Botox

What You Didn’t Know About Botox

In 2018, Australians had more cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, carried out per capita than the United States. It’s clear to see that Australia is a country of people who care about their appearance and want to do all that they can to maintain it. There is nothing wrong with that, and Botox injections continue to be one of the most popular minor cosmetic procedures available for a number of reasons.

You may know that Botox injections help with self-esteem and non-cosmetic conditions, but here’s what you didn’t know.

Botox is a Neurotoxin

What most people don’t know is that Botox is a neurotoxin from the bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. Initially, doctors used it to treat eye disorders, but it wasn’t long before they came to realise it was helpful for cosmetic purposes and to help sports injuries as well.

Botox is a Brand Name

When most people talk about cosmetic fillers, they use the name ‘Botox’. However, Botox is a brand name as opposed to a cosmetic procedure. There are several other dermal fillers similar to Botox but with different brand names. It’s the same concept for if you call something “Glad Wrap” when referring to clingfilm. Glad Wrap is a brand but is now a household name for clingfilm.

Sausages are the Reason for Botox

In the 1820s, several dozen German people died from eating blood sausages. After research, a doctor found that a toxin caused the deaths. He named it Botulism which means sausage.

The Botulinum Toxin Was Almost a Biological Weapon

Secretive research went on during World War II to produce a biological weapon. The Botulism toxin was manufactured into small toxic pills. The plan was for Chinese prostitutes to put them into the food and beverages of Japanese officers. Fortunately, they never followed through.

It May Help with Depression

Many people who get Botox injections do so to benefit from youthful, smooth skin without fine lines and wrinkles. While this is a “feel good” factor on its own, studies show that Botox injections may also be beneficial for helping with depression.

According to a researcher known as M. Axel Wollmer with studies published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, Botox injections interrupt facial muscle feedback to the brain, altering the development of negative emotions.

Everyone knows that Botox is a cosmetic filler that makes your skin look absolutely fabulous, but its history and background are darker and more ominous than you possibly realised. Who would have thought that the key to smooth skin could be in the death of dozens of Germans who ate sausages?