Rethinking Botox: Eight Treatments That Go Beyond Wrinkles

Since its debut more than three decades ago, Botox has become one of the most recognised treatments in the aesthetics industry — widely used to relax facial muscles and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. But beyond its most common use on the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet, this go-to injectable is now being used to address a much broader range of concerns, from pain relief and posture correction to smile refinement and jaw slimming.

To unpack the broader and often surprising alternative uses for Botox, we consulted with Dr Nikita Desai, Medical Doctor at the Harley Street Skin Clinic.

Gummy Smile

For those self-conscious about showing too much gum when they smile, Botox offers a subtle, non-surgical solution. “A gummy smile can easily be treated with Botox, with little to no side effects,” explains Dr Desai. “The non-invasive and quick procedure works by injecting Botox into the area between the nose and upper lip to relax the muscle. This means that when you smile, the upper lip doesn’t rise as much, creating a more natural smile.”

Stiletto Botox

Although it first emerged almost a decade ago, Stiletto Botox is enjoying renewed attention thanks to TikTok. Also dubbed the ‘Loub Job’, this treatment helps relieve the pain and pressure caused by wearing high heels — especially over long periods. As Dr Desai explains, “Stiletto Botox works by injecting Botox into the soles of the feet, relaxing the muscles in this area and giving your foot a cushion, meaning that your killer heels will no longer be killing you.”

Jaw Slimming

Once reserved for medical concerns like TMJ and teeth grinding, jaw Botox is now widely embraced for its additional aesthetic benefits. “A form of Botox that’s loved by celebrities such as Megan Fox and Kourtney Kardashian is jaw slimming, and it’s currently a trending treatment in the world of aesthetics,” explains Dr Desai. “This procedure involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscles to reduce their size, resulting in a slimmer, V-shaped appearance that can give patients the results they desire without the need for invasive facial surgery.”

Barbie Botox

If you’ve noticed Barbie Botox trending on your FYP, you’re not alone. This trending treatment targets the trapezius muscles in the upper back to refine posture and sculpt a longer, more graceful neckline. “Also known as ‘Trap Tox’, this treatment reduces the size of the shoulders and optically elongates the neck, creating a more elegant posture, similar to that of a Barbie doll,” explains Dr Desai. “This procedure was originally designed to help relieve tension in the trapezius muscles, which can lead to migraines and neck tension.”

Excessive Sweating

For those living with hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, Botox has long been a trusted solution. “Botox has long been used as a method to treat excessive sweating in areas such as the armpits, hands, and feet,” says Dr Desai. “It does this by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate the sweat glands. The treatment only takes around 20 minutes and can reduce sweating by around 82–87%.”

Chronic Migraines

Approved by medical authorities for the treatment of chronic migraines, Botox offers welcome relief for those dealing with frequent, debilitating headaches. As Dr Desai explains, “Botox can be a life-changer for those who suffer from migraines, reducing headaches by up to 50%. It does this by interrupting the pain signals that go between your brain and the nerve endings.” However, she notes that results aren’t permanent, and ongoing treatments — typically every three months — are needed to keep symptoms in check.

Overactive Bladder

For patients with an overactive bladder, Botox provides an alternative to daily medication or invasive procedures. “Some studies show that seven out of ten patients significantly improved after receiving Botox as a treatment for incontinence,” explains Dr Desai. “It works by stopping the bladder wall from contracting too much, which typically leads to urination. The effects last around six to nine months and it’s a great non-surgical option for those who do not wish to seek more intrusive methods.”

Crossed Eyes

According to Dr Desai, Botox can also be used to treat strabismus, the medical term for crossed eyes. “It’s one of the oldest treatments for Botox, having been performed on patients since the 1970s,” she explains. “It temporarily weakens the eye muscle to change the position of the eye. Results vary between patients, with some noticing it lasts longer than the advised timeline. This can be a great starting point for those who are considering more intensive surgery but wish to begin with something less invasive.”

Ultimately, Botox’s potential goes far beyond what it’s still most famous for. Whether you’re considering it for cosmetic refinement or therapeutic relief, expert guidance is essential. A qualified practitioner will tailor the treatment to your needs, ensuring it’s both safe and aligned with your goals.