Medical and Cosmetic Uses of Botox

Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in Australia and much of the world, and for good reason. 

This non-invasive procedure uses a purified form of a toxin called botulinum to target and relax specific facial muscles. In relaxing the facial muscles, the Botox procedure smooths out visible creases, making a person look younger and more radiant.

While the prevailing mainstream belief is that Botox is solely used to enhance a person's facial appearance, that's not the sole purpose of this cosmetic treatment. 

In fact, Botox's original purpose during its inception was to treat medical conditions linked to muscle overactivity, like crossed eyes and eye twitching. This injection was then linked to helping resolve issues like migraines, excessive sweating, and a slew of other neurological disorders.

Given the wide range of utility Botox possesses in handling both medical and cosmetic cases, it's a good idea for patients to understand the science behind the treatment. Let's take a look beneath the knife and explore the medical and cosmetic use cases of Botox treatment. 

How Does Botox Work? 

When purified botulinum bacteria enter the facial tissue, it does one job and does it well: it stops the communication between the muscles and the nerves. 

This bacterium achieves this by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This compound's primary responsibility is to contract the muscles at the neuromuscular junction. 

The botulinum bacteria attach themselves to the nerve endings and internalise themselves into the nerve cell. Once inside, it hinders the muscles and nerves from properly interacting. With no communication or signals coming from the nerves, this causes the muscles to enter a state of temporary paralysis and muscle weakness. 

Without this chemical signal, the targeted muscle doesn't contract but instead relaxes. When the muscles are relaxed, the skin lying above them remains smooth. This prevents wrinkles from showing up and new creases from forming. 

That said, Botox isn't a permanent anti-ageing solution. Over time, these nerve cells can sprout new terminals and regain their original function. This can happen in a period of six to 12 months, depending on the individual's metabolism. 

When this happens, the muscles receive nerve signals once again and can contract as they once did.

This is why continuous care and repeat treatments are important to maintaining a smooth face and a youthful glow. If you're looking to have experts take care of your facial appearance in a medically sound manner, consider contacting licensed clinics like Contour Clinics, one of the best Botox clinic in Sydney.

3 Medical Applications of Botox 

Botox may be most commonly used for cosmetic enhancements, but its wide array of medical applications is nothing to scoff at either.

The muscle-relaxing mechanism in Botox that makes it so appealing in a cosmetic care setting can also be harnessed to treat various medical conditions. Since its FDA approval in 1989, the popularity of this treatment has shot up in several capacities for treating a wide range of conditions.

Here are three popular cases wherein Botox is used in a clinical setting.

1. Migraine Treatment

If your migraines occur 15 times a month and you have exhausted every other migraine medication, then Botox could be a great way to remedy this persistent health problem.

Patients with chronic migraine problems can look into Botox injectables as a viable way to curb migraine symptoms. This drug's mechanism of stopping nerve and muscular communication stops pain signals from getting transmitted. 

With proper Botox treatment, patients can experience a reduction in migraine frequency and intensity. However, the full benefits will only show themselves after two to three rounds of treatment.

To get this treatment, licensed medical professionals will first diagnose and confirm your migraine condition, as any other headache would need a different remedy. Once you're cleared for treatment, the doctor will inject several rounds of Botox into specific areas of your head and neck. 

These injections contain botulinum, which plays a role in inhibiting the release of inflammatory neurotransmitters like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and glutamate, which are neurotransmitters that amplify neural pain. 

Eventually, the migraine episodes will subside, and with the right follow-up treatment, achieving a good quality of life is most certainly feasible.

2. Excessive Sweating Treatment

Another important medical use case for Botox is treating hyperhidrosis. This is a condition in which the body produces a higher-than-average amount of sweat. This condition can be debilitating and cause great shame in daily life.

Botox, as previously mentioned, inhibits the release of acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is responsible for activating sweat glands, so when it's blocked, the release of sweat effectively gets minimised. 

The procedure is similar to the one above: a clinician injects small doses of Botox into the affected area, whether that's the underarms, palms, or soles of your feet. Results will start to become noticeable in a week and can last up to nine months. Follow-up treatments will be necessary over time as new nerve cells emerge.

3. Muscle Spasticity

Another medical concern that Botox can treat is muscle spasticity, a condition wherein the muscles contract involuntarily due to problems with an individual's nerve signalling mechanism. Patients with cerebral palsy and post-stroke motor impairment are some of those affected by this condition.

Botox's acetylcholine-blocking tendencies dampen the hyperactive nerve signals. This allows these muscles to slow down and relax. Following treatment, pain reduction and functional mobility in patients increase for two to three months. However, this can last longer with the right rehabilitation treatment, granting patients a better quality of life despite their condition.

3 Cosmetic Applications of Botox 

Botox has a tonne of medical credibility, but it's widely used in the cosmetics field for a reason. It does a number of positive things to improve skin aesthetics, regardless of whether you have ageing skin or blemished skin.

Here are three cosmetic applications of Botox treatment that make it a notable tool in a clinical setting.

1. Wrinkle Reduction

The primary use case of Botox is its ability to keep wrinkles away and concealed. It does this with the same mechanism as previously mentioned, that is, blocking acetylcholine from being released by obstructing the nerve endings.

Botox treatment targets dynamic wrinkles that may develop due to repeated facial expressions. This makes the muscles and folds in the wrinkles relax, making it appear with much less prominence than it otherwise would. It also stops wrinkles from forming outright.

Botox can keep the face wrinkle-free for about six months. You will need regular follow-up injections to keep your face smooth and crease-free. 

2. Facial Contouring

Another function of Botox is its ability to shrink an individual's jaw muscles. If you are unhappy with a wide jaw, you can get a slimmer jawline following Botox treatment, thanks to its ability to relax the jaw muscles.

Jaw muscles tend to grow in people who frequently grind their teeth. With this injection, reduction happens naturally due to muscle fibres weakening due to disuse. 

Not only does the jaw become more defined in the process following treatment, but the habit of tooth grinding and clenching also disappears due to the paralysing effect of the treatment.

3. Skin Tone and Oil Control

Another benefit of Botox treatment in the cosmetic side of things is its ability to improve the skin's natural texture. 

Excess oil and acne are quite common in oily and sweaty skin. Botox can reduce the body's tendency to sweat. This helps lower the chances of blemishes forming on the skin's surface.

Botox injectables decrease activity in the sebaceous glands, or the glands responsible for producing sweat. 

For patients with oily skin or acne-prone skin complexions, Botox can be an effective treatment as it stops the conditions for acne and oiliness to develop. This, in turn, enhances the smoothness and radiance of the face.

Before Getting Botox: What You Should Know 

While Botox is an effective treatment for keeping one's face wrinkle-free and for treating various conditions, it's not suitable across all medical and cosmetic cases. 

In some cases, other treatment options like chemical peels or laser treatments may be more viable for giving your face a lift or managing your health condition. This could be because your skin reacts badly with Botox or simply because there are superior options out there for your specific case.

This is why it's essential to speak with a licensed doctor and have them assess your condition thoroughly to ensure that you can achieve the desired results safely and with minimal disruption to your daily life.

On top of that, Botox needs regular maintenance. It's not a one-and-done solution. So if you want to get it, you need to constantly maintain it every few months to ensure that your skin's complexion is always at its best.

We hope these tips will help you in going down the right path for your medical or cosmetic needs. All the best in taking care of your skin!