A lot of people think that botulinum toxin is something new, but in reality is a drug that is used in medicine since the 1960. Like many other drugs botulinum toxin was used initially for the treatment of strabism. During the experimental treatments the ophthalmologist Dr. Scot realised that except from the positive results in strabism, the patients mentioned a reduction of the wrinkles around the eyes.
Since 1991 the pharmaceutical company Allergan bought the patent of the drug and called it botox. Dermatologist Dr. Carruther and his wife injected the toxin in several patients in the upper face muscles that are responsible for the dynamic wrinkles of the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Since 2002 the drug is approved from the FDA from this purpose.
The evolution of botox continued the following years and since then it is used for
1. The reduction of wrinkles of the face
2. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
3. Migraines
4. Nerve palsies.
During the treatment small amounts of toxin are injected in different parts of the muscles of the face hence paralysing them. With botulinumtoxin treatment we prevent the progression of the wrinkles caused from the repetitive contruction of the muscles. The duration of action of the drug is usually 6 months.
The treatment is oriented to the individual characteristics of the face of the patient and his/her needs.