Botox injection is a relatively new treatment for muscle spasms, pain and cosmetic blemishes that people are flocking to, but it hasn’t always been so popular and widely-used. In fact, it has only been considered safe for cosmetic use since 2002 according to the FDA, when it was deemed fit to improve the look of facial wrinkles under certain regulations. Everybody has heard of it, many have given it a try. How has it become so popular and widespread since then?
History of Botox Treatments
Botox started out as a type of bacteria – Clostridium botulinum, which caused food poisoning and was identified in 1897. Through the 1920s to 1940s, it was discovered that the bacteria could be purified in crystalline form and relax overactive muscles and spasms, in small doses. It was renamed Botox in 1987 and approved for medical use, and by 2002 was approved for cosmetic use. By 2006, Botox had turned into a billion dollar industry. Botox continues to be used for both medical and cosmetic purposes, and is projected to reach over $4 billion in the global market by 2018, with the United States expected to contribute about half of that number.
Medical Uses for Botox
Although most people think of wrinkle treatments when they hear the word Botox, it actually used to be more commonly prescribed for medical reasons. Muscle spasms, eyelid spasms, and severe underarm sweating have all been treated by Botox injections. Botox therapy has also been used for cervical dystonia to treat neck pain. Since 2010, it has also been approved as therapy for muscle stiffness and the prevention of headaches for adults who suffer from chronic migraines lasting at least 4 hours per day for at least 15 days out of a month. A doctor can help decide if Botox treatments are the best course of action for any of these problems, or others not mentioned here.
Cosmetic Uses for Botox
Since Botox is an injection, it is much less intrusive and artificial than a typical plastic surgery treatment. This has been one reason that celebrities have flocked to Botox to preserve their red carpet looks as they age. However, regular people enjoy the results of Botox injections as well, when the effects of time start to show themselves in the form of facial wrinkles, drooping eyelids and crow’s feet. The results of such treatments can vary, but for many last as long as eight months. Anyone can talk to their doctor about access to Botox as an anti-aging treatment for their blemishes.
Celebrities who use Botox injections to look years younger on television have been a big part of the hype surrounding the treatment. Since it is a non-invasive, cost-effective and relatively safe alternative to surgery, it has also become more readily accessible to the public in recent years. With its powerful effects on aging, muscle spasms, pain, and more, Botox is likely to remain as popular as ever in the years to come.
