Of the more than 15 million cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, performed in 2014, more than 6 million were Botox. You should think of Botox Cosmetic as the little injectable that could. More than a decade after it was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Frown Lines between the eyebrows, Botox has become one of the most popular, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments. It has been approved for use in areas other than the Frown Lines, and has even been given the green light in treating excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis), migraines, and overactive bladders.
Whether you are already a devotee to Botox Cosmetic, or are considering having your first injection in 2016, there is probably a lot you do not know about the treatment. Prepare to be amazed at these fun facts behind Botox and its use in the cosmetic industry.
The Interesting Origins of Botox
You might know that Botox is a neuromodulator, derived from the toxin that causes botulism. What you might not know is the history of Botox and botulinum. It all started back in the 19th century, when a group of Germans were poisoned after eating contaminated sausages at a dinner party. At that point, Dr. Justinus Kerner decided to explore the cause of the food poisoning incident by using himself as a lab rat. Although his methods were far from safe, and would never be smiled upon today, he paved the way for an understanding of how botulism works. He even gave the disease its name, derived from the Latin word for sausages.
However, it was decades after Dr. Kerner’s initial experiments with botulism that another doctor, Emile Pierre van Ermengem from Belgium, was able to connect the dots. He determined the food poisoning was caused by the bacteria that we now know to be Clostridium botulinum.
Botox’ Super Powers are Greater Than You Think
Botox isn’t a uni-tasking treatment. The injectable actually offers several medical benefits. While it is commonly thought of as an anti-wrinkle treatment, Botox was actually first approved for the treatment of crossed eyes and eyelid twitches in 1989. By 2000, the FDA had approved Botox for treatment of spasms in the neck and shoulders. Around that time, doctors giving patients Botox for their eyes noticed a curious side effect – that it also smoothed certain associated wrinkles. While the FDA did not approve Botox for treating Frown Lines until 2002, it was used well before that to ease facial lines. In fact, the demand for Botox was so high in the late 1990s, that in 1997, the US actually temporarily ran out of it.
The 21st century has brought more and more good news about Botox. The FDA has given it the nod for treating excessive sweating in the armpits, for use as a migraine treatment, and for use as a treatment for overactive bladders.
The Rise to Fame Keeps Growing for Botox
It is not uncommon for cosmetic treatments to enjoy a spike, and then a waning, in their popularity. Think of collagen lip injections, for instance. They were all the rage a few decades ago, but have largely been replaced by better, more natural looking options.
The same cannot be said of Botox. It has yet to hit peak popularity, and continues to become more in demand as the years go by. Between 2000 and 2014, the number of injections administered increased by 748 percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ statistics. The number of Botox Cosmetic injections performed between 2013 and 2014 still saw a 6 percent increase. In 2008, the sales of Botox were more than $1 billion. It’s estimated that sales of the injectable will top $2.9 billion by 2018.
Botox’ Power to ‘Freeze’ Tissues is a Misconception
For all Botox’ popularity and increasing demand for it, some misconceptions about how Botox actually works still persist. It is worth understanding that the injectable doesn’t actually “freeze” the face, if it is administered by a trained medical professional. While the treatment works by blocking certain nerve signals to certain muscles, it will not prevent you from making facial expressions or leave you with a blank stare.
If you’ve been thinking about Botox, make 2016 the year you decide to learn more about it. Dr. Vitenas and the staff of Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique can explain the treatment process to you in full detail. During a complimentary consultation, Dr. Vitenas can evaluate your facial movements, wrinkles, and other factors, to see if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. To schedule a consultation or to learn more about Botox Cosmetic, call (281) 810-9083 today.