The Health Benefits Of Botox

Botox is a drug derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This toxin is the same one that causes the life-threatening food poisoning known as botulism. However, when used in small doses, the drug is highly effective at treating a range of health problems. Botox injections weaken or paralyze muscles or block nerves. The effects of Botox can last between three to twelve months depending on what health problem is receiving treatment.

Lines & Wrinkles

As we age, we must deal with lines and wrinkles at some point. Botox is effective at reducing wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and lips. Injections relax specific muscles in the face making lines less noticeable for a period. Additionally, treatments with Botox are effective at lifting the brow, making a face appear less tired looking.

Excessive Sweating

If you count yourself among the countless folks who are embarrassed by hyperhidrosis which is excessive sweating under the arms or the feet, Botox may be able to help you. A Botox treatment can minimize the amount of sweat production by relaxing the muscles around the site of injection. This procedure has the outcome of reducing the amount of sweat secreted from the glands around it. Botox typically reduces the symptoms for up to six months per treatment.

Migraine Headaches

Botox is the first FDA-approved preventative treatment for chronic migraine headaches. Research suggests that Botox prevents on average eight to nine headache days a month. This preventative treatment is injected every 12 weeks by a specialist. The process takes about 15 minutes and uses a small needle.

Bell’s Palsy

Botox is utilized to treat Bell’s Palsy in two ways:

• Treatment to the paralyzed side of the face relaxes the facial muscles and prevents facial tics.
• Treatment to the non-paralyzed side relaxes the movements on the dominant side giving the face a balanced look during facial movement.

Eye Twitching

An eye twitch may cause a permanent spasm of the facial muscle. The result is the muscle being in a tense position for prolonged periods of time and often causing interference to one’s vision. Botox injections can relax the facial tissue.

Overactive Bladder

Botox treatments are effective at relaxing the muscles and nerves surrounding the bladder. The drug calms the nerves that overstimulate the bladder muscles. The overstimulation of these muscles is what leads to the urgent feeling of needing to urinate.

Temporary Effects

The effects of a Botox treatment lasts six months. This time limit is especially helpful if you are not happy with Botox. If you are satisfied, you can take additional therapy for six more months.

Price

When you compare Botox to cosmetic surgery, it is a cheaper alternative. Typical costs for Botox treatments range from $500 to $750 but varies geographically.

Botox does have a few side effects that include a headache, facial pain, muscle weakness, and respiratory infections. The drug is proven effective in treating several common medical problems. Speak with your healthcare professional today and see if Botox treatments might be right for you.