Though it is best known for smoothing wrinkles, Botox’s applications are more than skin deep – the drug has a role in treating disorders that range from migraine headaches to incontinence.
“Since it was approved nearly 30 years ago, Botox has indeed become an essential in the fight against ageing. However, medical advancements have now proven that Botox is effective in treating a range of medical conditions as varied as chronic migraines and back pain to excessive sweating and twitching eyelids.”
This is according to Dr. Gertruida Van Niekerk, a plastic surgeon at The Specialist Laser and Cosmetic Institute (SCIN) @ Wembley Square in Cape Town who says that Botox has some surprising uses that are benefitting millions of people across the globe every day.
Dr van Niekerk unpacks a few of these here:
1. Eyelid and facial spasms
Botox is the most commonly used medical treatment for eyelid and facial spasms.
2. Excessive sweating
Doctors noticed that patients being treated with Botox for facial spasms were sweating less. It was subsequently discovered that Botox is a successful therapy for people with a condition called severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis – or excessive sweating. Botox has since become a common treatment for excessive sweating of the armpits, hands, and feet.
3. Chronic migraines
Botox has been approved as a treatment for migraines after showing that it is effective in reducing episodes in migraine sufferers.
4. Neck spasms
Even before Botox was approved for frown lines between the eyebrows it was approved for its use in treating a disorder called cervical dystonia, which is characterized by abnormal head position and severe neck pain.
5. Crossed-eyes
An interesting use of Botox is for the treatment of a condition called strabismus, or crossed-eyes, where the eyes do not line up in the same direction – one of the eyes may be looking straight ahead, while the other turns upward, downward, or to one side. Treatment of strabismus is done by Ophthalmologists.
6. Overactive bladder
Botox has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for an overactive bladder. These injections are done by urologists.
Dr van Niekerk advises that anyone who suffers from these conditions – apart from those treated by other specialist medical practitioners – and is interested in pursuing Botox as a treatment can contact SCIN @ Wembley Square to make an appointment for an initial consultation to discuss the options.
For more information contact SCIN on: 021 465 6557, email frontdesk@scinspas.co.za or visit www.wembleyclinic.co.za.
