The Alternative Uses of Botox
In the world of aesthetics, few treatments are as popular or well known as Botox and it’s hard to imagine a world without this ever-present anti-ageing solution.
As a way of diminishing the visibility of folds and creases and sometimes preventing their formation altogether, Botox has been used by those in in the pursuit of more youthful-looking skin for what seems to like an age and was first approved for cosmetic use by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) way back in 2002.
Yet, aside from its usefulness in improving the appearance of forehead lines, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds and a veritable rogue’s gallery of different facial ageing concerns, Botox is also an indispensable form of treatment for those battling a plethora of other ailments and medical conditions such as migraines, hyperhidrosis and teeth grinding. What a versatile treatment!
Migraines
Botox is normally recommended for those who have been diagnosed with chronic migraines, which is usually equivalent to having to endure severe headaches for at least 15 days of every month.
Anyone who has ever experienced a migraine will note a huge difference in how this feels in comparison to a normal headache. With symptoms such as intense throbbing, light sensitivity, nausea and distorted vision, migraines can be particularly debilitating and have quite an effect on all areas of everyday life.
Opinions are split on exactly how Botox can be used to manage migraines, but theories suggest that it works by relaxing tension in the muscles around the head or stifling nerve activity to such an extent that these fibres are unable to send their usual pain signals to the brain.
Either way, patients generally report a vast improvement in symptoms as their treatment journey unfolds – not bad for a small, non-invasive procedure!
Hyperhidrosis
Sweating is a natural part of life and an activity that is carried out by the body as a way of regulating its temperature. Yet, those who have been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis – otherwise known as excessive sweating – often have their lives ruined by this relatively uncommon condition. Said to affect 3% of the population, hyperhidrosis can either make its presence known throughout the body as a whole or limit itself to one area in particular such as the hands, groin, feet or underarms.
To save on such embarrassment, Botox can be injected into the body part affected as a means of interfering with the internal processes that trigger us to sweat – this impedes the nerve activity that leads to natural phenomenon and prevents the sweat glands from producing more of this substance than they need to, with results generally lasting up to 6 months.
Teeth grinding
Whilst there is no definitive cause for bruxism – or teeth grinding – this is a condition that can lead to so much more than just damaged teeth and broken fillings. The intensity at which someone grinds their teeth or clenches their jaw, often subconsciously or when sleeping, may also be responsible for an increase in headaches, persistent ear pain and a distressing lack of sleep.
When injected into the masseter muscle (a muscle which resides in the jaw), Botox can bring about a stop to habitual teeth grinding and reduce the impact that this has on our physical and mental health. This does not limit the normal functioning of the muscles around the mouth and we normally recommend that patients undergo a trio of treatment sessions over a three-month period to achieve the best results.
Contact us today
At North West Aesthetics, our expert practitioners have years of experience in helping patients to both manage and overcome a number of medical conditions through the timely administration of Botox to the areas of the body affected.
Over time, we have built a sterling reputation as an aesthetics clinic that provides patients with top-quality treatments at affordable prices, and this is something that we only want to continue to do as we move towards our thirteenth year of business.
To find out more about our full range of treatments or to schedule your free consultation, call 01942 909 003 or visit our website today.