Where Can Botox Be Used?

Botox is the most common non-surgical procedure performed in America. Botox is not just for Hollywood stars either. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, approximately 2.4 million people received Botox injections in 2008, and its popularity continues to grow each year. Botox works by temporarily reducing the activity of the muscles.

History

In 1895, Professor Emile Pierre van Ermengem of Belgium identified the bacterium Bacillus botulinum, which was later renamed Clostridium botulinum. In the 1920s, Dr. Herman Sommer isolated botulinum toxin type A in a purified form as a stable acid precipitate. Then in 1946, botulinum toxin type A was purified in crystalline form, which allowed scientists to study the molecule, in better detail, by Edward J. Schantz.

In the 1950s, Dr. Vernon Brooks conducted the first important study with botulinum toxin type A. He discovered that the toxin, when injected into a hyperactive muscle, blocked the release of acetylcholine from motor nerve endings, which induced a relaxation of the muscle.

Dr. Alan B. Scott began studies with botulinum toxin type A on animals in the late 1960s. He discovered that by injecting a small amount of the toxin into the animal, he was able to realign crossed eyes. Over the course of the next 20 years, Dr. Scott and Dr. Shantz developed botulinum toxin type A for humans. The company Oculinum, Inc. was formed by Dr. Scott in the late 1970s.

In 1989, the FDA approved the use of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of crossed eyes and uncontrollable eye blinking. Shortly thereafter, botulinum toxin type A was changed to the name Botox---and Allegen acquired Dr. Scott's company.

In 2002, Botox was FDA approved for the treatment of vertical frown lines between the eye brows.

In 2004, Botox was approved in the United States for the treatment of excessive underarm sweating. Most recently, Botox is being used to treat migraine headaches.

Crow's Feet

Crow's feet are the small wrinkles around your eyes. Your facial muscles cause the tissue around the eyes to fold, so lines form in the skin around the eye area. Crow's feet are also caused by sun damage and other environmental factors. Botox is effective in treating crow's feet. Botox will minimize the muscle contractions which are causing the skin to wrinkle in the first place. The amount of Botox needed for this area will depend on the individual, but the usual range is between 18 and 30 units.

Frown Lines

Many people develop wrinkles between their eyebrows just above the nose. This is one of the most common areas where people get Botox. Plastic surgeons refer to this as the "glabellar" area. These lines are typically caused by squinting and frowning. The muscles in the forehead permanently contract and cause the frown look to become permanent, which is why the lines between the eyebrows are often called frown lines. As with crow's feet, the amount of units needed will vary with each individual, but usually you will need 20 to 25 units to effectively treat this area.

Forehead Lines

Many people get Botox injections to treat their horizontal forehead lines. These lines are caused by skin damage that results with aging---and also natural facial expressions that over time build up and lead to wrinkles in this area. As with any area that you treat with Botox, the amount of units needed will vary with each individual, but to effectively treat horizontal forehead lines, surgeons will recommend at least 40 units.

Excessive Sweating

In more recent years, Botox has been approved to treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Excessive sweating is a condition where your body perspires more than is required to keep the body temperature regulated. Botox first became FDA approved for treating Hyperhidrosis in 2004. The procedure is done by a dermatologist using approximately 15 injections of Botox. It is injected into the affected underarm area and will last approximately six months.

Migraine Headache

Dr. David Dodick, a professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, reported the benefits of Botox for migraines in June 2005. Botox reduces the perception of pain and relaxes muscles, making migraine sufferers less sensitive to migraine triggers. As of 2009, Botox is still pending FDA approval for treatment of migraine headaches.

References

• Botox Cosmetic
• Botox Forum
• Mayo Clinic