You might think that Botox® is a modern treatment, but it is actually over a hundred years since the bacterium was discovered.
Before finding use as an anti-ageing treatment, botox injections were used for a variety of medical uses and still is today.
Botox is the trade name for botulinum toxin, which is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.
Although most people refer to anti wrinkle treatments as Botox there are other brands.
Botox® History
- 1895 Bacillus botulinum bacterium identified by Prof. Emile Pierre van Ermengem, of Ellezelles, Belgium. (later renamed Clostridum botulinum)
- 1920s Botulinum Toxin Type A isolated in purified form at the University of California, San Francisco.
- 1946 Researchers succeeded in purifying Botulinum Toxin Type A in crystalline form.
- 1950s Scientists discover that botulinum toxin, injected into a hyperactive muscle, blocks the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings, thus inducing a temporary reduction in the targeted muscle’s activity.
- 1960s-1970s Studies explore botulinum toxin as a treatment for muscle disorders. Research into using botox for crossed eyes as an alternative to surgery.
- 1988 Allergan, Inc. acquired the rights to distribute Botulinum Toxin Type A product, Oculinum. Allergan researches other medical uses of botulinum toxin.
- 1989 Allergan introduces the first botulinum toxin approved by the FDA to treat eyelid spasms and crossed eyes. FDA approval to change the product’s name to BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin Type A)
- 2000 FDA approves BOTOX® therapy for cervical dystonia to reduce the associated abnormal head position and neck pain.
- 2002 FDA approves BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines).
- 2004 FDA approves BOTOX® for hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating).
- 2009 20-year anniversary of BOTOX®.
- 2010 FDA approves BOTOX® therapy for increased muscle stiffness in elbow, wrist, and finger muscles with upper limb spasticity. Studied and then approved by the FDA for the prevention of headaches in adults with Chronic Migraine.
Scientists are still discovering more about the powerful toxin and finding new medical applications from bladder control to heart problems.
Yet the most commonly known use of Botox is of course for treating lines and wrinkles which it does extremely effectively for several months for people all over the world.
Botox® UK
In the UK, Botox is a prescription-only medicine and the industry is increasing its guidelines in order to protect patients.
Flawless Aesthetic Clinic was established in 2006 (formerly Flawless Aesthetics and Flawless Aesthetics and Beauty) and have over 15 years’ experience providing cosmetic and medical skin treatments.
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