Botox Cosmetic has a long history and bright future, but many may still not be familiar with the roots of Botox and how it’s usage goes far beyond just a safe and effective way to get rid of wrinkles. *

Botox: A Brief History

The historical timeline dates back to 1895, when the bacterium bacillus botulinum was identified by a professor from Belgium. In the 1920s, Botulinum Toxin Type A was isolated in purified form as a stable acid precipitate at the University of California, and then it was later isolated in crystalline form in the 1940s. By the 1950s, researchers had discovered that it could relax hyperactive muscles. The 60s and 70s held a bulk of research, such as how it could be used as an alternative to surgery for those with ophthalmic dystonia. In 1989, the FDA approved Botox, and it had been approved for a number of different uses by 2000, including cervical dystonia. In 2002, Botox Cosmetic hit the market for wrinkles. Just two years later, approval for its use in excessive underarm sweating was granted by the FDA. *

Your Basic Botox Questions Answered

With such an extensive history, Botox has almost universal recognition, but it also means that the vastness of information can get confusing and overwhelming. There’s also a lot of myths and misinformation out there on Botox. So, let’s break it down to the basics and answer those must-know questions like what it is, how it works, and if it’s safe. *

What Is Botox Exactly?

With an excess of 3,000 publications on Botulinum Toxin Type A in various medical and scientific journals across the globe, Botox is one of the most researched medicines in the world. *

Botox begins as bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is the organism associated with botulism food poisoning. From there botulinum toxin type A is derived, and then Botox is the final purified protein product. In other words, Botox is a synthetic product. Only a small amount of botulinum is used to make Botox, and it’s produced in an extremely controlled and strict lab environment. *

How Does Botox Work To Smooth Wrinkles?

Despite being the most popular cosmetic treatment on the market to erase or reduce horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet, and vertical frown lines, how Botox works remains an equally popular question.*

Facial muscles are continually voluntarily and involuntarily contracting. This releases acetylcholine, which causes wrinkling. Botox does not remove these wrinkles. Botox injected into these facial muscles is able to temporarily stop acetylcholine from being released by blocking the facial nerves that tell your face to contract. The area becomes temporarily relaxed and wrinkles are smoothed and erased from sight. *

What Areas Are Treated With Botox?

Crows feet, which are the wrinkles around the outskirts of the eyes, are a commonly treated area. Frown lines around the mouth and between the eyebrows are also a commonly treated area of the face. The forehead is prone to expression lines and texture issues, which can be treated using Botox. Those suffering from excessive sweating can have Botox injected along their palms, upper lip, forehead, and under their arms.*

Are Botox Results Immediate?

Botox slowly and progressively relaxes the muscle. Results become noticeable as the associated wrinkles smooth and fade. Typically, this takes about a week to become visibly noticeable and around two weeks to see the full effect. *

How Long Does Botox Last?

Temporary is the key word with Botox. As a non-surgical cosmetic procedure, the wrinkle reduction results of Botox are temporary. Around three to four months after injection, you’ll begin to see the results fade and wrinkles re-emerge. This can be prevented by a Botox maintenance plan. You simply return for another Botox treatment to extend the wrinkle-free look. *

How Safe Is Botox?

Over seven million Botox injections are performed each year in the U.S. alone. Botox is considered the most popular non-surgical, less invasive, and less costly alternative to surgical cosmetic options.

The FDA has approved Botox as a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles for those ages 18 to 65. Both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have also deemed Botox a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles.

While safe, Botox, like all medications, has certain side effects associated with it, including mild bruising, bleeding, redness, and tenderness at the injection site and mild nausea and headaches. Rare complications may include nerve damage, asymmetrical results, and infection.

To even further minimize both the mild side effects and rare complications of Botox, be sure to properly vet your Botox provider and opt for a board certified plastic surgeon. *

Are you ready to learn more about how Botox can help you achieve your ideal cosmetic appearance?  Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gladstone!

*Individual Results May Vary