Botox is becoming one of the most popular cosmetic treatments for adults of all ages. Botox can smooth wrinkles and make you look 10 years younger. Botox is a versatile treatment that reduces wrinkles, treats chronic migraine pain, and even relieves the symptoms of eye twitching and muscle twitching. Here’s the story of how Botox became the beauty treatment it is today.
## Discovering the Botulinum Toxin
In the 1820s, a German physician named Justinus Kerner was looking for the cause of a rare and deadly illness that was leading to severe muscle paralysis in patients. He linked the illness to a type of sausage that had gone bad, and he was the first person to describe the symptoms of botulism. This illness is usually caused by a food-borne bacteria that can grow on improperly prepared food.

Later, Emilie van Ermengem located the bacterium that was causing a botulism outbreak in 1895. Finally, in 1928, Dr. Herman Sommer at the University of California isolated the botulinum toxin.
## Botulinum Toxin During World War II
During the 1930s and 1940s, researchers around the world started experimenting with biological warfare. The botulinum toxin was just one of many neurotoxins that scientists tried to weaponize. However, no country ever used the botulinum toxin as a weapon. Researchers didn’t find a way to deploy the toxin on a large scale. It’s not always a deadly illness, so it was abandoned as a weapon.
## Medical Botox Treatments
In the 1970s, Edward Schantz researched using the botulinum toxin to treat medical concerns. In small doses, the botulinum toxin can weaken targeted muscles and provide therapeutic results. In 1989, the FDA approved botulinum toxin for treating crossed eyes and eyelid twitching and spasms. 
## Botox for Beauty
In the next few years, Botox became a popular beauty treatment. From 2000 to 2013, the FDA approved Botox for several medical uses such as treating chronic migraines and overactive bladder. Botox was also approved for cosmetic treatments to reduce facial wrinkles. 

Now Botox is one of the most common treatment options to smooth facial wrinkles and give you younger-looking skin.
## How Botox Works
In small doses, Botox is an effective treatment option to relax muscles and minimize wrinkles. Botox can partially paralyze the target muscles so the skin above the muscles stays smooth. Botox can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, reduce inflammation, prevent excessive sweating and oil production, and even block the sensation of pain.
## Does Botox Have Side Effects?
Botox can have some mild side effects. These may include swelling, bruising, or redness at the injection site. Some people may experience a mild headache or some discomfort after the injection. These side effects usually last only a few hours. 

To reduce the risk of side effects, avoid intense exercise for the first 24 hours after a Botox treatment. We also recommend that you avoid rubbing your face to prevent Botox from spreading to nearby muscles.
## Learn More About Botox
Millions of Americans get Botox treatments every year. This safe and effective treatment option can change your relationship with your skin and give you even more confidence. Are you ready to learn more about what Botox can do for you? Book a consultation with one of our doctors to explore your treatment options. 

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