The history of botox: from a toxin to a beauty trend
The story of Botox starts with a curious German doctor named Justinus Kerner, who was the first to study botulinum toxin—a substance famous for its dangerous effects. Fast forward to ophthalmologist Alan Scott, who discovered that this toxin could treat blepharospasm, a condition that causes involuntary eyelid spasm.
Unaware of the side effect of his treatment — smoothing wrinkles around the eyes, Scott sold the patent for his discovery to Allergan company. Interest in botulinum toxin as a medical drug began to grow in the 20th century, but people initially treated injections of the toxin with distrust. The situation changed when information about its rejuvenating effect began to spread rapidly.
Allergan officially launched Botox as a cosmetic product in 2002, sparking a revolution in the beauty world! Originally, botulinum toxin was known for causing poisoning, but with thorough research and careful application, it transformed into a go-to treatment in both medicine and cosmetology.
Today, the pharmaceutical industry keeps innovating, improving the purification methods to ensure Botox is safe and top-quality. It’s amazing to see how far Botox has come—from a risky toxin to a trusted solution for those wanting to maintain their youth and beauty.
Interestingly, Botox started as the name for Allergan’s specific product based on botulinum toxin. Over time, it became a catch-all term for any botulinum toxin injections. This shift highlights how popular Botox has become, firmly establishing itself as one of the most sought-after treatments for anti-aging and wrinkle correction in the beauty industry!
Botox: because there is no gym for our wrinkles
Botox under the microscope: The principle of action and expected results
Botox works its magic on the facial muscles that create movement. When these muscles contract often, they can lead to the formation of wrinkles and folds in the skin. By injecting Botox into specific muscles, it effectively blocks the nerve signals that make those muscles contract. This relaxation allows the skin to stretch out, helping to smooth away those pesky wrinkles and folds. It’s a simple way to give your skin a refreshed look!
The effect of the procedure usually begins to appear after 5-7 days, reaching a maximum after about two weeks, when the muscles completely relax. The need for repeated injections is individual, but on average it is recommended to repeat the procedure every 4 months, and then every six months. After 3-4 years, many patients can receive injections only once a year. But you should get these prescripted from your doctor.
The most popular areas for botox injections include:
- Forehead
- Between the eyebrows
- Corners of the eyes (Crow's feet)
- Corners of the mouth
In addition, injections are carried out to smooth out wrinkles on the bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin. Botox injections in the jaw, cheekbones and cheeks have become a modern trend, which helps to correct the appearance and reduce tension in the chewing muscles. Injections into the neck area are also actively used to smooth out the so-called Venus rings.
Despite the safety of botox injections, it has contraindications and some rules that should be followed.
General contraindications:
- Intolerance to botulinum toxin.
- Blood clotting disorder.
- A tendency to form keloid scars.
- Fever on the day of the visit.
- Infections or inflammation.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding.
Preparation for the procedure:
- Stop taking medications and vitamin supplements (vitamins E and Omega-3), as well as antibiotics.
- On the day of the visit to the cosmetologist, refrain from drinking coffee.
- Do not drink alcohol 3-4 days before the procedure.
- Stop taking blood thinning medications.
- On the day of the procedure, limit physical activity, cancel fitness classes and spa visits.
Finally, revealing some interesting facts about botox, you may not know:
- Botox injections typically take only 10-15 minutes to inject, making it a popular choice for those looking for a quick cosmetic enhancement during their ‘lunch break’.
- Many people start using Botox in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventative measure against wrinkles, helping to delay the signs of aging.
- Beyond aesthetics, Botox has been used to treat a variety of medical issues, including chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and even certain bladder disorders.
- Many celebrities have openly discussed their use of Botox, contributing to its normalization and popularity in Hollywood and beyond.
- Botox is often considered a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures like facelifts, providing noticeable results without nearly no need for recovery time.
- Ongoing studies are exploring new uses for Botox, including potential treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD, demonstrating its versatility beyond cosmetic applications.
- Botox is often combined with other treatments like dermal fillers or laser therapies to enhance overall facial rejuvenation, providing a more comprehensive approach to aging.
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Really very interesting! Thanks for the article! We are so used to calling any injection product Botox that we don’t even think that this is just the name of a toxin! heheh