The History of Botox and its Uses in New Orleans

Botox has been around for more than three decades, since its FDA approval in 1989 for ocular dystonia.  Throughout those three decades, the uses for Botox (produced from botulinum toxin type A), both medical and cosmetic, have expanded throughout the human body.  The movement to the cosmetic industry was a natural progression for Botox, as ophthalmologists (some with an oculoplastic surgery background) recognized its cosmetic benefits when treating spastic disorders of the eyelids. 

Botulinum toxin type A is a microbial toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes botulism, an illness that disables and paralyzes.  The botulinum toxin began to be studied in 1978 by Alan B. Scott, after he first received approval from the FDA to study its effects on strabismus, an eye disorder commonly known as being cross-eyed, where the eyes do not line up in the same direction. Ten years later, in 1988, the company Allergan bought rights to the drug, preemptively branded as Oculinum, and continued testing for disorders such as cervical dystonia (a painful disorder that causes the cervical neck muscles to contract) and blepharospasm (uncontrollable eyelid movements).  Initial studies of Botox did not include cosmetic uses, but after approval, ophthalmologists recognized the drug’s ability to render muscles that cause facial wrinkles/lines inactive. Over the course of 10-15 years, the FDA approved Botox for other uses, such as glabellar lines (2002), excess sweating (2004), chronic migraines (2010), crow’s feet (2013) and more.

Using Botox correctly for a great anti-aging effect depends on the injector’s knowledge of facial anatomy and attention to the individual’s unique use of their muscles.  Botox injections in New Orleans can be done every three-six months, with some clients requiring fewer injections over time.