Year after year, Botox is one of the single most popular cosmetic procedures on the planet. In 2018 alone, over 7 million patients were treated with Botox injections across the United States. As a result, Botox is also pretty well known. It’s one of the few procedures that has an incredibly wide name recognition outside of cosmetic surgery circles.

But that doesn’t mean everyone knows everything about Botox. Indeed, there might be a few things you don’t know about Botox (things that could surprise you). Certainly, these five things you didn’t know about Botox might help you think of this injectable in a different–or at least a broader–light.

#1: Botox is a Brand Name

While the name itself has become ubiquitous, it’s worth noting that not all injectables are Botox. Indeed, Botox is a form of botulinum toxin a, and it’s not the only one. There are other brands of botulinum toxin a injectables, the most common of which is Dysport.

There are subtle differences between Botox and Dysport that may make one or the other a more suitable treatment option for you. But they are the same treatment, even though Botox clearly has far wider name recognition.

Both Botox and Dysport are a type of injectable known as a neuromodulator. There are other neuromodulator options available as well, although Botox and Dysport make up the most significant part of the market. Botox on its own is responsible for the vast majority of neuromodulator injections in the United States. So it’s not surprising that it’s also the most widely recognized.

#2: Botox Can Treat Migraines

Most people know that Botox can be used to eliminate lines and wrinkles. But it’s got a few other uses, as well. In fact, Botox has recently been used to treat migraine headaches. After a few injections, many patients will notice the frequency and severity of migraine headaches diminish.

The causes of migraines aren’t well understood. And so treatments tend to focus on the symptoms as much as possible.

There are certainly theories as to why Botox works to minimize migraine symptoms. But what’s clear from the research–as well as from the patient stories–is that Botox definitely works for some patients, leading to fewer and less severe migraine headaches.

#3: Botox Might Reduce Sweating

Over the years, it’s become clear that Botox may be able to suppress certain sweat gland functions in patients who suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis. Also known as “excessive sweating,” hyperhidrosis is a condition in which you tend to sweat profusely and uncontrollably.

This is not the same as heavy sweating or sweating during a workout. Hyperhidrosis often means that you sweat without cause–and that sweating tends to continue unabated for some time. This can lead to a significant amount of discomfort.

When properly targeted, Botox injections have been shown to have the ability to diminish the amount of sweating an individual experiences. In other words, Botox can help treat hyperhidrosis and reduce sweating for some patients.

#4: Botox is Fast

Most Botox injections can be completed in thirty minutes or less. In fact, it’s not all that uncommon for some patients to spend as little as fifteen minutes undergoing their entire Botox procedure.

If you’re a first time Botox patient, your first step will likely be a consultation with our staff at Minneapolis Anti-Aging and Skin Clinic. During your consultation, you’ll be able to ask any questions you might have about the process and your Botox injections. And you’ll also be asked about your desired outcome.

Often, you’ll be able to receive your Botox injections on the same day as your consultation, although that may vary on a patient-by-patient basis. It’ll probably take several weeks to notice your peak results, but the procedure itself will only take a few minutes, making Botox a great–and fast–option for facial rejuvenation.

More to Learn

If you have more questions about Botox–especially in terms of what Botox can do for you personally–the best place to get answers if from our staff at the Minneapolis Anti-Aging and Skin Clinic. After all, your unique physiology and your personalized goals will dictate the best approach to take with your Botox injection.

You might not have known these four things about Botox, but there’s one thing that almost everyone knows about Botox: it’s great for treating certain lines and wrinkles. So if you have frown lines or concentration lines you’d like to see fade into the background, contact us today to get started on your transformation.