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As most of us in the industry know, Botox in Brandon, Florida, has been the number one non-surgical cosmetic treatment for the past decade. Although many know the cosmetic benefits of smoothing out forehead lines and wrinkles, as well as fixing tiny crow’s feet, some may not know that Botox has medical benefits as well. So, is Botox a medicine that treats everything?

Botox for Depression

Despite the remarkable aesthetic benefits of Botox, it may also have a positive influence on your emotions. In a 2014 study, a clinical professor and assistant professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine showed that when individuals with major depression received Botox treatments, they reported fewer depression symptoms six weeks later, compared to individuals that received placebo injections.

Although it is not FDA-approved for depression, doctors may still prescribe Botox since it has shown some benefits for medical conditions. This is called “off-label” use, which is legal in the U.S. since botulinum toxin type A is FDA-approved for a more youthful appearance.

Other Off-Label Use for Botox

Botox – which used to be a wrinkle-solution – is now increasingly being used to treat medical conditions, including excessive sweating, neck spasms, premature ejaculation, migraines, light bladders, cold hands, and more. With the unique formula of Botox, the range of conditions to treat based on a physician’s recommendations is almost endless.

How does Botox have so many benefits?

Botox is a type of neurotoxin, which temporarily halts muscle activity in targeted areas of injection. It blocks the signals between the nerves and muscles, causing the muscles to relax. This property contributes to its wrinkle smoothing methods in Tampa, FL, and it’s also why it’s FDA-approved to treat an overactive bladder; (Botox prevents involuntary muscle movements that make it feel like they need to pee when they don’t really have to).

Be Aware of the Risks

Using Botox off-label does carry some exponential risks. With Botox, the dosage is essential to make sure you are receiving the benefits, instead of the poison. In used small amounts it’s safe, but these are the most toxic substances, but the most useful in modern medicine. Balancing the risks and benefits is critical when intending to use any drug, even FDA-approved. Now it’s up to Allergan, the makers of Botox, to conduct studies to conclusively understand the wide-range of medical benefits of Botox in Lakeland, Florida.

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Dr. Marvin Shienbaum is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in all forms of cosmetic surgery, including Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Tummy Tucks, Mommy Makeovers, and Brazilian Butt Lift. Brandon Plastic Surgery serves patients in the entire Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, Riverview, Lakeland, and Brandon, Florida.