Botox: Inside and Outside the Cosmetic Industry

2021.10.23

Even after decades after it was first used in the medical field, Botox still reigns supreme in the beauty and anti-aging market. With more and more people becoming more conscious and self-aware about their image, it’s no surprise that the beauty industry is growing at a tremendous rate in recent years. 
 

Although many new treatments and procedures claim to provide life-changing results, Botox is still one of the most sought-after procedures that many patients prefer. One of the most common reasons why people prefer botox over other procedures is that it can provide fast results without the need to go under the knife. 

 

The History Behind Botox

Unbeknownst to many, Botox was not originally intended for cosmetic purposes. In the 1970s, botulinum toxin was considered a helpful drug in the field of Opthalmology. Alan B. Scott, a renowned ophthalmologist, first began using it as a form of treatment for strabismus or a condition people commonly refer to as “crossed eyes”. 
 

Its discovery as a form of anti-aging treatment for cosmetic applications was purely accidental when experts realized that the drug worked well in reducing wrinkles when tested on monkeys. After more copious research, the rest was history and Botox began to revolutionize the cosmetic industry into what we know today. 
 

Botox began becoming more of a popular cosmetic treatment within the early years of the 21st century after its FDA approval in 2002. Both men and women alike were lining up to try this form of anti-aging method and were amazed at the results. At present, Botox is still a popular cosmetic procedure and has only proven its efficiency through the test of time.

 

The Science Behind Botox

Botulinum toxin or popularly known in the industry as Botox is a neurotoxin that is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. These types of bacteria and spores are typically found in nature where there is soil or untreated water. However, the Botulinum toxin that experts utilize for therapeutic purposes is generally harmless and safe for humans. 

 

The main function of Botox when injected is to relax the muscles within the area. It targets the nerves that signal the contraction of muscles and causes temporary paralysis. In a cosmetic context, however, as aforementioned, Botox is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

 

Typical parts of the body most people choose to have Botox injections include areas of the forehead, eyes, chin, and mouth. Although effects are temporary, they can last up to 3 months to about a year depending on the procedure that is performed on the patient.

 

Other Medical Applications for Botox

Although Botox is a popular procedure in the field of beauty and aesthetics, this powerful drug is also utilized in different branches of medicine. Unbeknownst to many, more than half of the percentage of its uses are for therapeutic purposes. The most common ones are as follows:

 
  • Bladder Problems
    - Injecting Botox is an efficient way to treat overactive bladder issues or even bowel incontinence. It’s an alternative form of treatment in cases where therapy or other forms of medications have not shown any promising effects on the patient. The procedure is typically done by directly injecting the bladder after applying a local anesthetic. 

 
  • Heart Issues
    Botox is a common drug that is used to maintain a consistent rhythm of the heart after open surgery. Scientific evidence proves that Botox can prevent abnormal rhythmic patterns of the heart in patients suffering from Atrial Fibrillation. Researchers have also found that Botox injections can reduce high and low risks of the said illness.  

 
  • Muscle Spasms
    - Patients with chronic pains and muscle spasms can be considered good candidates for Botox treatments. The injections work by blocking nerve signals to the problematic muscles. Generally, botox can be used to treat spasms around the upper and lower limbs as well as the face and neck.

 
  • Cleft Lip and Palate
    - This condition is a type of birth defect that occurs when the baby’s mouth or lips do not form properly during pregnancy. It can typically be corrected through a surgery called cheiloplasty. During the recovery process, doctors have discovered that Botox can greatly affect the way that cheiloplasty scars heal by making them less noticeable. 

 
  • Depression
    - Although claims that Botox can be used as a form of treatment for depression, many clinical trials have suggested that the drug is capable of helping people who exhibit depressive symptoms. This concept is based on the facial feedback hypothesis which suggests that people are greatly influenced by their facial expressions. 

 
  • Excessive Sweating
    - Botox injections can also help people who have severe sweating issues by blocking the nerves that cause us to produce sweat. Effects usually last for a few months before the nerves regenerate. After a few sessions, however, treatments can be administered less frequently than usual. 

 

Botox in a Cosmetic Context

As aforementioned, Botox is more famously used for cosmetic purposes. Its main goal in the cosmetic industry is to eliminate the signs of aging in different areas of the body especially the face. Common areas of the body where Botox injections are administered include:

 
  • Eyebrows-
    - As we age, we tend to lose volume in certain areas of the face which can lead to sagging of the skin. Common areas that typically sag when volume loss occurs are the eyebrows which can be easily addressed by Botox injections.

 
  • Forehead
    - Wrinkles on the forehead can manifest in people as early as in their mid-twenties. This is probably the reason why many young people nowadays are also open to anti-aging procedures such as Botox. It can help relax the muscles around the forehead and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

 
  • Mouth
    - Common terms for wrinkles around the mouth are marionette and smoker lines. They appear around the sides of the mouth and above the upper lip. Botox can help alleviate the appearance of these wrinkles with results manifesting as early as 3 to 4 days. 

 
  • Neck
    - As people age, the skin tends to lose its tightness around the neck and chin area. These are sometimes referred to as neck bands or cords. With the help of Botox, tightness around these areas can be restored for a more youthful appearance.

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