Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments, with over 9.4 million injections done in 2023 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But aside from the anti-aging benefits of Botox, did you know that it can also treat a range of medical conditions?
In this post, we’ll discuss the unique applications of Botox beyond being a non-surgical wrinkle treatment. Our licensed aesthetician also answered questions about Botox you need to know!
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
15 years of experience
5 Botox uses beyond wrinkles
Botox in Eau Claire, WI, may seem like a one-trick pony, but the truth is it’s an extremely versatile treatment.
Below are some of the FDA-approved medical uses of Botox beyond beauty enhancements:
1. Botox for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Hyperhidrosis is a skin condition characterized by excessive sweating. This occurs when your body perspires more than needed to regulate temperature due to overactive sweat glands.
Hyperhidrosis often occurs on the palms of your hands, armpits, feet soles, forehead, cheeks, genitals, and lower back. Most cases of hyperhidrosis are idiopathic, meaning its root cause is unknown.
Excessive sweating has a negative impact on day-to-day life. Many people with hyperhidrosis suffer from itching, body odor, cracked skin, and discomfort. This leads to isolation and embarrassment of being around people.
Still, managing hyperhidrosis symptoms is possible through the use of antiperspirants, breathable clothing, and injectable treatments like botulinum toxin (Botox).
How Botox works for hyperhidrosis:
For better relief, people with hyperhidrosis explore Botox injections to stop overactive eccrine glands from producing excessive sweat temporarily.
Licensed injectors will use a fine needle to inject small Botox amounts throughout the affected area. This leads to 90% sweat production 2 weeks after the Botox procedure.
Results last for 3 to 7 months, and maintenance injections are available to sustain the benefits. According to a study, Botox treatments for hyperhidrosis offer a sustainable solution to reduce sweat and have improved the patient’s quality of life.
2. Botox for migraines
Migraines are headaches causing debilitating and pulsing pain, typically on one side of the head. Migraine attacks are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sound and light sensitivity, with each episode lasting for hours to days.
Migraines affect people across ages, including children, teenagers, and adults. Unfortunately, many cases of migraines remain undiagnosed and untreated, leaving individuals with this condition unable to access treatment options.
While there’s no cure for migraines, it can be managed through pain-relieving medications, preventive drugs, and minimally invasive Botox injections.
How Botox works for migraines:
Botox for migraines in Eau Claire, WI, is commonly injected on the face, scalp, neck, forehead, and shoulders. It uses around 150 units of Botox, depending on the recommendations of your provider.
Once injected, Botox will stop the nerve cells from releasing pain signals to the brain. This helps reduce or minimize chronic migraines for up to 3 months, longer with maintenance injections.
Clinical evidence shows Botox helped reduce monthly headache days for those with chronic migraines and is also well-tolerated by most patients.
3. Botox for jaw clenching
Jaw clenching and tooth grinding (bruxism) are tell-tale signs of temporomandibular jaw (TMJ) disorder. Without treatment, jaw clenching leads to pain in the face, jaw, neck, temples, and even the shoulder area.
Individuals with TMJ disorder may also experience lockjaw or limited range of motion on their jaw. It will also make it difficult for them to chew, yawn, or even speak properly.
Traditionally, TMJ disorders, especially severe ones, are treated with surgery. Those who prefer a non-invasive solution will try Botox injections for temporary relief.
How Botox works for jaw clenching and TMJ disorders:
Botox for jaw clenching is injected into the masseter muscles, using around 30 to 40 units for both sides. After 1 to 2 weeks, the botulinum toxin will relax the jaw muscles to prevent further grinding or clenching. It will also relieve headaches that radiate from the jaw area and make the jaw appear slimmer as the muscles relax.
Relief from TMJ Botox lasts for up to 4 months. Re-treatment is necessary to maintain the results before the initial Botox effects wear off.
4. Botox for eye conditions
Botox provides temporary relief for certain eye conditions, such as strabismus (misaligned eyes) and blepharospasm (eyelid twitching).
Strabismus, or eye misalignment, often occurs in children, but it can persist among adults. This condition causes one eye to turn upward or downward due to malfunctioning nerves around the eyes.
