Botox Cosmetic has become a common treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. The history of this treatment began more than 50 years ago with a quest for beauty and a “miracle cure” for aging.
In the 1950’s scientists began investigating Clostridium boulinum for its usefulness in stopping the aging process. Scientists believed that this deadly toxin held the secret of youthfulness. This is when they first discovered that botulinum toxin has useful properties when it comes to reducing muscle spasms. It showed enough potential to warrant further investigation.
During the next two decades, many studies were conducted to explore the properties of this toxin, and how it could be used in a variety of ways. Because of its ability to reduce muscle spasms, investigations were done to determine whether or not it could be used as a treatment for strabismus, or crossed eyes. The research was promising.
In the late 1980’s, the company Allergan began researching other medical uses for botulinum toxin. Allergan is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in neuromodulator, eye care and skin care. Soon after they began their research, they introduced BOTOX, the first botulinum toxin approved by the FDA to treat eye lid spasms and crossed eyes.
Allergan was convinced that BOTOX could be used for other treatments as well, and research continued through the 1990’s. In 2000, the FDA approved BOTOX therapy for the treatment of cervical dystonia. Two years later, the FDA approved BOTOX Cosmetic to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, and then two years after that, it was approved for the treatment of severe underarm sweating. Most recently, just last year, the FDA approved BOTOX therapy to help relieve increased muscle stiffness in the elbows, wrists and finger muscles with upper limb spasticity.
What we know today as the preferred non-invasive treatment for frown lines has evolved over the past 60 years into what it is today. Key-Whitman Eye Center, leader in LASIK and Cataract surgery in Dallas, Fort Worth, and North Texas now also offers BOTOX Cosmetic. If you would like to learn more about this process, give us a call at (214) 225-2577 and we would be happy to answer all of your questions.
