Since 2002, Botox has been the beauty secret of celebrities, politicians and that stunning middle-aged mom down the street. This cosmetic treatment is quick and easy with impressive results. We all know Botox works, but what do you know about its history? Although this isn’t a topic you’re likely to find in a history textbook, it’s fascinating nonetheless.
The bacterium used in Botox was discovered in 1895 by Prof. Emile Pierre van Ermengem. At the time, it was called Bacillus Botulinum, later renamed Clostridum botulinum. Since its discovery researchers have been fascinated by the many potential uses for this unique bacteria.
Botox isn’t comprised of just the bacteria. It is a specialized medical product made up of purified botulinum toxin protein, which is refined from the actual bacterium.
Botox for Strabismus and Blepharospasm
Long before Botox was used cosmetically, it was used as a treatment for strabismus (lazy eye) and blepharospasm (eyelid twitching). When the product was first introduced, it was called Oculinum and was shortly thereafter changed to Botox. Oculinum was first used on human volunteers in the late 1970s and received FDA approval in the late 1980s.
Botox for Cosmetic Uses
Botox received FDA approval for several other medical conditions in the years after its introduction and before its approval for cosmetic use. Its first approved cosmetic use was for moderate to severe frown lines between the brows (glabellar lines) in those 18-65 years old.
Other Uses for Botox
Botox isn’t just for cosmetic uses. In 2004, it received approval to be used for treatment of severe underarm sweating and in 2010, Botox received FDA approval to treat muscle stiffness in the elbow, fingers and wrist for those with upper limb spasticity. In 2013, it received approval for use as a treatment for overactive bladder. Only time will tell what other uses for Botox will be developed and how the history of this fascinating product will continue to unfold.
- Approved for use in approximately 80 countries.
- Approved for 21 different medical uses around the world.
- In the U.S., Botox is used to treat wrinkles, sweating, eye twitching, tremors, overactive bladder, muscle spasms, migraines and more.
- The No. 1 most used minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in the U.S. (more than 6.6 million treatments in 2014).
Have you tried Botox? Call us today at 310-829-9396 to schedule an appointment.