Meanwhile, blepharospasm is a condition characterized by uncontrollable muscle twitching around the eyes. This muscle spasm forces the eyes to shut, making it difficult to see.
Both these eye conditions can be managed with oral medications or surgical correction. Nowadays, Botox is becoming a more popular and convenient treatment for these eye conditions.
How Botox works for eye conditions:
For strabismus, 2 to 5 units of Botox will be injected around the eye to stop individual muscles from working temporarily. This helps align the eyes and reduce blurry or double vision.
Meanwhile, Botox for muscle spasms can be used to address blepharospasm by injecting it on both ends of the eyelids. This uses 1 to 3 Botox units, depending on the severity of the twitching.
5. Botox for overactive bladder
An overactive bladder (OAB) causes sudden and hard-to-control urges to urinate. People with this condition experience frequent bathroom trips throughout the day, which can also disrupt their sleep schedule.
Possible causes of bladder hyperactivity include infection, abdominal trauma, nerve damage, and certain medications. OAB is more common among women and people 65 and older.
Depending on the cause, an overactive bladder can be managed through medication, nerve stimulation, and lifestyle changes. In January 2013, the FDA approved Botox as a treatment for overactive bladder.
How Botox works for an overactive bladder:
Licensed urologists can inject Botox into the detrusor muscle lining the bladder. This relaxes the bladder muscles and reduces incontinence and the urge to urinate frequently.
Local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, is used to numb the bladder lining, delivered via a catheter. The entire procedure for Botox to treat an overactive bladder takes around 30 minutes.
According to UCLA Health, about 75% of patients experience significant relief from OAB after Botox treatment. Results last for up to 12 months, and repeat injections are needed to keep the bladder from becoming hyperactive again.
Where to get Botox in Eau Claire
For safe and effective results, you should get your treatment from the best Botox providers in Eau Claire, such as Eau Claire Body Care. We only use FDA-approved Botox for wrinkles and medical uses.
In our medical spa, a registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health will administer your Botox injections. With over 10 years of experience in aesthetic treatments, you’ll receive the best Botox results for an affordable price.
Contact us today to learn more about our Botox treatments. You can also schedule a one-on-one consultation with our licensed injectors to see how our treatment can help your condition.
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Common questions about Botox for health conditions
Are there any risks associated with using Botox for non-facial treatments?
FDA-approved Botox treatments beyond wrinkles are proven safe and effective. Most patients will experience mild side effects, including tenderness in the injection areas, mild swelling, and bruising. All these resolve naturally and can be managed with home remedies.
Can Botox be used for cervical dystonia or neck spasms?
Botox was FDA-approved for use to treat cervical dystonia (CD) in 1999. Cervical dystonia is a painful condition characterized by involuntary neck muscle contractions. It can cause the head to twist, turn, and tilt uncontrollably.
Will medical insurance cover Botox?
Botox for facial aesthetics is not covered by insurance. However, insurers may cover certain medical Botox applications, depending on policy inclusions.
Is cosmetic Botox the same as medical Botox?
Botox for cosmetic enhancement and medical uses is derived from the same botulinum toxin type A substance. The only difference is the manner of application and dosage, as medical Botox is often administered in higher amounts.
What happens if Botox spreads beyond the injection site?
Botox spreading outside of the injection site is called ‘migration’. This can lead to undesirable effects, such as drooping eyelids when applied near the eye area, asymmetrical facial appearance, and unintended muscle weakness. All these can be prevented if you get Botox from a licensed injector.
What’s the difference between on-label and off-label uses of Botox?
On-label Botox uses refer to FDA-approved areas. Meanwhile, off-label Botox refers to applications that are not approved by the FDA. Both use the same product, though off-label Botox applications may entail certain risks.
How much does Botox for medical use cost?
Botox in Eau Claire, WI, costs $12 per unit in our medical spa. The total price of your treatment depends on the area size and desired results. To learn more about the cost of Botox treatments, feel free to check our prices page or book a consultation with us.
Is there an age limit for medical Botox?
Botox is approved for individuals age 18 and older. However, for medical applications, doctors may use Botox for younger patients to treat certain conditions, such as misaligned eye and eyelid spasms.
