The Uses of Botox

Curing Constipation
When relaxation and putting don’t do the trick, some people turn to Botox.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology published a report that found using Botox helps relax the multiple sphincter muscles around the anus,” says plastic surgeon Dr. Drew Ordon.

Botox for Cross-Eyes

Botox is often used to remove wrinkles, but it has other beneficial medical uses as well. Find out how it can help alleviate crossed-eyes in children.

One of the most common causes of constipation is when the pelvic floor muscles don’t relax enough during a bowel movement. A small amount of Botox injected in the anal sphincter can relax the muscles and correct constipation, as well as treat anal fissures, gastroparesis and dysphagia. The Food and Drug Administration, however, has not approved the use of Botox for these conditions.

TMJ Treatment
Suzanne, 45, has suffered from TMJ, an inflammation of the temporal-mandibular joint in the jaw, for the last several years. She's tried everything to combat the pain, including medication, acupuncture, and wearing a night guard in her mouth while she sleeps.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Rivkin says that Botox may be a solution for those suffering from TMJ.

He explains that Botox injected into the masseter muscles of the jaw can cause the muscles to shrink or atrophy, and as the muscles weaken, they cease to spasm and cause pain.

Dr. Rivkin injects Suzanne's jaw with Botox and she reports that her pain has markedly decreased.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Bunions
Podiatrist Dr. Philip Radovic explains that a bunion is a misalignment of the toe joint, imbalanced by the muscles on it. He injects Botox into the affected muscles to restore joint balance. The procedure is performed on people with early-stage bunions, ideally as a preventative measure to ward off surgery.

Botox Foot Lift
Millions of women have a penchant for sky-high footwear, but no one has figured out a way to give foot pain the boot - until now! Fashionistas are turning to Botox injections in their feet to numb the pain. Dr. Ordon acknowledges that as much as women love their high heels, “your feet do pay a price.”


However, despite the pain sensations being blocked, damage is still being done to the foot. “Those pain signals are there for a reason!” cautions pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears. “It should be telling you not to wear things that hurt!”

E.R. physician Dr. Travis Stork asks, “Aren’t we just masking the body’s natural defense mechanism here?”

Don’t Sweat It
Sweating is normal, but too much can be embarrassing. Such is the case for Jennifer, 21, who says she sweats excessively, which causes bad body odor. She has tried all different types of deodorants, but found that only men’s deodorant work. “[I don’t] like smelling like a man, or an onion!” She says that her father and sister have the same problem. She and her husband, Steve, are looking for a solution.

Dr. Ordon examines Jennifer and performs a Botox treatment that curbs sweating issues by injecting Botox into her armpits. The Botox inhibits the sweat glands by affecting the nerves going to the sweat glands that make the sweat gland muscles contract. The treatment lasts about three to six months, and needs to be repeated for lasting effects.

Botox for Weight Loss

Gastroenterologist Dr. Robynne Chutkan, founder of the Digestive Center for Women in Chevy Chase, Maryland, describes a new procedure that entails injecting botulinum toxin directly into the stomach to suppress appetite.