Updated November 20, 2023 - This article is several years old (12 years), but we have chosen to update it to remove references to prescription drugs as we are concerned that the article may be considered advertising for the drug in question. In accordance withthe regulationson advertising prescription drugs, we are unsure whether we are allowed to write articles on the subject. To ensure that we do not break any laws, we are removing all references to the prescription drug in new and old articles on the subject. We have therefore replaced the name of the drug with [The drug] in this article.
Botox was discovered by accident.
It was the physician couple Jean and Alastair Carruthers who discovered [the drug]'s amazing ability to smooth out wrinkles, purely by chance in 1987. All patients who had been injected with [the drug] to treat strabismus and uncontrolled eye movement (known as blepharospasm) reported a positive side effect. Read more about: Coincidence led to the use of BOTOX to remove wrinkles
2. [The drug] is a "sausage poison."
Botox stands for botulinum toxin, which comes from bacteria that arise from the "incorrect handling" of meat products (spoiled meat). The possible therapeutic use of botulinum toxin was first discovered in 1897 by the physician Kerner. Dr. Kerner gave the bacteria the Latin name botolus, which means sausage.
3. [The drug] was first used to treat strabismus.
As early as 1980, a scientific protocol was developed for injection sites and dosages for the treatment of blepharospasm (eye spasm) and strabismus.
4. We are using more and more [the drug] every year.
Figures from the Norwegian Pharmacy Association show that annual sales of [the drug] in Norway are increasing sharply every year. In the US, the use of Botox for wrinkles has increased by 40.6% in the last five years alone.
5. It can relieve menstrual pain in women.
Several studies from Australia have shown that women who suffer from severe menstrual pain and pelvic pain can benefit greatly from injecting [the drug] into the pelvic muscles. This treats the cause of the pain, rather than providing sedation as achieved by using medication. The clinical effect was evident 1-2 weeks after treatment and lasted between 3-6 months.
6. [The drug] can stop teeth grinding.
Botox injections into the jaw of people who suffer from teeth grinding will reduce the frequency of episodes or eliminate them altogether.
7. [The drug] can give you beautiful legs.
In Korea, this has become incredibly popular with [the drug] in the calves.
Women from Korea have embraced this particular trend, where Botox is injected into the calf muscle using ultrasound to achieve a more refined contour and slimmer calves.
8. Can change the shape of your face
This has become popular among people who have a "square" jaw and want a more oval face shape. [The drug] is then injected into the masseter (jaw) muscle to weaken it.
9. Can help stroke patients with facial asymmetry.
In stroke patients who lose control of the muscles on one side of their face, the side that is still active often becomes hyperactive, which can result in an undesirable facial expression. Injecting Botox into the hyperactive area will help them achieve a more balanced expression. [The drug] can also relieve spasms/twitching in the face.
10. Can help you with "bad hair days" (in a way)
Most people know that we can use [the drug] to treat extreme sweating. It is most often administered in the armpits, hands, and feet. But recently, it has also been used to help those who suffer from extreme sweating on the scalp. As we all know, sweat and moisture are not good for those who want perfect hair.
11. May improve overactive bladder
Do you suffer from an overactive bladder, where nothing else works? Now urologists can inject [the drug] into the bladder muscle. The effect is apparently very good, but it is not approved in all countries for the treatment of incontinence.
12. [The medicine] where the sun never shines.
No, it doesn't help with wrinkles on your butt, but for those who have chronic sores and tears in the anal ring, perhaps after childbirth? Well, then a little [medicine] in the "stump" can help the muscle relax, just enough for the skin to heal. For those who are wondering, this does not affect the control you need to do what you know...
13. Used in children with CP (cerebral palsy)
Spasms prevent children with CP from learning new movements. Treatment with [the drug] to calm the spasms will improve the children's ability to learn basic skills such as walking. The dosage given here is higher than for cosmetic use of Botox.
14. It can give your neck a younger appearance.
Even if you take good care of your face, your neck will always reveal your true age. Some people may have heard of the technique known as the "Nefertiti lift." This involves using Botox on the tight tendons in the neck to achieve a longer neck and a more defined chin.
15. [Medicine] for migraines and headaches.
Many studies have been conducted on this, and although it has not been proven to have a guaranteed effect, this form of treatment is becoming increasingly popular in Norway. It is said that between 50-70% of patients are relieved of their symptoms and stop taking medication while [the drug] is effective.
16. Stop excessive sweating
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a diagnosis that many people struggle with unnecessarily, as there is a treatment that can eliminate this problem in a simple and inexpensive way—namely, [the drug].
[The drug] is by far the best treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). [The drug] is injected into the armpits, palms, or under the legs. Read more about the treatment here: Excessive sweating - treatment with [The drug]