“The most amazing molecule in the world” is how Jean Carruthers describes botulinum toxin. Dr Carruthers is a professor of ophthalmology, and is accredited with discovering the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin in 1987.
- Legend goes that Dr Carruthers injected a patient around the eye area for the treatment of blepharospasm (twitching eyelids) and she noticed that her crows feet had disappeared. The rest is history!
- Now age 75, Dr Carruthers is known as the Godmother of neurotoxin” and is still working, teaching and speaking about her favourite molecule!
- Botulinum Toxin has become the most popular cosmetic tweakment in the world and is a multi-billion-dollar industry.
- ”l’ve had a really wonderful life with this product in so many ways. I think it’s the most amazing molecule in the world.”
- It’s not just cosmetic. Relaxing frowns has a genuine impact on mental wellbeing, Dr Carruthers explains. Studies have shown that by relaxing the face’s “grief muscles”, botulinum toxin calms the brain’s amygdala region which processes negative emotions. “Depression, PTSD and anxiety all benefit tremendously from a down-regulation of the amygdala. It makes the mood totally improve”
Thank you Professor Carruthers for this incredible discovery!