The injection of botulinum toxins are some of the most common cosmetic procedures performed for aesthetic intervention. Back in 2018, The American Society Of Plastic Surgeons estimated that more than seven million people received botulinum toxin injections. This remarkable agent is extremely well-rounded and is used for a multitude of reasons. The story of how we came to inject this microbial toxin into our bodies to treat cosmetic and medical needs of patients is both fascinating and unforeseen. As a provider of botox treatment in palm beach county, The Herschthal Practice will always provide insight on the background of these cosmetic procedures, in hopes of being even more transparent than we already are with our patients. Today, we would like to deep dive into the remarkable history of botox.
The Origins Of Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum Toxin or Botox as most of us know it, was first discovered by a Belgian scientist named Emile Pierre van Ermengem, following a botulism outbreak in Belgium. When the 1920s rolled around, scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, attempted to isolate the botulinum toxin. It wasn’t until 20 years later that it was finally isolated in crystalline form by Dr. Edward Schantz. In the 1970s, scientists began using botulinum toxin to treat strabismus (e.g. crossed eyes). While testing these treatments on monkeys, researchers noticed that botox reduced wrinkles in the glabella, which is the skin between the eyebrows and above the nose.
After botox proved to be successful in the treatment of strabismus, Allergan eventually became the first company to license the treatment and branded it as Botox. Following this, botox would receive the seal of approval from the FDA for both cosmetic and medical purposes. See below for the various dates of FDA approval for botulinum toxin:
- Strabismus and blepharospasm in 1989
- Cervical dystonia in 2000
- Glabellar lines in 2002
- Crow’s feet (lateral canthal lines) in 2013
- Urinary incontinence in 2011
- Chronic migraines and lip spasticity on the upper lip in 2010
- Axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in 2003
How We Use Botox Today
These days, even though botox is still widely used to treat certain medical conditions, we find that just as many if not more patients are seeking it out for cosmetic reasons. Botox treatment in Palm Beach County does wonders as an anti-aging remedy. It blocks certain chemical signals from nerves, which are mostly signals that cause the muscles to contract. The injections will temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes. Additional ways to use botox in patients includes the following:
- Wrinkles between the eyebrows (known as frown lines, glabellar lines, or elevens)
- Wrinkles around the eyes, otherwise known as crow’s feet
- Horizontal creases in the forehead
- Lines forming at the corner of the mouth
- Cobblestone skin on the chin
Botox treatment with the Herschthal Practice is part of a comprehensive treatment protocol that we like to call the TR3+ approach. This utilizes four unique aesthetic components (tightening, revolumizing, relaxing, and resurfacing) to achieve optimal results. We approach botox as part of a multi-faceted treatment plan that opens a realm of possibilities for our patients.
The Herschthal Practice Will Provide Botox Treatment In Palm Beach County
The team at the Herschthal Practice has been offering botox treatment in palm beach county for many years. Our patients come to us with the understanding that the knowledge and standard of care we abide by comes second to none. To get started with botox treatment, contact us today to book a consultation!
