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We are closed from 18 Feb (Tue) - 20 Feb (Thu) for our annual team building. We will reopen on 21 Feb (Fri).

A Brief History Of Anti Wrinkle Treatment And Its Popularity

By SL Aesthetic Clinic
Last Updated:
April 14, 2025
A Brief History Of Botox And Its Popularity

There was a time when Anti Wrinkle Treatment was seen as something only celebrities and wealthy people do to keep themselves looking young. This has changed, with Anti Wrinkle Treatment in Singapore becoming more accessible and is now known as one of the most common cosmetic procedures done today.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has shared that over 7.23 million Anti Wrinkle Treatment procedures were performed in 2017 alone in US. Most of these were for cosmetic purposes, but Anti Wrinkle Treatment is also used to treat medical conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms and excessive sweating.

To understand Anti Wrinkle Treatment and its popularity, let’s take a look at Anti Wrinkle Treatment history and how it became a treatment for wrinkles and more.

 What Is Anti Wrinkle Treatment? 

Anti Wrinkle Treatment uses a neurotoxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which is used in medicine to treat various medical conditions. It is generally safe and can be administered by a physician without any anesthesia or pain relief medication. Anti Wrinkle Treatment is most commonly used to treat issues such as:

  • crow’s feet
  • frown lines
  • forehead lines
  • glabellar lines (lines that run between the eyebrows)
  • blepharospasm (an eyelid spasm)
  • cervical dystonia (a spasmodic cervical muscle contraction)

 Overview and History of Neurotoxin

Neurotoxin was first discovered in the late 19th century by a German physician named  Dr. Justinus Kerner.

Kerner was studying the toxin botulism, which is caused by bacteria that can lead to food poisoning. He noticed that the toxin could cause paralysis of the muscles in lethal doses.

However, Kerner also found that the toxin could temporarily paralyze muscles in small doses and hypothesised that it could be used for medical purposes.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that Dr. Alan B. Scott, an American ophthalmologist, began using neurotoxin to treat strabismus or crossed eyes in patients. He found that injecting small amounts of the toxin into the muscles around the eyes could weaken them and allow the eyes to return to their normal position.

The FDA first approved neurotoxin in 1989 to treat blepharospasm or involuntary eyelid twitching. It was approved for use in cosmetic procedures in 2002. Since then, the toxin has been commonly used to treat other conditions that involve muscle spasms, such as migraines and dystonia.

How Does It Work?  

Neurotoxin is a neurotoxic protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

When injected into humans, the protein interferes with the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls muscular contraction. The injected muscle will weaken or become paralysed for a time due to nerves being unable to send signals to the muscle.

The amount of neurotoxin that needs to be injected depends on the condition that’s being treated and the desired results. For cosmetic purposes, a small amount is usually injected into the muscles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

What are the Benefits of Anti Wrinkle Treatment?  

Benefits of Botox

The popularity of Anti Wrinkle Treatment is due to its effectiveness and safety. If you are considering getting Anti Wrinkle Treatment for cosmetic reasons, here are some of the benefits you can expect:

Enhances your appearance  

For many people, the first signs of aging come from fine lines and wrinkles. These small imperfections can add years to your appearance, but, fortunately, there are ways to reduce their visibility.

In addition to reducing wrinkles, Anti Wrinkle Treatment can also be used to lift the eyebrows, diminish crow’s feet and soften the lines around the mouth.

Achieves results quickly  

One of the main reasons people love Anti Wrinkle Treatment is because it offers quick results. The effects of Anti Wrinkle Treatment can be seen within a few days and typically last for four to six months. No recovery time is required, making it a convenient treatment option.

Plus, it is minimally invasive, meaning no surgery or scarring is involved.

Is Safe and Non-toxic  

Neurotoxin has been used for over 30 years to treat various conditions and has an excellent safety record. The toxin is non-toxic in doses used for cosmetic purposes and does not accumulate in the body. There are few reported side effects from neurotoxin, and they are usually temporary and mild, such as bruising, redness or swelling at the injection site.

Furthermore, the results of Anti Wrinkle Treatment are not permanent, so you can stop treatment at anytime without having to worry about any long-term effects.

Boosts Confidence  

Since Anti Wrinkle Treatment can enhance your appearance and make you look younger, it can also boost your confidence.

If you are considering getting Anti Wrinkle Treatment, it is important to consult a qualified physician to ensure that it is the proper treatment for you.

Side Effects of Anti Wrinkle Treatment

While Anti Wrinkle Treatment is considered safe, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. The most common side effects are temporary and mild, such as bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection site.

More severe but rare side effects include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Muscle weakness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Vision problems

If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Who should not get Anti Wrinkle Treatment?  

Although Anti Wrinkle Treatment is safe for most people, some individuals should not receive treatment.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Anti Wrinkle Treatment, as there is not enough research to determine the possible effects on the developing fetus or infant. People with certain neurological disorders, such as ALS or Myasthenia Gravis, should also avoid Anti Wrinkle Treatment, as the toxin can aggravate these conditions.

Anyone allergic to neurotoxin should also not receive Anti Wrinkle Treatment, as they will likely have a reaction. Dr Kelvin Chua, Founder and Medical director of SL Aesthetic Clinic, observed a very small group of people who developed rashes at the injection site when using neurotoxin or Dysport brands of neurotoxin. However, the same group of customers did not get any rash when using Xeomin.

If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for neurotoxin treatment, consult with a medical professional before scheduling an appointment.

Final Thoughts  

The history of Anti Wrinkle Treatment is long and varied, from the discovery of the botulism toxin to the use of neurotoxin for aesthetic and medical purposes. The reason Anti Wrinkle Treatment has gained popularity throughout this history is because of its effectiveness and safety.

It is important, however, to find an experienced and trained doctor.

SL Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore offers Anti Wrinkle Treatment services, and we pride ourselves on making sure our clients understand all they need to know about a treatment before proceeding with it. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

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