Botox tends to be associated with cosmetic medicine and with wrinkle treatment. However, the botulinum toxin also has medical applications that can help relieve various conditions when the indication is correct.
Dermatologist Florencia Paniego (MN 94.996) explains that two of her most frequent uses are the treatment of bruxism and axillary hyperhidrosis, two conditions that impact quality of life and require individual assessment before deciding on treatment.
Bruxismo: when Botox can help and why it does not replace comprehensive treatment
In recent years, the botulinum toxin has begun to be used as a tool to relieve these symptoms. However, Paniego clarifies that it does not represent a definitive solution nor replace the underlying treatment.
The reason is that bruxism does not have a single cause. Muscle overload, stress, anxiety, certain habits, alterations in jaw function, and even sleep disorders can contribute. Therefore, before considering an injection, it is essential to identify what is happening in each patient.
In most cases, the approach starts with conservative measures, such as using a night guard to protect the teeth, as well as maxillofacial kinesiology, specific exercises, and the correction of habits that help reduce muscle tension.
Botulinum toxin finds its place when there is significant hyperactivity of the masseter muscle, persistent pain or an overload that does not improve with initial strategies. In those cases, it decreases the strength with which that muscle contracts, which helps relieve pain, fatigue and the constant feeling of tension.
However, the specialist emphasizes that relieving symptoms is not the same as curing bruxism. The muscle works with less intensity, but that does not necessarily eliminate the factor that triggers the problem.
Another important aspect is that the night guard may still be necessary, since even if the muscle loses strength, tooth contact can continue to occur and the protector continues to prevent dental wear.
In addition, Paniego notes that the treatment can modify the volume of the masseter muscle. By reducing its activity, the jaw may appear slimmer. Some people seek that aesthetic effect, while others are surprised to notice it, so it is an aspect that should be discussed before the procedure.
As the masseter is one of the main muscles used for chewing, the injection should be performed by professionals with experience and anatomical knowledge to relieve symptoms without affecting everyday functions such as eating.
Effects typically last between three and six months, though duration depends on the individual patient.
Hyperhidrosis: how Botox works to control excessive sweating
Sweating is a natural mechanism of the body. The issue arises when sweat stops responding to heat, exercise or stress and begins to interfere with daily life.
There are people who choose their clothes based on whether armpit stains will be noticeable, avoid raising their arms, change shirts several times a day, or feel constant discomfort in work or social meetings.
In these cases, botulinum toxin can become an alternative to treat axillary hyperhidrosis.
Unlike its use in bruxism, here it does not act on the muscles, but on the nerve endings that stimulate the sweat glands. By temporarily blocking that signal, it reduces sweat production only in the treated area.
One of the most common myths is that, by stopping underarm sweating, the sweat will appear more intensely in other parts of the body. The dermatologist clarifies that this does not happen.
“The body does not need to compensate for that reduction by causing more sweat elsewhere. The treated glands produce less sweat and the rest of the system continues functioning normally,” she explains.
The specialist also notes that it is not necessary to have a severe condition to seek consultation. Often, the greatest impact is not the amount of sweat, but how that situation constrains daily life.
The procedure is outpatient and consists of multiple injections distributed in the armpit. To minimize discomfort, topical anesthetics or cooling methods are typically used.
The initial results appear in the days following treatment and the maximum effect is usually observed around two weeks. Its benefits can last between six and twelve months, though duration also varies among individuals.
Before recommending the procedure, Paniego emphasizes, it is essential to conduct a medical evaluation to rule out situations where it is not recommended, such as infections in the area or certain neuromuscular diseases.
As Paniego concludes, in many cases “the difference is not always in stopping sweating. Sometimes it is enough to stop organizing life around that”.
