Since its debut in the aesthetic world in 2002 — the year the FDA approved Botox for the treatment of facial wrinkles — this injectable has taken the world by storm. Every year since it hit the aesthetic market, it has led the world in procedures, surgical or non-surgical.
Here are some additional facts about Botox:
The origins or Botox
Clostridium botulinum is the organism from which Botox is derived. It can be found in its inactive form all through the natural environment, including in cultivated soil and in forest soil, and in the sediment of lakes, streams, coastal and untreated waters.
Medicinal uses
Botox has been used medicinally for decades. After it was found that the botulinum toxin type A, when injected in very small amounts, could make muscles temporarily stop contracting it was tried in various capacities. It is now used for the following therapeutic applications:
- Blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid spasms)
- Idiopathic rotational cervical dystonia (severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms)
- Chronic migraine headaches
- Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Post-stroke upper limb spasticity
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Hemifacial spasm
It is also used “off-label” for:
- Achalasia (esophageal problems creating difficulty swallowing)
- Sialorrhea (hypersalivation)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Hepatopancreatic dysfunction
- Cerebral palsy
- Oromandibular dystonia (forceful contraction of the jaw, face, and/or tongue)
- Laryngeal dystonia (forceful contraction of the vocal cords)
More about Botox
More than six million Botox treatments are given each year, far and away the most of any cosmetic procedure of any type.
Although Botox is by far the most popular brand, the botulinum toxin is also sold commercially under these other brand names: Vistabel, Dysport, Bocouture, Xeomin, and Myobloc.
Is it time for you to do something about your crow’s feet or forehead wrinkles? Call Dr. Ip’s Newport Beach or Manhattan offices and let’s set up a Botox session.
