BOTOX® is the most common cosmetic procedure in not only America, but in the entire world. Despite this, most people only know that it causes your wrinkles to “disappear” but they don’t know what it is or how it works. With that, I present to you seven interesting facts about BOTOX® that might make you a bit more familiar with both the drug and the procedure.

1.

The original intent behind BOTOX® was to treat crossed eyes.

Clostridium botulinum was originally discovered by Emile Pierre van Ermengem, a Belgian scientist. After an outbreak of food-borne Botulism in a small town in Belgium, Emile Pierre discovered the cause of the illnesses; Clostridium botulinum. Twenty years later, Dr. Edward Schantz isolated Clostridium botulinum in crystalline form, giving rise to BOTOX®. It wasn’t until the 1970s that BOTOX® was finally used in medicine. Dr. Alan Scott, an ophthalmologist, was searching for an injectable that would cure cross-eyed patients. BOTOX®, he found, did the trick. Dr. Alan is now known as the Father of BOTOX®.

2.

BOTOX® is the most studied neurotoxin in the world.

Not only is it the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world, but it is also the most studied neurotoxin. Along with BOTOX®, there are four other neurotoxins on the market—of which, BOTOX® is by far the most studied. BOTOX® appears in over 16 years of published research and is included in 4,700 peer-reviewed articles. Not only is it the most studied, but it's also been around for the longest. BOTOX® has been approved for cosmetic procedures by the FDA for over 22 years (its second closest competitor has only been on the market for 15 years.) At The Beauty Barn®, we chose to only administer BOTOX® because of its highly proven effectiveness and safety.

3.

There is essentially no downtime after a BOTOX® procedure.

A BOTOX® procedure is very simple. Excluding the consultation, it can take less than 15 minutes to complete, and the downtime is incredibly minimal. The injections may create little bumps that look like miniature bee stings which dissipate in less than 15 minutes. Other than that, there are no physical indications that any procedure was done. In terms of activity, all you have to do is avoid laying down, exercising, and rubbing your face for four hours after the procedure. After the four hour mark, you are free to do as you please as you wait for the BOTOX® magic to kick in.

4.

BOTOX® can make your lips appear fuller.

Getting BOTOX® injected in your lips, also known as a lip flip, is an easy, cost effective way to add apparent volume to your lips. I say apparent because no volume is actually being added, unlike lip filler. With a lip flip, the BOTOX® relaxes the muscle around the mouth, causing the upper lip to flip upward, hence its namesake, a lip flip. This causes the lip to appear more prominent and fuller.

5.

BOTOX® can be used to treat TMJ.

Before it was a cosmetic procedure, BOTOX® was used in clinical settings, and still is! BOTOX® has been profoundly helpful for people who suffer from TMJ, which is pain and tenderness in the jaw. When injected into the masseters, BOTOX® relaxes the muscle around the joint that causes TMJ and reduces tension there. This reduction in tension can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.

6.

BOTOX® can keep your armpits from sweating.

You heard me right. When injected into the armpits, BOTOX® can stop your underarms from producing sweat. This works because the BOTOX® prevents the release of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that signals the sweat glands to produce sweat. This treatment has been life changing for patients with hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. If the prescription deodorants aren't cutting it, BOTOX® might be your best bet.

7.

BOTOX® can be helpful in treating acne.

BOTOX® can help reduce acne breakouts for two different reasons. Firstly, BOTOX® can act as an anti-inflammatory agent, which reduces the inflammation that acne causes. Secondly, BOTOX® reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, which are the glands that produce sebum, of which an excess amount causes acne. This reduction in sebum production also reduces pore size. Although this is not a full proof acne treatment, many patients have found success following their treatment.

Hopefully you’ve now gotten to know my friend BOTOX® a little better and can see that it does so much more than just reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Schedule a consultation at The Beauty Barn® today to learn how BOTOX® can help you glow.

Learn more about BOTOX® treatments here. Or contact us to meet with a provider.

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