Local Doctors Detail Medical Uses of Botox

Las Vegas physicians explained the medical applications of botulinum toxin injections on the program Aging Untold.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, stated that the treatment relaxes overactive muscles by blocking nerve signals. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this mechanism temporarily weakens muscles that are contracting too hard. Rogers noted that this function allows the substance to treat forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, and the area between the eyebrows.

Beyond cosmetic procedures, Rogers identified several medical conditions that respond to the treatment. These include migraine headaches, overactive bladder, temporomandibular joint issues, and vulvodynia. She also mentioned its use for excessive sweating, noting that insurance often covers these medical applications. Amy O'Rourke, an aging expert, shared the experience of a client who used the treatment for an overactive bladder. O'Rourke said the client went from being confined to her room to attending programs and visiting places, which highlighted the treatment's value beyond cosmetics.

Experts emphasized the importance of selecting the right provider. Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, described botulinum toxin as medicine rather than a commodity. She advised patients not to shop for the cheapest option but to find the best place for the procedure. O'Rourke recommended that patients vet providers by checking their experience and references. Rogers added that the face contains many muscles with different functions, so the injector must understand their specific roles.

Cradduck outlined the risks associated with the injections, including the possibility of affecting the wrong muscle. She warned that injections in the neck area can impact swallowing, an effect that lasts until the drug wears off. She also noted that the medication interacts with other drugs, requiring extra care for older adults who take multiple prescriptions. Rogers stressed the need for informed consent and a clear understanding of the treatment's purpose.

Rogers stated that botulinum toxin effects typically last three to four months. She explained that fillers, which are used to restore volume as facial shape changes with age, can last between six and 24 months. Rogers noted that fillers can also be applied to the hands and do not dissolve after their effects wear off. She mentioned that noninvasive machines using electromagnetic technology can also tighten skin and help with pelvic floor issues without a needle.

O'Rourke advised anyone considering the treatment to examine their motives before proceeding. She said patients should make decisions based on confidence rather than marketing or insecurity. The program is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.