Botox is the number one most commonly administered cosmetic procedure in the United States. From the year 2000 to the year 2024, the number of Botox treatments in the United States has multiplied by 5.5, making it safe to say that the procedure is becoming increasingly popular. Because of its popularity, it is also easy to find, especially in larger metropolitan areas.
Medical Spas in NYC, like SkinGenity medical spa (www.skingenity.com) aren’t hard to come by, considering the size of the city as well as its population. As such, beauty treatments are easy to obtain, being that the nearest cosmetic dermatology clinic is always around the corner. Aside from its widespread availability, the treatment is also relatively affordable as the cost of Botox for one treatment area only ranges from $150 – $500, which is a lot lower than most other beauty enhancements. The majority of people associate Botox with wrinkle reduction and prevention, however, Botox actually serves a number of purposes aside from the treatment of wrinkles including other beauty enhancements as well as medical purposes.
Here are a few reasons why people get Botox injections aside from the obvious wrinkle reduction.
1. Jaw slimming
Botox works by paralyzing and relaxing the muscle in which it is injected. This is why it reduces wrinkles as the facial contractions that cause their formation are restricted. Reducing tension in the muscles can have other benefits including jaw slimming. When Botox is injected into the masseters, the masseters are relaxed causing them to go down in size. Similar to how working out and building muscle increases the size of your muscles, Botox will decrease the size of your masseters by reducing tension. Masseter reduction is more common than one might think, particularly in people who have a wide jaw and want to slim their lower face.
2. Lip flip
We all know one or the other person with a lip filler as they have become more socially acceptable with social media and celebrities openly talking about their cosmetic treatments. For those who want a lip enhancement but aren’t ready to commit to a lip filler, lip flips have become one of the newest trends according to recent reports. A lip flip involves the injection of small amounts of Botox right above the top lip, causing the lip to flip upwards resulting in a fuller appearing upper lip. The results only last up to five months and are super subtle, making this treatment a go-to for people who want a minor lip enhancement.
3. Gummy smile
A gummy smile is when someone smiles and their gums and teeth are fully exposed. For many, this is a cause of insecurity, which is why people get Botox injected above the mouth to relax the muscle that pulls the lip upward. When this muscle is relaxed, the smile becomes more relaxed, exposing less of the gums and teeth.
4. Chronic migraines
Botox isn’t only used for cosmetic treatments, it can also be used for medical purposes including the treatment of chronic migraines. After a consultation with a board-certified physician, they will know exactly where to inject the Botox to relieve tension-causing headaches. If you’re lucky, Botox for migraines is sometimes even covered by medical insurance, so be sure to find a spot that takes yours should you decide to go for this treatment!
5. Hyperhidrosis / excessive sweating
Hyperhidrosis is a common condition in which overactive sweat glands cause excessive sweating, which can be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing. When Botox is injected into the areas that produce excess sweat, it paralyzes the sweat glands and stops you from sweating. Common areas for this treatment include the underarms, hands, and feet, and will last anywhere from 3 to 5 months. This treatment may also be covered by insurance, so be sure to check with your provider to see if your treatment will be covered.
6. TMJ
TMJ is a common dysfunction in the movement of the jaw and can lead to pain, discomfort, difficulty chewing and grinding of the teeth. Because the masseters are the muscles responsible for this tension, when Botox is injected into them, the tension is released resulting in a reduction in the abovementioned symptoms associated with TMJ. There is an added benefit to this, which is the jaw slimming effect that is a result of the now relaxed masseter muscles.
While Botox is best known for its wrinkle-reducing qualities, it is actually used for a variety of other cosmetic and medical purposes, which makes it something of a wonder treatment. Taking this into consideration, it does not come as a surprise that this treatment has been and still is becoming more and more popular. In addition, the treatment is minimally invasive meaning that it requires no surgical intervention and very little possibility for risks and side effects. Be sure to consult with an experienced professional to confirm that you are a candidate for the treatment!
