The History of Botox

Here at Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics, we though it would be interesting to give an insight to the history of botox.  It has been around for a lot longer than most think.

Austin, a medical professional is fully qualified to master class standard for all the cosmetic treatments we offer.  Austin is a leading practitioner and first opened the doors to his clinic in 2004.  All treatments that we offer have all been thoroughly tried and tested by ourselves first. This means we can answer any questions our clients have.

Where does botox come from?

Botulinium toxin type A, or Botox as it now commonly known, has been around for a longer time than most realise.  Most are unaware of its history and what it can be used for.  Both medically and cosmetically as a wrinkle treatment.  So, we thought it would be useful to share a timeline of our most popular treatment here at Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics:

So who discovered botox?

1817

It was around this time that Justin Kerner described the Botulinum toxin as a “sausage poison”.  Because the bacteria that produces the toxin could be found growing in improperly handled or prepared meat products.  It was Kerner, a physician, who first conceived a possible therapeutic use of botulinum toxin and coined the name botulism (from the latin botulus meaning “sausage”).

1928

Snipe & Sommer for the first time purified the toxin.

1949

Arnold Burgen discovered through experimentation that botulinum toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission through decreased acetylcholine (acts as neurotransmitter) release.

1950’s

It was the 1950s when scientists discovered that the botulinum toxin (now known as Botox®) can reduce muscle spasms.

1960s-70s

Throughout the 1960s and 70s scientific studies were carried out to see if the Botulinum toxin Type A (Botox) could treat strabismus (crossed eyes) – in 1980 the first treatment was completed on a human.

1988-89

It wasn’t until 1988 when Allergan researched how Botox could be used for other medical procedures.  And in 1989 Allergan released Botox ®, the first botulinum toxin approved by the FDA. This was to treat strabismus and blepharospasm (eyelid spasms).

2000

In 2000, the FDA approved that Botox ® could be used to treat cervical dystonia, by reducing the degree of abnormal head position and neck pain.  Two years later Botox ® cosmetic treatments was approved by the FDA to reduce moderate to severe frown lines with specific doses between the brow.

2004

In 2004, Botox ® was then approved by the FDA to treat underarm excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

2009

2009 marked the 20th anniversary of Botox®.

2010

Just in 2010 the FDA approved Botox ® therapy to treat increased muscle stiffness for upper limb spasticity.  Botox ® was studied to treat the prevention of recurring headaches in adults diagnosed with chronic migraines, and approved by the FDA.

If you’re interested in what our Botox® treatments in Bournemouth or our dermal fillers can do for you, then please call Austin Brewer, facial aesthetic practitioner, on 07823 883888 for a free skin consultation.