One of the earliest injectables used for wrinkle treatment, Botox®, remains a favorite. Created from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox works by temporarily paralyzing those muscles into which it is injected, hiding the lines and wrinkles. While Botox has become synonymous with wrinkle prevention, that is just of the many positive benefits of botox.
Originally approved by the FDA for treating eye muscle disorders, patients noted during treatment that their wrinkles were disappearing. Thus Botox became used for cosmetics, but the pharmaceutical sports numerous medical purposes.
No Downtime
While Botox results are not instantaneous–it may take five days or more to notice wrinkle changes –the actual procedure is relatively quick. Lunch hour Botox injections are quite popular.
After the injections, you can return to work or other normal activities. Avoid strenuous exercise for a day or so, as well as alcohol and painkillers. Because the injections are targeted precisely, do not touch or rub your face afterward.
Preventive Therapy
Rather than getting rid of wrinkles, it’s easier to not develop them in the first place. Some of the best ways to slow down the wrinkle process include limiting sun exposure, consuming a healthy diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Add Botox injections to the list.
When used early, before wrinkles form, Botox keeps muscles from moving too much. Down the road, all those movements can lead to crow’s feet, laugh lines, and other wrinkles. Regular Botox use can hold back the appearance of wrinkles.
Mood Enhancement
When people think they look better, they often feel better. However, when Botox is injected between the eyes, known as glabellar injections, it may lift depression.
In a study published in the May 2014 volume of the Journal of Psychiatric Research, researchers found that more than half of patients suffering from “moderate to severe depression” who received such injections said it helped relieve symptoms; while only 15 percent of patients who received placebo injections said there was symptom relief. There seems to be a clear correlation between botox and a decrease in depression.
Underarm Sweating
If chronic underarm sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, makes you feel self-conscious or governs the type of clothing you wear, Botox can help. If other treatments have not worked, direct injections of Botox into the underarms can eliminate this sweating, making you more comfortable and confident.
Chronic Migraines
Botox is FDA-approved for those suffering from chronic migraines, which are identified as 15 or more such headaches per month, each lasting at least four hours.
Patients receive injections approximately every three months for a year. While chronic migraines may not totally disappear, the majority of patients experience far fewer days with pain after Botox treatment.
Urinary Incontinence
Overactive bladder limits your life. You either need regular access to a bathroom or end up wearing adult underwear to hide urinary incontinence. Botox injected into the bladder wall, an outpatient procedure can relieve symptoms. Although Botox injections cannot “cure” overactive bladder and incontinence, the pharmaceutical allows longer holding of urine, fewer incidents of incontinence and less need to get up during the night to pee.
There are many benefits for botox injections to improve your appearance, your confidence, and your health. If you have questions about the benefits of botox treatments, then contact us at Tampa Rejuvenation or give us a call at 813-558-9500.