BTX is well known for its use in wrinkle reduction and jaw slimming. But did you know this versatile injectable has a variety of uses beyond facial rejuvenation? Read on to learn the other less known conditions that can be treated with BTX.
Photo: BTX treatment for underarm sweating at Veritas
Excessive Sweating
While sweating helps to regulate our body temperature, excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment in social situations. For people who suffer from hyperhidrosis, BTX can be a game changing solution. When injected, BTX works to block the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands and reduce sweating. Studies have shown BTX to reduce underarm sweating by as much as 82-87%. Not just relegated to the underarms, hyperhidrosis in the palms and soles of the feet can also be treated with BTX to reduce sweating.
Gummy Smile
A ‘gummy smile’ refers to excessive gingival display, where more than 3mm of the upper gum tissue is visible when smiling. Depending on the underlying cause of your gummy smile, treatment options may include lip repositioning surgery, gingivectomy (surgical removal of excess gum tissue) or corrective jaw surgery.
For those whose gummy smile is caused by overactive upper lip elevator muscles, that is, an upper lip that lifts higher than usual when smiling, BTX is a popular non-surgical choice of treatment to correct this. Carefully placed BTX injections help to relax the muscles and reduce upper lip elevation when smiling, resulting in a less exposed upper gum and a more pleasing smile.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Those who suffer from chronic bruxism (teeth grinding) or a clenched jaw could face not only dental problems such as tooth sensitivity but also frequently wake with tension headaches and sore jaws from excessive grinding and clenching in their sleep. Such symptoms can be relieved with masseter BTX injections. Small doses of BTX injected into the masseter muscle decreases the strength of the muscle and relax the jaw, which prevents involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching.
Calf Size Reduction
In many Asian countries including Singapore, having a pair of long and slender legs is often regarded as an ideal beauty standard, resulting in the demand for calf contouring treatments. While slimmer calves can be achieved through procedures such as muscle resection or neurotomy, these surgical approaches involve a long downtime and carry risks of complications and scarring. BTX offers a non-invasive alternative to slim the calves.
For many Asians, the cause of large calf size is primarily due to large calf muscles instead of excess fat. Since bulky calves are not due to fat accumulation, they cannot be contoured or slimmed with fat reduction treatments or liposuction. Instead, calf slimming can be achieved with treatments such as BTX that works by relaxing calf muscles (gastrocnemius muscle) and gradually reduces muscle size and calf circumference over time.
Studies have demonstrated BTX’s effectiveness in calf contouring, with a high satisfaction rate of over 80%.
Migraine Relief
Chronic migraines can be debilitating, affecting work, sleep and overall quality of life. Since gaining FDA approval in 2010, BTX has been used for the management of chronic migraines. BTX is injected around pain trigger zones every 3-4 months at areas such as the temples, forehead and neck to reduce a headache’s frequency and severity.
While BTX is not a cure for migraines, it can be an effective part of a management strategy, and many see a significant drop in migraine frequency. In addition, relief often builds over time for those who undergo regular treatments. In clinical trials, patients were given five courses of BTX injections every 12 weeks. Evaluation a year later shows that 70 per cent of patients had a reduction in the frequency of their migraines.
Do note however that an evaluation by the physician should be performed before BTX treatment is considered.
Face Lifting
BTX is known for wrinkle prevention through muscle relaxation, but did you know that this injectable can be used for face lifting as well? The key to lifting with neurotoxins is through selective antagonistic muscles treatment. BTX is injected into muscles that pull facial features down (depressors), which allows the opposing muscles that pull muscles up (elevators) to act without resistance. This makes BTX suitable for correcting downturned mouth corners, also known as a Lip Flip procedure, and for concerns such as lifting drooping brows and sagging jowls.
BTX in Singapore
While BTX is often associated with aesthetic enhancements, its benefits extend beyond beauty and helps to improve quality of life. If you’re curious about whether BTX may be suitable for your concerns, feel free to reach out for a consultation with our doctors at Veritas.
