Botox has been around for decades and is now the most common cosmetic procedure. In the article “The Remarkable History of Botox,” two doctors collaborated to tell its story. Curious about starting treatment to look younger or maintain your youth? Explore the Botox Baton Rouge and Lafayette trust straight from professionals who are here to help.
What Exactly IS Botox?
Technically, Botox is a toxin. But don’t let that make you doubt it. Scientifically speaking, its specific name is botulinum toxin, and the Clostridium botulinum bacterium produces it. Because when in the hands of trained medical professionals, Botox can improve your appearance or even your quality of life. But how does it do it? Injecting Botox into specific muscles paralyzes them. When these muscles can’t move, they can’t crease the skin. And when the skin can’t crease, wrinkles can’t form or deepen. The effect is a smoother, younger-looking face. Additionally, Botox can help lessen the pain associated with migraines, assist with cervical and incontinence issues, and even help lessen severe underarm sweating. So, for a toxin, Botox can be useful in many ways!
The History of Botox
Botox has been used as a non-surgical wrinkle treatment since 2002. Before that, it was used for 12 years to treat other conditions. You can join the thousands of people who have been happy with their results. But first, explore a bit of its fascinating history.
Scientists first tried isolating the botulinum toxin in the 1920s at the University of California in San Francisco. However, it wasn’t successfully done until Dr. Edward Schantz at the University of Wisconsin-Madison accomplished it 20 years later. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 to treat crossed eyes. Botox’s cosmetic benefits were noticed by happenstance—when testing it on monkeys, scientists noticed its effect on wrinkles. Specifically, it reduced wrinkles in the area between the eyebrows, known as the glabella. After that, it was only a matter of time before the procedure was refined and new applications were discovered. So far, but who knows what doctors will find that Botox can do?
- 1989: Botox approved by the FDA to treat strabismus (crossed eyes) and blepharospasm (eyes spasms).
- 2002: Botox approved by the FDA to treat glabellar lines (between the eyebrows).
- 2004: Botox approved by the FDA to treat axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
- 2010: Botox approved by the FDA to treat chronic migraines.
- 2011: Botox approved by the FDA to treat urinary incontinence.
- 2013: Botox approved by the FDA to treat crow’s feet.
The Botox Baton Rouge Trusts
You can indeed find Botox almost anywhere. Depending on the state, many different types of medical professionals can administer Botox. However, you want to make sure you’re trusting your appearance and health to experienced, qualified, and trained professionals. As an injectable, it’s a non-surgical procedure, but it provides dynamic results. Get the most of your Botox with the award-winning professionals at Aesthetic Medicine.
At The Aesthetic Medicine and Anti-Aging Clinics of Louisiana, our doctors in Baton Rouge and Lafayette are ready to help. Start by scheduling a free consultation appointment with us. We’ll go over your goals and to help you choose your best aesthetic option. We’re here to help you look—and feel—your best! Visit us to discover if Botox can be a beautiful part of your history.