excessive Sweating
For
those who suffer from excessive sweating, however, summer isn’t always
the sunniest time of the year. Thankfully, Botox could be a saving grace
for those attempting to manage this condition, which is officially
known as axillary hyperhidrosis. Studies show that just a handful of
injections can reduce underarm sweat for up to TWO years. Um, where do
we sign up?
Breast Lift
Are your breasts in need of a pick-me-up? Instead of going under the knife and getting permanent augmentation, some experts have suggested a quick and easy Botox lift. Dr. Zannis says that, “Those looking for a modest improvement are said to be able to temporarily plump their assets thanks to injections into the pectoralis minor chest muscle.”
Are your breasts in need of a pick-me-up? Instead of going under the knife and getting permanent augmentation, some experts have suggested a quick and easy Botox lift. Dr. Zannis says that, “Those looking for a modest improvement are said to be able to temporarily plump their assets thanks to injections into the pectoralis minor chest muscle.”
Depression
The
benefits of Botox® may be more than skin deep; two recent studies
suggest that it may help alleviate the symptoms of depression. In a
study published in the May 2014 issue of the Journal of Psychiatric Research,
more than half of participants who had moderate-to-severe depression
showed a substantial improvement in depressive symptoms following one
injection of Botox® between the brows. This improvement lasts longer
than the cosmetic effects, suggesting that the effect may be more than
just feeling better about your appearance. Botox® is not approved to
treat depression.
Teeth Grinding
Injections
of Botox® were used to control involuntary muscle tension and spasms
long before it became the go-to wrinkle buster. Dr. Zannis says that,
“these neurotoxin injections may weaken the chewing muscles enough to
reduce bruxism (teeth grinding) without affecting your ability to chew,
talk and smile. Results last about four months. Botox® is not yet
approved to treat bruxism.”
Migraine Headache
Botox®
is approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraine headaches in adults
who have 15 or more headache-days a month, each lasting four hours or
more. Studies that led to this indication show that BOTOX®® prevents up
to nine headache-days a month (vs seven for dummy injections). Other
research hints that the neurotoxin may also help with low cerebrospinal
fluid headaches and cluster or "suicide" headaches.
Brow Boost
Much
like lines form over time, your brow may also drop or droop. Botox
cosmetic treatments can also be used to improve the appearance of the
brow. Dr. Zannis explains that, “the treatment essentially freezes the
sagging muscles in place and gives the brow more stability. Lifting the
brows in this way leaves you with a less tired and younger, fresher
appearance.”
Jaw Reduction (off label use)
Botox
can be used to perform jaw reduction (commonly called jaw line
softening). Injecting Botox into the masseter muscle (the primary muscle
used in chewing actions) reduces its overall size; transforming an
overly square and masculine appearing jawline into a more feminine oval
or heart shape.
Dr.
John Zannis is a New Bern, North Carolina board-certified plastic
surgeon and best selling author. A graduate of Stanford University and
The University of Cincinnati Medical College, he received his formal
training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at
Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina under the
guidance of world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Argenta. During
this time, he performed over 5,000 surgical procedures and covered all
aspects of plastic surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face and
body, complex reconstructive procedures of face and body, cleft lip and
palate surgery, hand surgery, facial and jaw fracture repair, and
reconstruction following massive weight loss. He blends his interests
and studies of classical art and symmetry to his surgery practices.
Connect with him via twitter @JohnZannisMD or his website www. zannisplasticsurgery.com
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