Botulinum toxin has a fascinating history, evolving from a feared foodborne toxin into an important medical treatment and then gaining further popularity in aesthetic medicine.
The toxin was first associated with food poisoning outbreaks in Europe, particularly from improperly prepared sausages. In the early 1800s, these illnesses were studied, and it was proposed that the toxin affects the nerves controlling muscles.
By the 1890s, the bacterium responsible for the illnesses was identified and named Clostridium botulinum. Fast forward to the twentieth century, and scientists began investigating whether extremely small, controlled doses could be used therapeutically to reduce excessive muscle activity. However, it was not until the 1970s that the toxin was used therapeutically.
Botulinum toxin type A (the purified serotype used for therapeutic purposes) is used to help treat a variety of medical conditions, including excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), muscle spasticity, eye muscle disorders, chronic migraine, neck muscle spasms, and overactive bladder in certain gastrointestinal disorders.
In the world of aesthetic medicine, the toxin has gained widespread popularity for temporarily reducing the activity of specific facial muscles, softening dynamic lines caused by repeated facial movements.
Below is a timeline of the therapeutic use of botulinum toxin type A and its various brands in aesthetic medicine.
1970s
Botulinum toxin type A was first studied and used therapeutically to treat strabismus (crossed eyes) by Dr Alan Scott, an ophthalmologist in the United States. It worked by temporarily weakening overactive eye muscles.
1989
Drs. Jean and Alastair Carruthers in Vancouver, Canada, first reported the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin for treating glabellar frown lines (the vertical lines between the eyebrows). Their pioneering work laid the foundation for aesthetic applications.
Botox®:
- 1989 (USA): Botox® received FDA approval for the treatment of blepharospasm and strabismus.
- 2002 (USA): FDA approved for cosmetic use in glabellar lines.
- Australia: TGA approved in 1999 for cosmetic use in glabellar lines.
Dysport®:
- Developed in the UK (Ipsen BioPharm) and used medically in Europe since the early 1990s.
- Australia: TGA-approved for aesthetic use in 2001.
Xeomin®:
- A “naked” or purified botulinum toxin type A free of complexing proteins.
- Developed by Merz Pharmaceuticals.
- Australia: TGA-approved for aesthetic use in 2012.
Letybo®:
- Botulinum toxin type A from South Korean company Hugel.
- Gaining approval in various countries over recent years.
- Australia: TGA approval in 2022.
Relfydess
- New toxin entering the Australian Market in 2025
Anti-wrinkle injection treatments
Until fairly recently, these treatments were known as ‘Botox injections’ or ‘anti-wrinkle injections’. However, due to AHPRA and TGA guidelines, this is no longer allowable. Instead, the treatment is promoted as a ‘wrinkle relaxer treatment’.
At Samara Aesthetics Training Academy, we offer both beginner and advanced courses for these treatments.
Wrinkle Relaxer or ADVANCED COURSE >
Wrinkle Relaxer BASIC COURSE >