Botox: An Evolution of the Popular Cosmetic Treatment

Botox has a bit of a strange history. After all, it IS a neurotoxin, complete with the name “Botulinum toxin.”

And when German medical officer Justinus Kerner discovered it in 1820, he probably had no idea what it would be used for today.

It’s such a staple in the cosmetic treatment world it can be difficult to remember that it was only approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2002.

So here’s a short timeline of its cosmetic use, all the way from its inception to its (interesting) usage on men’s scrotums.

1820 – Botox is discovered by Justinus Kerner, who performs experiments with it and determines it can stop transmission in the somatic and autonomic motor systems — but without affecting sensory perception.

Surprisingly, he suggests that it might have therapeutic use.

1895– Dr. Karl Meyer discovers ways to extract and inactivate the toxin as a secondary result of saving the food canning industry.

1946 – Dr. Edward Shantz purifies Botox into a crystal form.

1960 – Dr. Alan Scott demonstrates that Botox’s muscle relaxing properties can be used to treat crossed eyes in monkeys.

1978 – Dr. Scott starts testing Botox on humans.

1988 – Botox is approved for treating crossed eyes and muscle spasms in humans.

1992 – Dr. Jean Carruthers notices that Botox is removing her patients’ wrinkles and publishes a study.

1997 – Off-label use of Botox for this purpose takes off.

2002 – Botox is approved for treating wrinkles by the FDA.

2004 – Botox is approved for hyperhydrosis.

2006 – The Botox industry passes the $1 billion mark.

2010 – Botox is approved to treat migraines.

2013 – Botox becomes the most common cosmetic treatment.

And that’s just a short timeline of Botox’s rise to the top of the cosmetic world.

Of course, there’s so much that happened with Botox that not everything could make the list (though you’re free to look up when the first Scrotox procedure was ever performed).

If you want to know more, call here or check here for more information.

Dr. Eliot Battle

CEO & Founder at Cultura Dermatology & Plastic Surgery

Dr. Eliot Battle, CEO of Cultura Dermatology, is a global leader in cosmetic dermatology and laser innovation. His Harvard research pioneered “color-blind” lasers, making treatments safe for all skin tones. A sought-after expert featured in TIME, Oprah, and The New York Times, he continues to advance inclusive, cutting-edge dermatological care.