What Are Some Interesting Must-Know Facts About Botox?

Facts about Botox you must know before opting for the procedure

Botox is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures. It is a non-surgical process that is used to get rid of dermal wrinkles and fine lines. It came into practice about two decades ago and ever since then, its popularity has skyrocketed. It gives good results, is pain-free, and carries little to no risks. Hence, it is commonly used to treat fine line and age-related wrinkles.

The major chemical in Botox injection is basically a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A. This toxin is derived from clostridium botulinum. It eliminates wrinkles and other facial deformities by freezing the facial muscles temporarily. When the muscles become static, they cannot cause facial deformities and wrinkles and fine lines are smoothed out.

Botox brought a revolution in the cosmetic world and by now it has become a popular household name. However, very few people are aware of its history and working mechanism. Today, we bring to you some little-known and interesting facts about this much-talked-about cosmetic procedure. So let’s take a look.

Food Poisoning Led to The Discovery of Botox

• In 1820, a German scientist named Dr. Justinus Kerner was analyzing the effects of rotten sausages on the human body. He was trying to understand how sausage poisoning works. During his study, he uncovered the neurotoxin botulinum. Further investigation revealed that botulism was caused due to the improper digestion of botulinum toxin which is present in rotten sausages.

Botulism is a lethal disease that causes the freezing of muscles and mild paralysis. However, when the neurotoxin responsible for botulism is used in regulated amounts, it can give beneficial results for reversing age-related facial wrinkles. Nevertheless, food poisoning can be credited for leading to the discovery of cosmetic botox.

Botox Has A Loyal Customer Base

• Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures. As per the findings of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 7.2 million injections of Botox were sold in 2017. This is almost double the number of customers who opted for dermal fillers, another popular cosmetic procedure.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has also declared botox as the most popular cosmetic procedure.

Botox Treats The Muscles, Not The Skin

• Botox is used to treat the facial lines that form around the eyes, forehead, or laughter lines that form around the corners of the mouth. These lines are formed due to the deformities in underlying facial muscles and not the external layer of skin. As we age, skin loses its elasticity, and when we smile or frown, over time the facial muscles retain these patterns. Hence, wrinkles and lines appear on the face.

Botox makes the wrinkles go away by freezing the muscles and not the skin. Botulinum toxin type A works by relaxing the muscles. When it is injected into the muscles, it eases the tension and brings back the muscles to their original position. Hence wrinkles are removed temporarily and smoother-looking skin is achieved.

Botox Has Multiple Non-Cosmetic Uses

• Botox is most known for non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as treating facial wrinkles. However, FDA has approved it for certain other medical conditions as well. Due to its muscle freezing ability, it is now being used to treat muscular spasms in the neck, face, or limbs. Botox is also used to treat eye twitching, excessive underarm sweating, bladder dysfunction, and migraines.

Scientists are in the quest to find more uses of botulinum toxin’s to treat certain medical conditions.

This information has been brought to you by Alladerm. They provide multiple health and beauty services. Botox is one of them.