By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
More than five million Americans received BOTOX® Cosmetic injections last year, and many more people received BOTOX® injections to treat other conditions.
BOTOX® is a toxin that is injected under the skin that uses a refined solution of botulinum toxin type A that temporarily paralyzes the muscles at the injection site. Most people use it to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles in their forehead and around the eyes.
However, there is a misconception about BOTOX® that it can be used only for cosmetic purposes, which is not the case. People find relief with BOTOX® from various medical problems and disorders as well.
BOTOX® can also be used to treat the following:
- Chronic migraine headaches- Injections are delivered around the migraine sufferer’s head and neck region, reducing the number of migraines by half the usual number per month for up to three months at a time.
- Severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)- Sweating is caused by overactive nerves over stimulating the sweat glands. BOTOX® can impede the nerve pulses and reduce sweating. BOTOX® works to block the chemical impulses from the nerves, and the results can last nearly 7 months.
- Eye muscle problems (strabismus) or abnormal spasms of the eyelids (blepharospasm)- Eyelid spasms can be distressing because frequent blinking disrupts vision. BOTOX® can reduce the spasms, improving the patients vision. This product can also relieve crossed eyes, another condition caused by excessively tight muscles.
- Cervical Dystonia (CD), also called torticollis, is when your head is twisted, turned, pulled forward or backward by the spasmodic action of neck muscles. BOTOX® is injected into the muscles to relax them and allow your head to have a normal position.
In addition BOTOX® has been used to eliminate “excruciating pain” for skin cancer patients following reconstructive surgery.
Please contact Dr. Nasrin Mani to discuss how BOTOX® can work for you. We proudly serve patients in La Jolla and surrounding San Diego areas.
