Injectables Treat So Much More Than Wrinkles
Since Botox® became FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines in the early 2000s, neurotoxins have become the most popular cosmetic treatment worldwide. And while many people are familiar with its benefits and uses to address aging facial skin, neurotoxins (like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify) have been and continue to be used for a variety of non-cosmetic purposes. At DLVSC, we employ neurotoxins to successfully treat many issues – some that might surprise you! Read on to learn about the problems that can be helped with neurotoxins and see if any of them could work for you!
1. Bruxism/Masseter Hypertrophy
The masseter muscle is essential for adequate chewing of food and is located laterally in the cheek, and thus plays an important role in facial aesthetics. When this muscle becomes enlarged (from genetics and overuse), it can cause Bruxism, which is the grinding of teeth at night. It is very common, affecting 15% of Americans, most of whom are unaware of the issue. Bruxism can have detrimental effects on the teeth, including damage to teeth and dental work. Neurotoxins can relax the masseter muscles, shrinking their size and effectively stopping the grinding of teeth. This also can result in the changing of facial shape, from squarish to oval-shaped, which is generally considered more attractive.
2. Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating is an inconvenient, and oftentimes embarrassing, condition. Neurotoxins are used to treat hyperhidrosis because they prevent nerves from releasing a chemical that promotes sweating. The effects of neurotoxins to treat profuse sweating in the armpit areas can last as long as six to nine months in some patients before another treatment is needed. At DLVSC, we also have additional device-based options. We have been performing the Miradry treatment for over 8 years, which can reduce or eliminate underarm sweating permanently with just a single treatment.
3. Neck and Shoulder Pain
Before neurotoxins were FDA-approved for frown lines, they were approved to treat cervical dystonia, which includes symptoms like abnormal head position and severe neck pain. Neurotoxins relax these muscles for an extended period of time providing mobility and relief. “Trap tox” has been a trending treatment since, in addition to treating pain and tightness many people have from overusing computers and phones, it also gives a slimming appearance to the shoulders.
4. Chronic Migraines
If your headaches last longer than four hours for more than 15 days a month, you might have chronic migraines. These interfere with daily life and can actually be improved by neurotoxins! Research shows that these injections can decrease the number of migraine days per month and the severity of those migraines, as well. Neurotoxin injections to the forehead, temples, neck or shoulders can block the nerves from sending pain messages to the brain. These are typically administered every 3 months or less as symptoms improve and are usually performed by Neurologists.
To learn more about how neurotoxins can treat a particular condition you’re experiencing, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists today!