Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily paralyzes the muscle where it is injected. While it is primarily known for its ability to smooth facial wrinkles, it’s uses actually extend far beyond facial aesthetics. Here are a few of the ways this miracle drug enhances more than just your
appearance.
Hyperhidrosis
Botox can be used to temporarily treat hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes excessive sweating in the axilla (underarms). You may be a candidate for Botox injections in the underarms if your sweating fails to improve with prescription antiperspirants. During the treatment, Botox is injected into the muscle in the axilla region on both sides. The nerve signals responsible for sweating are blocked, prohibiting the glands from producing too much sweat. You should notice a significant reduction in underarm sweating within the first 4 weeks of treatment. Results last, on average, between 6-10 months before treatment needs to be
repeated.
Platysmal Bands
Botox injections can help reduce the appearance of platysmal bands, also known as neck bands, by relaxing the neck muscles. Botox relaxes the platysma muscle, thereby reducing vertical lines or “bands” that become more prominent with aging or muscle overactivity. This helps to achieve a more youthful and smoother neck appearance, along with improved contour of the
neck.
Masseter Muscles
Botox can help individuals who grind their teeth (bruxism) and have a pronounced jawline, secondary to hypertrophy of the masseter muscles (muscles of mastication/chewing). Injecting Botox deep into the masseter muscles can help create a slimmer jawline, alleviate teeth grinding and TMJ (a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement), and reduce the pain associated with overactive masseter muscles.
Gummy Smile
Botox can be used to treat a gummy smile by temporarily paralyzing the muscle that pulls the lip upward. This muscle, the longest named muscle in our body, is the LLSAN (levator labii superioris alaeque nasi). When injected, the rise of the upper lip is limited when smiling, thereby reducing gummy show and creating a more appealing and natural smile. Two or more units of Botox are injected in this muscle on each side of the nose.
Lip Flip
Botox can create the appearance of fuller lips through a lip flip, a quick, minimally invasive treatment where Botox is injected into the orbicularis oris muscle (the upper part of your top lip), allowing your upper lip to relax and flip outward. If you are considering lip filler, the lip flip gives you a glimpse into a fuller lip, without the bigger investment into lip filler and results last 3-4 months.
