History of Botox
In the early 19th century, a German physician named Justinus Kerner began documenting cases of sausage poisoning or fatty poisoning.
He found that improperly cooked or improperly handled meat could create a poison in the body. Botulus means sausage in latin, and consequently, he was the first to coin the term botulism. In 1928, P.T. Snipe and Hermann Sommer conducted experiments and were able to successfully purify the toxin, opening it up for medical uses.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approved
Wrinkle Injections
In 1949, Arnold Burgen was the first to realize that botulinum toxin was actually a protein that could interfere with the electrical activity of nerves, thus preventing them from functioning – a neurotoxin. Since then, Botox has been used successfully in the treatment of many medical conditions such as overactive bladders, chronic migraines, neck pain due to cervical dystonia, excessive underarm sweating, muscle spasms due to cerebral palsy, and various eye muscle problems such as eyelid spasms and spasticity in elbows, wrists, and fingers.
Forty years later, in 1989, a plastic surgeon named Dr. Richard Clark documented the injection of Botox into wrinkles. His paper was printed in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In 1992, a Canadian ophthalmologist and dermatologist, known as J.D. and J.A. Carruthers, injected Botox into glabellar frown lines – the two lines between the eyebrows – with successful results. Soon after, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Botox for use in the plastic surgery industry.
Botox is injected primarily in the forehead, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. This protein blocks the nerve impulses that cause wrinkles because of continued use. After a few days, Botox kicks in, making the nerve inactive. There are basically no side effects other than some irritation where the needles were injected, tightness in the skin after the procedure, and occasionally a tension headache. There is no need to take time off work, and the results last for 4 to 6 months before the effect of Botox wears off and the wrinkles return. A patient can maintain the desired look of smooth lines and no wrinkles by returning on a regular basis for Botox injections before the product metabolizes.
The Most Common Cosmetic Procedure
Dysport and Xeomin
Botox injections have become so popular that they are now the most common cosmetic procedure conducted in facial cosmetic clinics across North America. In 2014, it was estimated that in the U.S. alone, almost 7 million Botox procedures were conducted. Because of its popularity, not only dermatologists and plastic surgeons are offering Botox injections, but also aesthetic salons and walk-in clinics have jumped on the bandwagon.
Although Botox injections are becoming more common and it is a relatively safe procedure, Dr. Cory Torgerson highly recommends that patients do their homework prior to selecting a clinic. Certified medical practitioners such as facial plastic surgeons or dermatologists are the most trained professionals to administer the Botox injections.
Botox is the industry name associated with botulinum toxin, but 2 other Botox products are now certified for use in Canada. They are called Dysport and Xeomin. There are differences in the amount of time the product takes to kick in as well as differences in the length of time their effect lasts, but both have proven to be solid competitors to the original Botox brand. Dr. Cory Torgeron’s private facial cosmetic clinic in Yorkville is pleased to offer both Botox and Dysport injections for their clients.
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Our facility offers a luxurious, comfortable and private setting for consultations and surgery with a waiting room that is both spacious and inviting. Although we hope you don’t have to spend too much time waiting to see Dr. Torgerson, within a few minutes you will feel relaxed and at ease.
