Many people prefer to treat the signs of aging without surgery. Botox® is a popular treatment choice because it gives immediate, long-lasting results. It is an injectable solution that is inserted directly into the targeted facial muscles with a very thin needle. It temporarily freezes the facial muscles, causing the wrinkles to smooth over. The result is a firmer, younger looking appearance.
Here are some fun facts you may not know about Botox®.
The Origins of Botox®
You may not know that Botox® is a neuromodulator derived from the toxin that causes botulism. That’s right. It all started back in the 19th century when a group of Germans were poisoned after eating contaminated sausages at a dinner party. Dr. Justinus Kerner discovered a toxin, botulinum toxin, in the meat. He named the ailment that killed the Germans “botulism.” Decades later, Dr. Emile Pierre van Ermengem from Belgium determined that the food poisoning was actually caused by the bacteria that we now know as Clostridium botulinum.
In 1989 Botox® was first approved for the treatment of crossed eyes and eyelid twitches. By 2000, the FDA had approved Botox® for the treatment of neck and shoulder spasms. During that time, doctors who were using Botox® for the eyes noticed a side effect – it also seemed to smooth out wrinkles. Botox® was used to ease facial lines and in 2002 the FDA approved Botox® to treat frown lines. During the 21st century, the FDA has approved Botox® for the treatment of excessive armpit sweating, migraines, chronic pain, and for overactive bladders.
Growing Popularity
Botox® has enjoyed growing popularity since 1997 when the demand for it was so high that the U.S. temporarily ran out of it. Today, Botox® is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Since the year 2000, Botox® injections have increased in popularity by almost 800 percent.
Botox® Safety
Due to its long history and its thorough research, Botox® is one of the safest products on the market. It can be safely used to treat lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. But the results you get are directly related to the expertise of the professional doing the injection. You’ve probably seen those “frozen”, unnatural looking outcomes. These unnatural looking results can occur when the injections are done by someone who is not properly trained and does not have sufficient experience in giving Botox® injections. That’s why it’s so important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon for your Botox® injections.
To find out if Botox® is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Harold E. Beam, MD Plastic Surgery is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, serving residents of Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford and surrounding areas.
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