Many people think of Botox (botulinum toxin A) as a miracle substance injected into your skin to help with minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, it has a much larger power in helping with other conditions as well. This substance is actually a neurotoxin derived from a poison made by bacteria called Clostridium botulinums. If this is ingested, it can cause a deadly reaction; however, when it is injected it just blocks signals from nerves and paralyzes your muscles. This amazing component of a deadly poison can actually improve the quality and appearance of your body and mind.
Aging
Botox injections in the face can minimize wrinkles appearance in the face, most often in the forehead, eye, and mouth area. The injections relax the muscles underneath your skin, blocking the nerves that tell your face to make certain expressions. This treatment is an easy office visit on your lunch break and the procedure usually lasts for about 12 weeks.
Depression
Several studies have been performed to help with depression. Initially, results were positive for Botox and decreases in depression. At first, they thought the link was between an improved mood and a better-looking appearance, due to lack of wrinkles. However, some individuals had severe wrinkles and others had very faint wrinkles and all individuals showed an improvement in their depression symptoms without a noticeable difference in appearance. Blocking these muscles with Botox may actually help the feedback mechanism and may result in an improved mood overall.
Migraines
If you suffer from headaches more than 14 days out of the month, Botox might be for you. For those who get chronic migraines, they may receive injections around the neck and head once every 12 weeks to prevent migraines. Many people report that they saw half the migraines after Botox and that number increased over the year with injections every 12 weeks. Doctors think that Botox works for migraines by blocking the neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain.
Hyperhidrosis
The term hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating. For those who sweat too much, there may be an answer. Injecting the muscles around the sweat glands that squeeze the liquid out is a way to paralyze the muscles and stop overproduction of sweat. When sweat is lessened, the armpits will give off much less odor and wetness that can interfere with self-esteem. This condition can be relieved and odor can be reduced with just a few injections each 12 weeks throughout the year.
Side Effects
The side effects are usually pretty minimal when it comes to Botox, including pain, swelling and bruising near the injection site. Headaches and flu-like symptoms are also possible side effects. Droopy eyelids and dry eyes can also be an issue after injection. Most of these symptoms are temporary and usually stop after the injection site heals. The positives gained regarding a better quality of life and a better appearance, which improves your state of mind are worth the minimal risks.