While best known for its ability to reduce wrinkles, BOTOX® is used for more than just cosmetic purposes. BOTOX is also FDA-approved to treat migraines and excessive underarm sweating. 

So, how does BOTOX work for chronic migraines and sweating? What can you expect during a therapeutic BOTOX appointment? Keep reading…

How Does BOTOX for Migraines Work?

BOTOX is a type of injectable neuromodulator that can treat migraines by blocking neurotransmitters that carry messages such as pain between your nerves and brain. Thus, when this pathway is blocked, your brain doesn’t get a pain signal, and you don’t feel severe migraine symptoms.

Because the effects of BOTOX eventually wear away, most people need regular maintenance treatments every 3 to 4 months.

How Does BOTOX for Excessive Sweating Work?

Similar to how BOTOX works for migraines, this injectable treatment also blocks a specific neurotransmitter to prevent excessive underarm sweating. In this case, BOTOX blocks the neurotransmitters in sweat glands that signal the brain to produce sweat. 

Studies have found that BOTOX for sweating can last between 4 to 12 months before a maintenance treatment is needed.

How Is Therapeutic BOTOX Different from Cosmetic BOTOX?

The process for getting BOTOX for therapeutic reasons vs. cosmetic purposes is very similar. The main difference is that BOTOX used for migraines or sweating will be injected into specific areas of your head, face, or neck (for migraines) or the underarm area (for sweating) to best manage your symptoms. 

You can expect your appointment to take 20 minutes or less, whether you’re getting BOTOX for therapeutic or cosmetic reasons, and you may experience similar mild, temporary side effects such as redness, swelling or bruising. 

Wondering if BOTOX for migraines or excessive sweating could be right for you? Call our Davis office at 530-756-5758 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today!