Where did botox come from in Medical Aesthetics?
It seems like it’s everywhere but did you know that the use of botox or botulinum toxin in Medical Aesthetics is a relatively new thing? At Skin Suite Laser & Medical Aesthetics in Winnipeg, Manitoba we know and love using these products to help our clients but here is a little history for you!
Where did Botox or Botulinum Toxin Come From?
Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, was first discovered in the late 1800s by a scientist named Justinus Kerner. He observed that a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum was capable of producing a deadly neurotoxin. In the 1960s, an ophthalmologist named Alan Scott began using small amounts of the toxin to treat strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned. It was later discovered that the toxin could also be used to temporarily paralyze muscles, making it useful for treating conditions such as excessive sweating and wrinkles.
How Did Botox Make the Leap From Treating Eye Problems to Medical Aesthetics?
It wasn't until the 1980s that the cosmetic use of Botox was discovered. Dr. Scott and Dr. Jean Carruthers, both ophthalmologists, noticed that patients receiving Botox injections for eye spasms also had a side effect of reduced wrinkles in the treated area. They began to experiment with using Botox for cosmetic purposes, and by the early 2000s, Botox had become a popular cosmetic treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
I have heard of Botox But Why Am I Getting Something Else?
While you may be most familiar with the brand name Botox in Canada botulinum toxin which is the active ingredient comes under several brand names. The brand names for botulinum toxin include Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. These are all Health Canada approved medications that are used to temporarily paralyze muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They are all injected directly into the muscle and they work by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions.
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