Discover the many things Botox can do
At Carter MD Aesthetics, Botox is one of our most popular aesthetic treatments among our clients. However, many people don’t know that the treatment can be safely used for a variety of conditions…
A Brief History
Botulinum toxin, a purified neurotoxic protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, was first discovered in the late 1890s. For decades, the toxin was studied for its effects and by the late 1970s, ophthalmologist Dr. Alan B. Scott was learning about the many positive ways it can be used.
About 10 years later, in 1988, drugmaker Allergan began distributing type A of the toxin (known as “onabotulinumtoxinA”) and soon after, the FDA approved it as the prescription medicine Botox.
Botox works by relaxing muscles. When injected, it blocks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which is what your nervous system releases to activate your muscles. It’s FDA-approved for a variety of uses:
Muscle Uses
Botox injections can be used for several different muscular conditions, including:
- Muscle stiffness in the elbow, wrist, or fingers
- Muscle stiffness in the ankle or toes
- Neck pain in those who suffer from cervical dystonia or torticollis
- Eye muscle problems (known as Strabismus)
- Abnormal eyelid blinking or spasms (known as blepharospasm)
Aesthetic Uses
Because Botox affects the muscles, it’s often used in aesthetic procedures to correct things like:
- Sagging skin
- Wrinkles
- Stretch marks
- Facial creases (such as crow’s feet or frown lines)
Other Uses
Botox can also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, such as:
- Overactive bladder and incontinence caused by nerve disorders such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
- Chronic migraines
- Severe underarm sweating
If you’re interested in Botox, our professional aestheticians can give you more information about the product and whether or not it’s right for you. If so, we’ll help you set up an appointment for your very first service. Give us a call today to learn more.