In the 1950s, doctors discovered that injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscular tissue caused its paralysis. Subsequently botulinum toxin was developed for experimental use in the laboratory animals.
It was approved by the FDA for use in humans in the 1980s to treat certain conditions that included painful facial spasms. This is also the period when it got its brand name – Botox.
In the 90s, as more and more patients received Botox treatments, well known ophthalmologist Dr. Jean Carruthers discovered that her patients’ facial wrinkles appearance improved in the areas where they got Botox injections. Dr. Carruthers recruited a number of volunteers willing to test Botox’s wrinkle-smoothing effects and documented her findings. She even began injecting herself to test cosmetic qualities of Botox.
As the treatment got more popular, Botox use increased dramatically as more and more patients asked for its off-label cosmetic use. By 1997, it even led to a Botox shortage. At that time Botox was still not officially approved for cosmetic use. It wasn’t until 2002 that the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic use. Today, Botox is a $1.3 billion industry.
Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.
