It is not widely remembered, but Botox® was originally developed in ophthalmology to treat a neurological disease caused by essential blepharospasm. In this disorder, the muscles surrounding the eyes involuntarily contract, causing the eye to spontaneously close or twitch. This can be very disturbing and irritating.
Botox was created to treat this problem and it’s very effective. However, an unexpected side effect was noticed by the initial investigators. Botox reduced fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes of blepharospasm patients. The manufacturer quickly realized the potential market for the cosmetic use of Botox.
Botox Cosmetic is Born
Botox Cosmetic has been used for over 30 years and its safety profile is well known. The major issues are rare allergic reactions to its components, bruising at the site of injection, or unintended effects from its placement. The good news is that all these potential side effects are mild and reversible over time.
Botox effects last about 3 to 4 months on average. This is good and bad news. The good news is that the effects are gone with time if one doesn’t like the effect. But the bad news is that Botox needs to be repeated if one really likes the effect!
Any fine lines around the eyes can be treated with Botox Cosmetic. The usual areas are the laugh lines at the corners of the eyes and the 11’s in the brow area between the eyes. Botox Cosmetic is a treatment that is readily available and effective with few significant downsides to it.