Let’s face it, we could all benefit from being in a better mood, especially after the COVID Lockdowns , worries about climate change, rising energy costs, war in Ukraine and the thoughts of a cold dark winter ahead!
Many of us who are usually happy go lucky by nature are now feeling a bit weary and totally fed-up.
We all know about the ‘Look Good, Feel Good’ philosophy. And who doesn’t feel fabulous after a glossy blow dry & wearing a new outfit.
Whilst we are not claiming that Botox makes you happy – we can state that our patients float out of our clinics on their happy cloud after a little me time and some aesthetic treatments.
Everyone knows that Botox is famous for preventing and smoothing away fine lines & wrinkles. You might also be aware that it is super effective for the treatment of excessive sweating, migraines and teeth grinding.
But, do you know that Botox treatments might also make you feel happier! In a series of trials from 2006 to 2019, positive effects on mood were observed in subjects who underwent Botox treatment of their glabellar frown lines with botulinum toxin.
A common symptom in patients who are stressed and feeling low, is that the activity of their Glabellar muscles that cause frowns is very much increased. Carefully administered Botox injections to this area may result in an improvement in their mental health.
At our clinics
Over many years and especially now, we witness the positive effects that Botox treatments have on patients attending our clinics.
Patients tell us that the Botox effect they see and feel is not just aesthetic, but it actually lifts their mood & restores their confidence.
They look fresher & also feel happier and this makes them feel better able to deal with life & function
Psychological Wellbeing
Many patients arrive at our door with the worries of the world on their shoulders. After their routine treatment and a friendly chat with Dr. Hamilton, patients literally float out of our clinic with a smile on their face and new air of positivity about them!
During their visit, Dr. Mark uses the consultation part of the appointment to assess his patients current emotional and psychological wellbeing in addition to making a diagnostic evaluation of any skin or physical condition which may need referral to a specialist.
Negative Emotions
During this Lockdown, many of us are feeling especially Anxious, Frustrated & Lonely. Negative feelings such as fear, sadness or anger cause us to scrunch-up and contract our forehead muscles which worsen any frown lines.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, March 2020, Botox makes you happy by preventing your face muscles from frowning. Being physically unable to express certain facial expressions (such as frowning) positively influences your mood.
Here Comes The Science Bit!
Botox also contains chemicals that produce nerve impulses that travel to the Amygdala, which is the part of your brain that is responsible for processing emotions. Research has proven that Botox helps makes you feel happy, by not only preventing frowning, but also by influencing brain activity
Facial Feedback Loop
Our facial expressions send feedback to our brain. The benefit that Botox has for helping with depression is how it works on this ‘Facial Feedback’ loop.
When we feel depressed, the activity of the muscles which cause these frown lines is increased. Hence, freezing these frowning muscles with Botox injections can often result in improved mood.
Facial muscles directly influence brain activity, which may be why people who get Botox feel happier than they did before the treatment.
What is the Glabellar region?
It is the area beneath the skin between your eyebrows and above the bridge of your nose. Researchers think that injecting Botox into the glabella can disrupt the feedback-loop between your brain and negative facial expressions.
How Long Does It Last?
Botox may take as few as six weeks to start having a noticeable effect on mood following a single treatment. How long the treatment might work for depression is unclear. Cosmetic effects of Botox last for about 3-4 months but the mental health benefits often last longer.
Mental Health Advice
If you are feeling depressed, always chat to your GP first & they will guide you in the right direction.
We do not recommend using Botox to cure depression instead of seeking the help of a specialist mental health professional.
If you would like to feel great about the way you look and are wondering if Botox might help your mood , why not book a treatment for your lines & wrinkles with Dr. Mark Hamilton !
Research
Research has found that Botox can be an effective treatment for certain forms of depression.
According to researchers at the University of California San Diego, patients who received Botox were between 40 -80 % less likely to report depression.
They observed 40,000 people who received Botox treatments for a variety of conditions ranging from cosmetic treatments to migraines, muscle spasms, and incontinence.
They discovered that the people who received Botox injections reported depression significantly less often than patients undergoing different treatments for the same conditions.
In a series of trials from 2006 to 2019, positive effects on mood have been observed in subjects who underwent treatment of their glabellar frown lines with botulinum toxin.
We hope that you enjoyed our blog.
Included below are some links to helpful information
https://www.aware.ie/information/depression/
https://www.healthline.com/health/botox-for-depression
Article sourced here.
