Botox usage is subdivided into two categories- cosmetic and medical.
Decades ago, Botox usage was concentrated on medical treatment for disorders of the eyes- strabismus and blepharospasm. Nowadays, due to the advancement in research and development, Botox has gained the approval of the FDA to be used as a cosmetic treatment for facial lines or wrinkles.
For lifting saggy breasts - Doctors in Canada and Europe have started using Botox as lifting agents for saggy breasts. The pectoral muscles of a woman are injected with specified dose to temporarily lift her breasts. The treatment works best for smaller breasts though.
For treating Hyperhidrosis - Botox injections on the armpits, palms, face and feet can reduce excessive sweating. However, this treatment is quite painful for the palms and feet, which is why it is not as recommendable on these parts of the body.
For treating migraine - Botox usage extends to the treatment of migraine headaches. Botox injections are administered on the sides or back of the head, brow area or forehead.
For pouty lips and to turn up the corners of the mouth - A unit of Botox injection under the lower lip helps to puff it up. Botox injections on the corners of the mouth can help create a more appealing smile.
For sculpting the face - Botox injections on the nose and eyebrow area can temporarily add volume and create an illusion of a well-proportioned facial features.
For relaxing neck bands - Botox injections on the neck can reduce and soften the vertical bands that were developed with age. This treatment is like a temporary neck lift particularly for those who do not have too much excess skin on their necks.
For relaxing the chin - Botox injections on the chin muscles can reduce the dimples or "golf ball" appearance.
For treating enlarged prostate - Injecting Botox on prostate glands can help reduce the size and relieve the patient from some of the side effects.
For treating cervical dystonia and muscle spasms - Cervical dystonia can be treated with Botox usage. Muscle spasms on the neck, jaw, face and vocal chord can also be treated with Botox injections.
For reducing stuttering - Botox injections can temporarily relieve a patient of his/her stuttering.
For TMD/TMJ treatment - These conditions involve pain in the jaw, neck and ears. Botox injections are recommendable if all other treatments failed.
For treating lower back pain - Back pains caused by muscle contractions can find relief in Botox injections.
For treating cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis - Spasms and stiffness can cause the muscles to contract too much. Botox injections on the muscles can immobilize them temporarily and give relief to the patient.
Unfortunately, the FDA has only approved a handful of these Botox usages. Off-label Botox are the common types that doctors use to treat the unapproved medical conditions.
Further research and studies are being conducted to see the effectivity of Botox in treating the aforementioned health and cosmetic needs. Hopefully, when there are substantial evidences that Botox can indeed be used widely as a treatment for all of these conditions, doctors won't have to use off-label Botox as remedy.
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