More Than Just a Wrinkle Reducer

By John Kirzno

Botox is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the world, in the United States alone over 4 million people a year are injected with Botox cosmetics. The drug is best known as a wrinkle reducer. It can be injected into the muscles of the face to reduce severe frown lines and wrinkles occurring between the brows, with results lasting from 1 to 4 months. However, the medication has a number of other uses. Besides wrinkles, the Food and Drug Administration has approved Botox cosmetics to treat a number of other conditions.

One condition in which Botox has proved effective in treating is that of spasms or tics. Blepharospasm, an uncontrollable tic that occurs in the eyelid muscles is not life threatening but the condition is chronic for most. The uncontrollable tic can impact quality of life and lead to functional blindness making it impossible to do many tasks. Thankfully, Botox has proven to be an almost instant success and individuals can safely take doses every few months to control the spasms. Another eye condition for which Botox can be used is Strabismus, or crossed-eye. By placing an injection into the stronger eye, the overactive muscle will relax and the eyes will be properly aligned.

Dystonia, a neurological disorder resulting in involuntary muscle contractions is treatable with Botox cosmetics. These contractions can twist the body into painful and abnormal positions and can be isolated to one muscle group or affect several muscle groups. Botox has been used to treat muscle contractions caused by Cervical Dystonia, a specific form of Dystonia affecting the neck and head muscles.

For those suffering from Hyperhidrosis or excessive underarm sweating Botox cosmetics can be a life saver. Business executives, doctors, lawyers and others with a professional image to maintain know that it can be embarrassing to deal with sweating through your clothes, as well as body odor caused by excess sweating. Injected into the skin, Botox reduces underarm sweating by 90 percent with results lasting up to 10 months.

Cosmetically, Botox can be used to get luscious, pouty lips. When injected into the lips, users will get in fuller lips and reduce their lip lines. The procedure is painless and is actually safer than other type of cosmetic lip injections since no redness or rash will occur. Making it useful for those who need a quick lip fix with only a few hours before a party or important event. The procedure is also safe to repeat as often as you desire to keep your lips plump and pouty.

Though some therapeutic uses of Botox cosmetics have not yet been approved by the F.D.A. that has not stopped doctors from experimenting; using the drug to treat vocal cord problems, skin redness, drooling, problems swallowing, wound healing and even hair loss. Botox parties have also become a trend, with men and women lining up by the dozens to have refreshments and get rid of the signs of aging or treat their health problems. - 29882

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