The majority of people know that BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to treat wrinkles and provide a more youthful appearance. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a neurotoxin produced by botulinum toxin A. When injected into the facial muscles, it temporarily paralyzes those wrinkle-causing muscles, allowing the skin to relax and smooth out. It takes only minutes to perform this nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure and requires no downtime, so patients can return to work and their regular activities immediately afterward.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is commonly used to improve the following signs of aging:
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Horizontal lines across the forehead
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Vertical furrows between the brows, known as “frown lines”
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“Crow’s feet” at the corners of the eyes
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A sagging brow
What many people do not know is that BOTOX® can be used for many other purposes, and research suggests that it may be effective for improving mood.
BOTOX® for Depression
Depression is characterized by a dejected mood during most of the day and a loss of interest in things once enjoyed. This mood disorder affects about 18.8 million American adults. Fortunately, a study conducted at the Hannover Medical School in Germany found that injecting botulinum toxin A into the facial muscles involved with expressing negative emotions eased the symptoms of depression. Patients in this study who received botulinum toxin A for the treatment of “frown lines” experienced positive effects on their mood.
How It Works
Our facial muscles contract to display our emotions and our expressions send signals back to the brain to reinforce those emotions (the facial feedback hypothesis). Since BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks nerve impulses from reaching the muscles, it may prevent people from expressing negative emotions and prevent the reinforcement of those negative emotions back to the brain. In addition to boosting a person’s confidence knowing he or she looks more youthful, this study suggests that BOTOX® Cosmetic can also make a person happier.
If you are interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic to improve signs of aging and increase your confidence, schedule your consultation with Dr. Oliver & Dr. Jack today. Contact our office by calling 205-298-8660, or fill out our online contact form for more information.