Botox Beyond Beauty: Medical uses for Neuromodulators
Do you suffer from jaw pain, a stiff neck, chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) or do you grind your teeth in your sleep?
Did you know that Botox can help?
Let’s talk about the benefits of Botox beyond aesthetics…
How does it work?
Botulinum toxin works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, thereby relaxing muscles and reducing spasms or excessive activity
Botulinum toxin, commonly known by brand names such as Botox (botulinum toxin A), Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA), Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB), and Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA), is used to treat conditions involving excessive muscle contraction or inappropriate muscle activity.
Medical uses for botulinum toxin and neuromodulators include a variety of therapeutic and cosmetic applications. For example, individuals who get botulinum toxin for cosmetic reasons may also have decreased migraine days and intensity of headaches.
The science breakdown
It’s not just the muscle relaxation that decreases the headaches. Botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release (which is a neurotransmitter or chemical signal our brains use), causing muscle relaxation.
In migraines, it also blocks release of pain-related neurotransmitters from sensory nerves by cleaving something called SNARE proteins (which release those neurotransmitters) at the nerve. This reduces activation and sensitization of trigeminal pain pathways, leading to fewer and less severe migraines.
Botulinum toxin reduces headaches because it blocks the chemical that can cause migraines.
Other key medical uses of Botulinum Toxin
Chronic Migraines: Botulinum toxin injections are effective in reducing the frequency and severity of chronic migraines
Bruxism: Injecting into the masseter muscle, it decreases pain from jaw grinding
Spastic Disorders: It helps manage spasticity by relaxing muscles that are overly contracted
Cervical Dystonia: Treats severe neck and shoulder muscle stiffness, pain, and contractions
Blepharospasm: Relieves uncontrollable blinking
Strabismus: Corrects misaligned eyes
Severe Underarm Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Reduces excessive sweating by blocking nerve signals to sweat glands
Overactive Bladder: Helps manage symptoms by relaxing bladder muscles
What to expect from your first Botox appointment
Before the Appointment:
Consultation: We will begin with a consultation to discuss your goals and medical history. This helps us tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
Avoid Certain Medications: If possible, avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for a few days before your appointment to reduce the risk of bruising.
During the Appointment:
Procedure Time: The Botox injection process is relatively quick, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes.
Discomfort Level: You may feel a slight pinch or sting with each injection, but discomfort is usually minimal.
Number of Injections: The number of injections will depend on the areas being treated and your desired results.
After the Appointment:
Immediate Effects: You may experience slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites, which usually resolves quickly.
Results Timeline: It typically takes a few days to start seeing the effects of Botox, with full results visible within one to two weeks.
Post-Treatment Care: Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for at least 24 hours. You should also avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat exposure on the day of the treatment.
Follow-Up:
We may schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your results and make any necessary adjustments generally after 2 weeks.
On the search for a Botox treatment Doctor in Midtown, NY?
I.M. Well Medical is a concierge Primary & Cosmetic Care practice founded & led by triple-board certified Physician, Dr. Sanjeet K. Baidwan, MD.
For added convenience contact our Care Team to discuss our house call services.
Hear from our Founder
“Our goal is to reveal the best version of you with a little help from modern science. Subtle, conservative treatments to slow the aging process and optimize your beauty. Customized skin treatments that blend science forward clinical formulas and holistic techniques. We want you to feel your best from the inside - out!”
Dr Sanjeet K. Baidwan, MD.
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