Botox – Beyond the Lines

It Can Combat More Than Wrinkles

Dr. Daniel Levy Dr. Daniel Levy is a Washington state native and alumnus of University of Washington. After graduating, Levy moved to New York City where he completed his graduate medical education and residency in dermatology. His training also includes a year of general and trauma surgery at the University of Southern California in Santa Barbara, a wound healing fellowship at the University of Miami, and a clinical fellowship at Duke University. He currently practices at the Pro Sports Club in Bellevue, proclub.com Do you have a story or amazing tip to share that can help others? Tell us about it! You can be the next Better U guest writer! Write to editor@425magazine.com.

People often ask: “Is there anything I can I tell my friends about getting Botox that doesn’t make me seem vain?” My answer is “yes.” Beyond its role in rejuvenation, Botox (botulinum toxin type A) provides a simple and safe treatment option for excessive sweating, tension headaches and depression. 

Whether the problem is underarm or sweaty palms, the social embarrassment can be significant. Some people with excessive underarm sweat production wear special pads and garments to try to “stem the tide” while many with sweaty palms avoid shaking hands at all costs. When Botox is injected into the skin of underarms and hands it prevents the release of a chemical, acetylcholine, the chemical that causes sweat glands to produce sweat. For those who wear suits and are used to having wet shirts by the end of the day, or those who sweat excessively during exercise, Botox offers a quick and safe solution that can last up to 6 to 9 months. The most popular time to get it is in spring, as the weather starts to warm.

If you suffer from neurological disorders such as chronic tension headaches, Botox might be beneficial. Several clinical trials show that Botox may help headache suffers because it relaxes the forehead muscles which contract during tension headaches. It can also prevent the release of pain-sensing peptides from local nerves. Some people find Botox injected in the glabella and forehead is enough, and they don’t need additional headache therapy.

A recent clinical trial has shown that Botox may help improve depression. In the study, depression sufferers received Botox to some of their frown lines. Within two months nine out of 10 patients showed signs of improvement. In my practice, I often see patients who come in once each fall or winter for Botox because they find it to be better than any drug for preventing Seasonal Affective Disorder, a depression common in the Pacific Northwest during dark and rainy months. For some, it’s truly like an annual vaccine or flu-shot for depression. 

Of course Botox is beneficial for what it is most popular for — wrinkle reduction. Clients in high-stress work positions feel more confident because Botox helps them appear as if they are keeping their cool. Some say their bosses have noticed. The poised appearance results from relaxed muscles in the glabella which prevent instinctive frowning. 

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