Botox Treatments Go Beyond Appearance
When we hear “Botox,” we typically think “wrinkles.” (And for good reason, too. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport work wonders for preventing and improving fine lines.) But Botox can do so much more. Botox is FDA-approved for at least 11 different treatments and has patents pending for hundreds of other potential uses for the drug.
Botox injections work by blocking certain chemical signals from the nerves. In large part, these signals are ones that cause your muscles to contract, so after a Botox injection, those muscles are temporarily relaxed.
Below, we’ll highlight 3 beneficial Botox treatments that have nothing to do with wrinkle prevention.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that serves as a hinge for your mouth. Unfortunately, the TMJ is very sensitive to stress, and when you're stressed, your muscles tense. Issues with TMJ stem from a disorder with the jaw muscles and nerves, typically caused by injury or inflammation to the jaw joint, though sufferers of TMJ need no explanation.
For some, an inflamed and tense TMJ area can create chronic headaches and numerous issues (pain, swelling, clicking, teeth grinding, or lack of movement) in the jaw area.
Short-term fixes include prescription muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory medications; a dentist may even set you up with a mouth guard to wear overnight. But for many, if the underlying issue isn’t addressed, you’ll continue to experience headaches and pain.
Mint & Needle offers a TMJ treatment, using Botox injections to help relax those overly-tense muscles in the jaw area, so you get back to a pain-free life. After the injection treatment, patients typically begin feeling improvement within 7-10 days.
Migraines
In 2010, Botox was approved by the FDA for treating migraine headaches in those over 18 years old, who experience 15 or more migraines per month.
During a migraine, “your body releases substances called neurotransmitters and molecules that are associated with pain. Botulinum toxin interferes with the transmission of these substances, typically where the nerves and muscles meet.” (Hopkins Medicine)
For those who are good candidates, Botox is injected in different areas around the head and neck to target those muscles and nerves. The migraine prevention effects can last around three months before patients need to return for another treatment.
At Mint & Needle, those interested in Botox for migraines should book an appointment (with a consultation included, so the team can discuss your options). Though also worth noting: occasionally we find that Botox treatment for aesthetic purposes also helps reduce migraines, so if you’re already considering anti-wrinkle treatment, this may be a great option to help with both.
Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis refers to abnormally excessive sweating that may be unrelated to heat or exercise. Approved for treatment of hyperhidrosis by the FDA in 2004, Botox works by blocking a chemical in the body that activates the sweat glands.
Once you receive Botox injections (directly into your underarm sweat glands), results are usually seen quickly, within just 2 to 4 days. And the best part? “According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, underarm Botox injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%.” (Medical News Today)
Understanding how disruptive this condition may be to your daily routine, Mint & Needle offers Botox services to treat hyperhidrosis to reduce excessive sweating and ensure you feel confident inside and out. Book a consultation, so the team can customize your hyperhidrosis treatment to your unique needs.
Please note that Mint & Needle has separate Botox appointments listed for Hyperhidrosis, TMJ / Migraines, and Anti-Wrinkle, to help address your goals.
Have questions about any of these lesser known Botox treatments? Email us at info@mintandneedle.com, or reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram. Or, if you’re ready to take your pain-free, sweat-free life back, book an appointment in our Middletown, DE, or Lewes, DE offices today.
