Alternative Uses of Botox & Dysport

Injections of Botox and Dysport can help rejuvenate many areas of the face and neck where dynamic wrinkles form. Some of these areas are considered “off-label” but well within the standard of care. That means they are widely accepted treatments among medical professionals in the field of cosmetic enhancement. Let’s take a look at some of the lesser known uses for Botox.

FDA-Approved Uses for Botox

When you read that a particular cosmetic enhancement product or procedure is FDA-approved, that means it has undergone rigorous study in clinical trials on real people to prove that it works as claimed, without undue side effects. Trials also serve to determine appropriate dosages and other treatment variables.

“Off-label” may sound off-putting, but don’t let it dissuade you from considering potentially beneficial alternative Botox treatments. The term does not mean the Botox product itself is second-rate, nor does it mean that the use is questionable. It simply means that this particular use for the product has not (yet) gone through the FDA’s formal approval process.

Medical progress happens when doctors and researchers think outside the box. Or, in this case, beyond the label. Knowing how Botox works and seeing how well it performs to improve FDA-approved muscle-related issues, doctors can reasonably conclude it might work to address other instances in which reduced muscle movement would benefit patients, either cosmetically or functionally.

For example, Botox was originally approved (back in 1989) to treat two rare eye muscle conditions. But if it worked for those muscles, why not other facial muscles? And so, after clinical study, the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use on the face to treat moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Botox became headline news among those wishing to reverse visible signs of aging.

Today, Botox is FDA-approved for 12 therapeutic uses. Some examples include:

• Overactive bladder and associated incontinence
• Chronic migraine headaches
• Muscle stiffness in children with spasticity
• Head and neck pain from cervical dystonia
• Eye muscle problems beyond the two original conditions

Why Consider Off-Label Botox Treatments?

The list of FDA-approved uses expands every year. Meanwhile, doctors can confidently offer off-label Botox treatments to their patients, too. Even though they are not officially approved, off-label uses are considered safe when performed by a licensed physician or aesthetic injector specifically trained in the use of this prescription medicine.

Here at Raval Facial Aesthetics, we often use Botox (and Dysport, a somewhat different variation of botulinum toxin type-A) to help patients rejuvenate several off-label facial areas. We also use Botox to treat non-cosmetic conditions that can be very bothersome to patients – excessive sweating under the arms and chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth.

Neck

Platysmal bands (that droop down from the neck) become more noticeable as we age because the muscle contracts. Botox smooths the neck by relaxing the muscle.

Lips

Many patients come to us with concerns about wrinkled lips, a common sign of aging made worse by puckering. Botox and Dysport reduce pursing as well as the wrinkle depth and severity, which makes bleeding lipstick less likely - bonus!

Jawline

Some of our patients like to use Botox or Dysport to soften the appearance of a “square” jaw because it relaxes the masseter muscle.

Bruxism

Using Botox to relax jaw muscles can also relieve chronic teeth grinding, a condition that causes dental issues, headaches, and general discomfort in those whom it afflicts.

Axillary Hyperhidrosis

Botox and Dysport can calm overactive glands that cause excessive perspiration. This treatment can truly improve lives as it is capable of saving people from embarrassing, sweaty situations.

Ready to Try an Alternative Use for Botox?

At Raval Facial Aesthetics, you can choose from multiple FDA-approved and off-label Botox treatments to rejuvenate your face or make daily living more comfortable. To find out more, schedule a personal consultation so we can examine your face and discuss your specific concerns and desired results. Then consider a ClubTOX Membership so that we can keep you looking and feeling your best well into the future, without straining your wallet.