What is Botox?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, which can be injected into the face to reduce or eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Other similar products are available with brand names including Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau. Originally used by ophthalmologists to manage uncontrollable blinking and spasming of the eye and surrounding area, botulinum toxin type A temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles into which it’s injected. When a muscle can’t contract, the skin over it eventually smooths out. This process is often referred to as neuromodulation.
Most people tolerate the injections well, and the effects last approximately three months.
What Does Botox Treat?
Botulinum toxin injections can help treat a variety of neurological and medical conditions, including the following:
- Chronic migraine headaches
- Dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe muscle spasms and contractions
- Excessive drooling (sialorrhea) in adults with Parkinson's disease and other conditions
- Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating
- Jaw pain caused by hypertrophy of the masseter, one of the muscles you use to chew
- Overactive bladder
- Tourette syndrome
- Spasticity, an abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness
- Strabismus, or misaligned eyes
RUSH dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons also use botulinum toxin to temporarily smooth facial wrinkles for cosmetic purposes.
RUSH Excellence in Botulinum Toxin Injections
- System-wide expertise: RUSH has many specialists who are experts in the use of botulinum toxin injections, including neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, dermatologists, craniofacial specialists and facial surgeons who are experts in making sure your injections improve function while also providing great aesthetic results.
- Top-ranked innovation and experience: RUSH’s neurology program was the first in Chicago to offer patients botulinum toxin injections for neurologic conditions, and its specialists who administer the injections are some of the most experienced in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranks RUSH University Medical Center among the nation's best for neurology and neurosurgery.
- Renowned dystonia experts: Botulinum toxin injections relax the excessive muscle contractions that cause dystonia and spasticity. The RUSH Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center is internationally known for its work in treating dystonia, and is home to the headquarters of the Dystonia Study Group, a national group of clinical dystonia experts.
- Comprehensive care: Facial surgeons at RUSH provide the most comprehensive list of facial procedures in the Chicago area. If you need treatment in addition to your injections, such as a bite guard to reduce jaw pain, we have an expert orthodontist on staff.