The Fascinating History of Botox and How It Works

Learn the history of botox from a dermatologist near you

When we hear the word Botox, the first thing that comes into our minds is wrinkle prevention and younger-looking skin. Botox has become a common household name. Despite its popularity, not many people are aware of its origin and how it functions. Nowadays, it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed to reverse signs of aging. According to the estimates of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, seven million Americans opted for Botox injections in the year 2018.

Let us take an in-depth look into the history and work of this miracle cosmetic treatment.

What is Botox?

• Botox is a neuromodulator that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. If a person gets infected with botulinum, he suffers from a disabling paralytic illness because botulinum attacks the nervous system and affects mobility. The fatal illness starts with muscular paralysis of the face, mouth, throat and then spreads to the rest of the body.

However, when administered in minimal amounts and under controlled conditions, Botox can be used for correcting multiple medical and cosmetic conditions.

How Does Botox Work?

• Botox is available in liquid form which is injected into the muscles of the target areas for e.g. the forehead of the jawline. After insertion, the liquid spreads and binds to the nerves in that area. By doing so, it prevents the release of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine enables and regulates muscular activity.

When acetylcholine is not released, the muscular activity of that area stops, and muscles become paralyzed or immobile. As a result, the movement of muscles that cause wrinkles is stopped in its track. The same mechanism is applied for preventing muscular spasms.

• Botox is also being used for treating chronic migraine. When botox is injected into the body, it prevents the release of mediators that carry signals of pain and inflammation. These mediators include glutamine and substance P. This is how botox helps with chronic pain.

What To Expect After The Procedure?

The following adverse effects are observed in some patients:

• Bruising around the site of injection
• Swelling
• Headache
• Muscle weakness

History and Origin Of Botox

• The bacterium Clostridium botulinum was first discovered in 1895 by Emile Pierre van, who was a Belgian scientist. During the 1920s, efforts were made to extract and isolate botulinum toxin in the University of California, San Fransisco. The first breakthrough was achieved in the 1950s when Dr. Edward Shnatz isolated botulinum toxin in crystalline form for the first time.

The medical uses of botulinum toxin started in the 1970s. Physicians first used it for treating crossed eyes or strabismus. During this time, experiments were carried out on monkeys, and scientists observed that botox injection reduced the appearance of wrinkles between the forehead on the eyebrows. These wrinkles are known as glabella.

• In 1898 FDA approved the use of Botulinum for treating conditions involving eye muscles. After that, Allergan, an international pharmaceutical company licensed the treatment, and botulinum toxin was introduced in the market as Botox.

Following is a chronological snapshot of when botox was accepted by the FDA for the treatment of different conditions.

• Strabismus  (cross eyes) 1989
• Cervical dystonia (muscular spasms) in 2000
• Glabellar lines in 2002
• Axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in 2004
• Chronic migraines in 2010
• Urinary incontinence in 2011
• Crow’s feet (lateral canthal lines) in 2013

To get the best most professional botox services in Aliso Viejo, CA, and nearby areas, contact Alladerm. For more information, call us at 949-916-7166.