Botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, was earlier used to treat certain muscular conditions, but has become a cosmetic commodity, through the past few years. It is made from a neurotoxin called Botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. The usage of Botox has seen a drastic shift from medicinal purposes to synthetic- cosmetic purposes. Botox holds a stretched history, dating back to the 1820’s. It was discovered by a scientist, who was looking for a link between rotten pork and people falling sick, after its consumption. During the 80’s Botox was put to use in treating facial spasms, twitching of eyelids, etc. a breakthrough event took place in the year 1987, when two Canadian doctors found anti-wrinkle properties of Botox. Since its evolution, Botox has gone through several phases and gained popularity.
Botox through the years
In its initial phase, Botox treatment was used to treat excessive sweating, migraines, muscular disorders and bladder and bowel disorders as well. While in the 1990’s it was used for forehead and facial wrinkles, crow’s feet, etc. Botox treatment for cosmetic purposes received a green signal from FDA, in the year 2002, and since then it has been evolving with each passing day. The revolution of Botox has been an episode of 15 years. With what started as a high-end cosmetic treatment for wealthy aristocrats and celebrities, to preserve a youthful look, Botox gradually became available to more people. The result of which was an anti-ageing treatment boom, in the cosmetic industry. Although the FDA has time and again cautioned, that excessive use of Botox, or improper injecting of Botox can have lethal results. Botox has been overused at times, and has led to bizarre d=facial conditions. Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Kim Kardashian, Courtney Cox, might have got their Botox’s done right, but there have been several celebrities who ended up getting disfigured facial features, freezing the emotions on their faces. Getting the right botched job requires an expert who has more than sufficient knowledge of the field. Although Botulinum comes in different strains, called eight serotypes, only 2 of these serotypes A and B, are used in cosmetic procedures. With each passing year, new discoveries were done on the usage of Botox and experiments were conducted. Slowly and gradually, this toxin became a must have beauty treatment. Around 2014-2015, more than 11 eleven million people had used Botox in US alone. Also, in the year 2013, a correlation between Botox and mental health was drawn by Dr. Finzi, a dermatologist. He laid out the idea, that enhanced appearance made people with depressive attitudes, feel happier about themselves.
Botox today
Botox has also drawn severe criticism for its toxic nature. There have been several lawsuits filed, and cases fought, in the light of Botox affairs gone wrong, for example- The Eric Kaplan case, The Medavoy case, etc. more than $16 billion is spent in a year on cosmetic facial treatments and rectifications, and in such a phase Botox is here to stay. People are ready to spend their money in this industry, in exchange for a face that doesn't age. More and more cosmetic clinics have cropped up in the past 7 years, and several practitioners have sought education and training in Botox treatment, as it pays off well. Fine lines, dark circles, sunspots, and the markings on a usual face that are now counted as flaws, are being noticed now, more than they were ever. People of different age groups, won't mind going under the scalpel and knife for looking perfect, so Botox sounds like a nicer and easier plan. Syringes are an easy way out than incisions on the face. Also, since the price of Botox injections has become reasonable, it is more in demand. Although it faces a minor threat from dermal fillers, which is an improvised form of preserving facial youth and doing away with fine lines, Botox has more number of practitioners available. Also, both Botox and dermal fillers are often being combined as a means of treatment. There are special clinics that are solely dedicated to such treatments. There might be soon a scenario, where salons and parlours might offer Botox and reverse ageing injections.
