Most people assume that Botox is a cosmetic treatment used to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face to give a more youthful appearance. It is, however, a drug with a wider application than as an anti-aging treatment. It is used to medically treat a number of physical conditions.
What is Botox?
Made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox is a drug that is used for cosmetic and medical purposes. It has always sounded pretty scary because it is the same toxin that causes botulism – a life-threatening form of food poisoning – but Botox is deemed safe. As with anything, there are risks and potential side effects but risks are low as is the incidence of ill effects as long as the drug is administered at recommended levels by qualified practitioners.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox is delivered by injection to the site to be treated. It works by paralyzing or weakening certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. It does not produce permanent results so repeat injections are required to maintain the effects. The frequency of Botox injections depends on the site being treated and individual factors. Effects can last from three to twelve months.
What Are the Risk Factors/side Effects of Botox?
Common Risks
- Bruising, swelling or pain at the injection site
- Excessive puffiness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Crooked smile
- Droopy eyelids
- Cockeyed eyebrows
- Drooling
- Excessive tearing of the eyes
- Eye dryness
Botox is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women and it also cannot be used on anyone who has an allergy to cow’s milk protein.
Botox Applications
Cosmetic
Anti-Aging
The most frequent and common use of Botox is as an anti-aging treatment. Botox is injected to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in certain areas.
- Crow’s feet
- Laughter (corner of mouth) lines
- Frown lines
- Forehead creases
Cosmetic treatments with Botox are not classed as medical.
Medical/Health
Botox can be used as a treatment for a number of conditions.
Migraines
Around 39 million people in the United States and about 1 billion worldwide suffer from migraines. [1] Medications are readily available over the counter but for chronic migraines, Botox is a potential solution. Botox works for migraines because it can block the pain signals sent by neurotransmitters to the brain. Numerous studies have shown a reduction in the number and frequency of headaches with Botox treatment.
Excess Sweating
Hyperhidrosis is a condition where someone sweats excessively and uncontrollably. Botox has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for the underarms but the American Academy of Dermatology Association has stated that it may also be effective for other areas of the body where sweating occurs. Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerves from the chemicals that stimulate the sweat glands to produce. Treatment has been shown to be highly effective with results showing in a few as four days and lasting up to 6 months and more.
Overactive Bladder
Approximately 17 percent of women and 3 to 11 percent of men suffer from urge incontinence sometime in their lifetime. [2] When exercise and behavioral therapies have little or no effect on an overactive bladder, Botox is an option. The drug is injected into the bladder which enables the muscles to relax, giving the patient more time to reach the bathroom, and preventing urge incontinence.
Eye Conditions
In strabismus, the eyes do not line up exactly in the same direction. Because of the effect Botox can have on muscles, it was one of the first FDA approved non-cosmetic uses for the drug. Injected in the right place, Botox relaxes the eye muscles correcting the misalignment.
In the same way, lazy eye – also known as amblyopia – a condition where vision is reduced due to a weaker eye wandering inward or outward, can be successfully treated with Botox.
Chronic eyelid twitching can also be treated with Botox injections.
Non FDA Approved Uses of Botox
The medical profession has embraced the known properties and outcomes of Botox injections and there are a number of applications that are carried out even though they don’t yet have FDA approval.
- Depression
- Painful sex
- Premature ejaculation
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Cervical dystonia (severe neck spasms)
- Severely cold hands
- Muscular contractures
- Cleft lip scars in babies
How Much Does Botox Cost?
The cost of Botox treatment is going to be different for each individual. It will depend on what part of the body is being treated and how many units of Botox are required. You can expect to pay from $10 to $18 for a single unit but the average treatment cost is generally in the $300-500 range.
Remember though, for any of the treatments mentioned above, Botox is not a permanent solution so you will need to repeat treatments. Again, the timing and frequency and therefore total cost will be relevant to the individual.
Can Medical Insurance Pay For Botox?
It is very rare for any health insurance company to cover cosmetic procedures. [3] If you are getting Botox to treat wrinkles, it will be classed as cosmetic and you will have to fund the treatment yourself. If however, your Botox treatment is for medical reasons endorsed by a healthcare practitioner, there is a high probability that your insurance will cover the costs, in part if not all.
Where to Get Botox?
Even though risks are fairly low, Botox therapy can be dangerous if not administered correctly. There are health spas and clinics that are licensed to provide Botox injections but it is essential that you check the credentials of the clinic and its aestheticians.
If you are interested in Botox for medical concerns, it is best to get a referral from your primary care physician or find a qualified practitioner who specializes in your condition. In many cases, it will be your doctor who first suggests Botox as a treatment.
This was an overview of Botox and the most frequent questions. For more information and before deciding Botox is for you, consult with a professional.
References:
[1] https://migraine.com/migraine-statistics
[2] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/how-do-bladder-botox-injections-work
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/does-medicare-cover-botox#medicare-coverage