Botox is one brand name that is a world beater. Everyone knows about Botox. In fact, since the FDA approved it to treat facial wrinkles in 2002, Botox injection sessions have been the most popular cosmetic procedure every year.
But there are lots of things you don’t know about this crazy popular neuromodulator. Here are some other fun facts about Botox.
The origins or Botox
Most people know that Botox is based in a bacterium that can kill you. That would be the clostridium botulinum, the organism from which Botox is derived. Interestingly enough, clostridium botulinum can be found in its inactive form all through the natural environment, including in cultivated soil and in forest soil, and in the sediment of lakes, streams, coastal and untreated waters. Guess that’s why you shouldn’t eat dirt.
Medicinal uses
While Botox first hit the aesthetic industry in 2002, it was no stranger to the medical world long before that. Botox has been used medicinally for decades. Scientists long ago discovered that the botulinum toxin type A, when injected in very small amounts, could make muscles temporarily stop contracting. Once they knew that, Botox was tested for a variety of different uses. It is now used for the following therapeutic applications:
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid spasms)
- Idiopathic rotational cervical dystonia (severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms)
- Urinary incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Chronic migraine headaches
- Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Post-stroke upper limb spasticity
- Hemifacial spasm
It is also used “off-label” for:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Achalasia (esophageal problems creating difficulty swallowing)
- Sialorrhea (hypersalivation)
- Hepatopancreatic dysfunction
- Cerebral palsy
- Laryngeal dystonia (forceful contraction of the vocal cords)
- Oromandibular dystonia (forceful contraction of the jaw, face, and/or tongue)
More about Botox
More than six million Botox treatments are given each year, far and away the most of any cosmetic procedure of any type.
Although Botox is by far the most popular brand, the botulinum toxin is also sold commercially under these other brand names: Vistabel, Dysport, Bocouture, Xeomin, and Myobloc. Dr. Lavey offers Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin in his practice.
Now that you have enough Botox wisdom to go on Jeopardy!, maybe it’s time to do something about those crow’s feet of yours. Call us at 925-820-3633 to schedule your appointment.
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