 |
|
Library >
Botox - Not Just for Beauty
In this article:
- The medical uses of Botox - Migraines and muscle spasms
- Botox and cosmetic uses
- Frequently asked questions about Botox
"Not tonight, Honey; I have a headache." Guys, have you heard that one before; and do you think you might hear it again? I have news for you. It's not you, and it's not her fault either. She is having migraine headaches, and she really can't help it. A lot more women than men suffer from migraine headaches, and, believe me, they are really tough headaches.
Interestingly enough, Botox has become a very effective treatment for the worst of migraine headaches and for migraines which have transitioned into chronic daily headaches. It often dramatically decreases the number and severity of the headaches, as well as the amount of medication headache sufferers have to take. Their lives no longer have to revolve around their headaches.
Another effective medical use of Botox is in the treatment of spasticity (muscle spasm) caused by stroke and spinal cord injury. It relaxes the muscles, stopping the pain from the sustained muscle spasm, and allowing the affected limb to return to a full range of motion, producing more effective physical therapy and aiding in maximal recovery and making the care of the patient much easier and more effective.
Another type of muscle contraction is called dystonia. It's cause may be unknown, or it may be due to underlying injury. In any case, it can cause significant pain and disability. By injecting Botox directly into the involved muscles, the muscles can be relaxed and the pain controlled, along with preventing severe contractures and deformities.
Now, how about the cosmetic uses?
So you don't have headaches and pain, but just want to look younger and better by smoothing out your wrinkled forehead and the "crow's feet" at the corners of your eyes. It can do that, too. Injections are given at intervals of every three months or longer, because that is about how long the medication lasts.
Frequently Askes Questions About Botox
1. What is Botox?
Botox belongs to a class of drugs called botulinum toxins. It is a focal muscle-relaxing agent, with virtually no systemic effects outside the area where it is injected.
2. How does Botox work?
Botox blocks the release of acetyl choline and relaxes muscles.
3. How long has Botox been used in treating patients?
It was used in the early 1960s in the treatment of crossed eyes. By this time, it has helped over 900,000 patients worldwide with conditions caused by overactive muscles.
4. Why should you have confidence in Botox?
Botox provides targeted relief of symptoms caused by muscle spasm and tightness. There is no stomach upset. No fatigue. No confusion or drowsiness. No depression. No liver toxicity. It has been proven a safe, effective medication, and has been widely used for more than 11 years. Its latest use has been as a very effective treatment for headaches (usually migraines) which have been resistant to other medications or treatments.
5. How is Botox given?
It is injected into the affected musles. In the case of the treatment of wrinkles, it is injected into the muscles of the forehead with a very thin 30-gauge needle.
6. Does the injection hurt?
Some people report minor, temporary discomfort from the injection. The very thin, fine-gauge needle helps to minimize any injection related pain.
7. How long does it take Botox to work?
You will see the effects within days. Maximal effects are in one to two weeks.
8. How long will the effects of Botox last?
The effects will last about three months after one treatment. The treatments can be continued as long as you respond to the Botox. When the effects begin to fade, you can return to the doctor for your next treatment. Sometimes the effects may last longer than the three months.
9. Does my insurance cover Botox treatments?
Insurance does not cover the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes.
10. What causes facial wrinkles - "crow's feet and forehead wrinkles?"
Facial wrinkles are caused by spasm or tightness of the underlying muscles of the area which has the wrinkles. The muscles get tight and short, and wrinkle the overlying skin.
11. How does the Botox get rid of the wrinkles?
Botox relaxes the underlying muscles, allowing the skin to smooth out.
12. Does Botox actually treat my skin to make it moist and smooth?
No. Botox does nothing for the skin itself, other than smooth out the wrinkles. For the health and well-being of your skin, you will still need the best of skin products and skin treatments. See one of the professionals here at the NeuroMedical Institute for Age Management for suggestions as to how you might best take care of your skin for its optimal health and youthful appearance, or for a referral to a Cosmetic Dermatologist or Cosmetic Surgery specialist.
|
|
|
Age Management Topics
|
|
About the Institute
