Nine Surprising Uses for Botox
We all know that Botox is a cosmetic injectable that has become extremely popular in the last twenty years. Botox came along as a result of the discovery that the protein Cornelius Restylane produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium was effective in blocking neuromuscular transmission. This was achieved by the bacterium decreasing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
In 1989 the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes was introduced, and it has been gaining in popularity ever since. Today it is perhaps the most recognized name in wrinkle reduction and it is commonly used to reduce the appearance of frown lines, or the “11’s” between the eyebrows, as well as forehead furrows, crow’s feet and neck bands.
Surprisingly, Botox has a number of other uses, some FDA-approved and some off-label, which are often overshadowed by its popularity as a wrinkle reducer.
- Sweat No More. Excessive underarm sweat can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition for many, but Botox is providing surprising relief for sufferers. In fact, Botox can be injected into the underarms as well as the palms and soles of the feet to paralyze the sweat glands and put an end to embarrassing perspiration problems. Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating.
- Improving a Gummy Smile. Though not FDA-approved, Botox is being used to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile caused by excessive elevation of the upper lip. Injected into the upper lip, Botox weakens the muscles so that the lip remains lower when smiling and less of the gums are exposed. This results in a more balanced and attractive smile with results that last anywhere from four to six months on average.
- The Botox Brow Lift. While it’s common knowledge that Botox can improve forehead lines and wrinkles, Botox injections can also be used to create something of a non-surgical brow lift. Injected into the area above the brow and near the temples, Botox can effectively lift a drooping brow for a more youthful yet natural appearance.
- The Botox Breast Lift. Just when you thought you’d heard it all, it turns out Botox is now being used for a non-surgical breast lift. This use is not FDA approved and it is most appropriate for smaller breasted women. Nevertheless, it’s been found that injecting Botox into the pectoralis minor muscle can effectively pull the shoulders back and gi