It has been ten years since popular non-invasive treatment Botox
first burst on to the scene.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the line and
wrinkle treatment back in 2002 and since then, almost 11.6 million procedures
have been completed, Vanity Fair reports.
Around six million women make enquiries about Botox every year
and New York-based dermatologist Dr Fredric Brandt described it as “the
cosmetic aspirin”.
The treatment works by temporarily restricting an overactive
muscle or gland, usually for a period of between three and ten months. It
requires minimal recovery time and takes just a few minutes to complete, which
could be part of the reason why it is so popular.
Speaking about when Botox
was approved by the FDA, Dr Brandt said: “At that time, most women had tried
peels or retinoids, with mild success. But with Botox, patients saw dramatic
results and started to come into the office for other treatments.”
He claimed patients who had the injections in their scalp, face
and neck also suffered fewer headaches, as it is these muscle areas that affect
migraines.
“It’s been completely life changing for them,” Dr Brandt
concluded.
