Most of us are aware of the best known use of Botox: to erase wrinkles on the face, such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crows feet, by paralyzing the underlying muscles. When administered by a physician with expertise in facial rejuvenation, additional benefits of Botox include lifting the brows, reducing fine lines around the mouth, and turning up the corners of the mouth. For the perioral area, Botox may be combined with fillers such as Juvederm or fat injections to increase fullness of the lips, and resurfacing with a peel or dermabrasion to smooth out deeper wrinkles.
Botox has many less well known medical uses. In an article in the latest issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, additional benefits of Botox including treatment of migraine headaches and excess sweating (hyperhydrosis) are discussed (1). Hyperhydrosis is a condition that affects both men and women, from teenagers to middle age, and manifests as excess sweating of the underarms (axillary hyperhydrosis), palms of the hands (palmar hyperhydrosis), or soles of the feet (plantar hyperhydrosis). Botox is very effective in providing a remedy for all of these conditions, and the results last for several months. The procedure is performed in the office under topical anaesthesia cream for patient comfort and requires no down time.
If you’re considering Botox for cosmetic reasons like wrinkle reduction or for treatment of excess sweating, consult with an expert physician who has experience in performing the procedure and will discuss pros and cons and alternatives with you.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board certified female plastic surgeon in New York City with advanced specialty training in aesthetic plastic surgery. Her solo practice in NYC focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Her office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is equipped with a fully AAAASF certified Operating Room for the safety, privacy, and convenience of her patients. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson, please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.
1. Noland, M. et al. “Current Uses of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Plastic Surgery.” Plast Recon Surg J 138:3 pp519-530.
