The year was 1993 and the revolutionary wrinkle destroying solution that would change the beauty industry forever was discovered. Cosmetic effects of Botulinum Toxin, also known as Botox®, was found by a husband and wife team–Dermatologist, Alastair Carruthers, and Ophthalmologist, Jean Carruthers. Jean treated patients for various conditions of the eye, one such condition being Blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is an uncontrollable spasming of the muscle around the eye area. To temporarily paralyze the spasming muscle, Jean administers an injection of Botulinum Toxin into the affected muscle for patients with this particular condition. By Jean’s account, one of these patients requested an injection of Botulinum Toxin in the forehead. When asked why, the patient responded “because it makes my wrinkles go away.”
Intrigued, Jean shared her patient’s feedback with Dermatologist and husband, Alastair Carruthers. Several of Alastair’s cosmetic dermatology patients shared a common concern–wrinkles. Once Alastair saw the results of Botulinum Toxin for himself on a test patient, he created a clinical study to present to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. “I had the patients and Jean had the toxin,” said Alastair. The idea of Botox® to treat wrinkles and fine lines received initial skepticism, but the Carruthers continued conducting trials. Now Botox® has become a worldwide leading product in the skincare industry.
In June of 2015, Dr. Steven Greene of Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute completed a Preceptorship with Drs. Alastair and Jean Carruthers sponsored by The American Society of Dermatologic Surgery to further advance his technique for using Botox® in his cosmetic dermatology office. Learn more about Botox® and other cosmetic services under the Services menu.
Click here to view an online lecture starring Dr. Jean Carruthers