If we talk about Botox, the first thing that comes to mind is that treatment used to treat wrinkles, a technique well known in the world of aesthetic medicine and widely discussed. However, botulinum toxin can be the best ally to treat other pathologies such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), chronic migraine, some muscular disorders, or certain ocular disturbances. Indeed, medically, its use goes beyond.
However, as Olalla Álvarez, a nurse and expert in advanced aesthetic medicine, tells us, «the indication and the application area must be evaluated individually by a qualified medical professional and always taking into account the current regulations regarding this drug in our country». And although this purified protein that acts as a neurotoxin is well integrated in clinics, it is always advisable to place oneself in the hands and under the recommendations of a professional before resorting to it. Especially if it is a condition that requires medical treatment.
The founder of Olalla Álvarez Aesthetic Medicine, one of Madrid’s reference clinics for those seeking natural results, radiant skin, and a modern approach to “well aging,” talks about neuromodulators as an example of how a widely known treatment continues to evolve. “As research progresses, new lines of work emerge, but they must always be applied with medical judgment, scientific evidence, and realistic expectations,” she explains.
And she adds that “part of the interest in these techniques arises from the Korean trend of seeking an extremely uniform and luminous skin, known as ‘glass skin’.” It is here that other uses come into play, such as its application to control sebum production and improve skin texture. But there is much more. We’ll tell you other benefits of Botox you didn’t know.
Hyperhidrosis
Teresa de Miguel, drawing on her extensive experience as founder of the beauty centers Beldon, discusses how to treat hyperhidrosis, which occurs when the sweat glands, especially in the armpits, hands, or feet, produce an excessive amount of sweat, even without thermal or emotional stimulus. “This excess sweating can complicate life for those who suffer from it, in addition to causing great physical discomfort, stains on clothing, bad odor, and can be the onset of other skin diseases, triggering great social insecurity with a simple daily gesture like shaking hands,” says the expert.
El bótix se puede aplicar en la axilas para tratar el exceso de sudor.
And yes, for this, she recommends application by injections of the botulinum toxin. “Injected directly into the armpits, it blocks the nerve signals to the glands and reduces sweat by 80‑90% for a period of time ranging from 4 to 6 months, which represents an effective and convenient remedy for all those who deal daily with the disorders caused by this type of intense sweating. The botulinum toxin can also be applied to hands and feet, but due to the high sensitivity of these areas it may require local anesthesia,” she explains.
“In terms of impact on quality of life, this treatment improves comfort, safety and self-esteem, which allows minimizing the use of other topical treatments, more uncomfortable, and a return to social and professional activities almost immediately. In addition, it is a treatment that proves to be highly effective in most treated patients,” she concludes.
Bruxism
Stress can manifest in many ways in our body. And, as you probably know, one of them is through jaw tension, which often leads to clenching or grinding the teeth. This phenomenon, known as bruxism, can occur consciously during the day or unconsciously while we sleep.
From MYCA Dental Clinic they propose various personalized solutions capable of alleviating its effects and preventing long-term complications. And, in addition to an occlusal splint or laser, it is also advisable to use botulinum toxin to treat it effectively.
«This treatment blocks the masseter muscle, the main muscle we use to clench and has excellent results that last between 4 and 6 months«, say the dental clinic. And although it works very well, they warn that it can modify facial anatomy due to the injections on the sides of the face.
For hair loss
Ricardo Ruiz, dermatologist and director of the International Dermatological Clinic, says that the application of Botox has expanded to several other medical fields, including the treatment of certain types of alopecia, such as androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common hair loss. And how does it work?
Trata la caída del pelo.
According to Diana Camacho, dermatologist/trichologist, “the hypothesis behind using botulinum toxin to treat certain types of alopecia centers on this ability to relax the muscles, thereby allowing better blood circulation and nourishment of the follicle, and potentially promoting hair growth. Additionally, it seems that Botox blocks the release of substances that diminish hair growth, so this could be another mechanism of action».
Camacho states that “this is a relatively quick treatment and can be performed in an outpatient setting without the need for anesthesia. It lasts about 15 minutes and the patient can resume normal life.” An easy and straightforward option that should be considered depending on the type of alopecia and its severity and for which, as the doctor confirms, two or three sessions per year are usually needed».
