Sat, February 27, 2010 - 11:47:42

Unexpected Side Effects Lead to Unbelievable Breakthroughs

Life coaches, confidence experts, and psychologists will tell you that scrutinizing every wrinkle in the mirror isn’t great for your self confidence and we’d have to agree. But what if we told you that by doing just that, one woman inadvertently sparked the inspiration for a scientific breakthrough that revolutionized the cosmetic surgery industry as we knew it?

Well, as a recent report by TODAY medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman explains, that’s exactly what happened when an ophthalmology patient in Vancouver noticed an unexpected, yet pleasant, side effect caused by the therapeutic botulinim toxin forehead injections used to treat her chronic eyelid spasms: her wrinkles were disappearing before her eyes.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Astounded by her findings, the patient reported back to her opthamologist, Dr. Jean Carruthers, about the seemingly miraculous rejuvenation of her skin and instead of dismissing what she had to say, Dr. Carruthers listened intently and discussed it with her husband, a dermatologist.  Intrigued by the possibilities, the two set forth on nearly a decade worth of medical research and in the end made a discovery that launched a multi-billion dollar a year industry.

What was the result?  The wrinkle eraser known commonly as Botox.

While doctors, scientists, and pharmaceutical manufacturers had known for years that very weak dosages of the botulinum toxin could be used to treat muscle spasms and chronic pain, the prospect of using it for cosmetic purposes had never been explored, until someone started sweating the small stuff, noticed the tiny changes occurring on her face, and took the initiative to speak to her doctor.

It’s just another amazing example of how thinking SMALL can spur enormous innovations and in fact, how some of the biggest business ideas can come from repurposing existing products.
 
For too long, we’ve all been told to “think big” when looking for the “next big thing,” but as the Carruthers’ story illustrates, the greatest innovations can come in the unlikeliest of places—and it’s up to you to find them.  So, quit furrowing your brow while trying to dream up the next revolutionary product and open your eyes…because your big break just might be staring you in the face.

Posted by Linda and Robin