Whenever Dr Vandana Jain, a cornea, cataract and refractive surgeon examined the reports of her patients, she would be asked just one question-”Is there anything wrong with my reports?” The reason, as it turned out, were the vertical frown lines that appeared between her brows that rendered a very troubled expression to her face. It was then that she finally decided to go in for a procedure that smoothened out the glabellar lines completely. “Perceptions make a huge difference and after I got Botox shots, my face looked very relaxed. It hardly took 30 minutes and the result was fantastic,” enthuses the 29-year-old doctor.

It is a drug that is synonymous with cosmetic procedures to smoothen out wrinkles and has a faithful list of celebrities who swear by its effects. But interestingly, Botox, the brand name of the drug Botulinum Toxin Type A that is manufactured and marketed by Allergan Inc, has been approved for 20 different indications right from treating certain neurological disorders to headache migraine and even strabismus (squint).

While the cosmetic uses have already gained popularity, the therapeutic uses are yet to come to the forefront. It was to create awareness about this that leading cosmetologists and surgeons came together for an awareness conference at Lonavala on November 5 to discuss the lesser-known applications of the drug.

Speaking about the indications of the drug to cure strabismus, Dr Debraj Shome, of the department of ophthalmic and facial plastic surgery, orbit and ocular oncology, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital Pvt Ltd, says, “There was a case of a young girl who was suffering from ptosis of the left upper eyelid. The left upper eyelid was lower in position and showed the presence of rhythmic fibrillations. But after botulinum toxin was injected in the left upper eyelid and the lower lid, the problem subsided completely within a week.”

But the most remarkable use of the drug is that it can be used to treat spasticity (tightness) in muscles — a condition that is commonly seen in patients suffering from cerebral palsy. Botulinum toxin can be used to control muscle stiffness. The drug relieves cerebral palsy symptoms by reducing the tightness in muscles, which allows better control of movement and in stretching the muscles. “It mainly works by blocking the signal that nerves are trying to send to the muscle. And, the effects too, last for more than four months after an injection,” says Dr Ashok Johri, pediatric and orthopaedic surgeon.

With professionals, students and even housewives discovering the uses of the drug, cosmetologists have seen a sharp rise in the number of clients requesting Botox treatment. As cosmetologist Dr S S Trasi dermatologist and practicing cosmetologist, adds, “With a drug as safe and result oriented as this, I have clients who actually come during their lunch break and take a Botox shot.”

But even with a drug that has practically no side effects, doctors do advise caution before taking shots of the drug. Firstly, always consult a trained and qualified doctor. “The consumer should inform the doctor about any medical history and medication taken. It is wise to clarify all doubts before going in for the procedure,” says Trasi.