If looking more youthful makes you feel happy, then Botox treatments may bring a big smile to your face! Botox anti-aging injections are highly effective for minimizing those frown lines on the forehead that may actually be making you look annoyed or angry. No one wants to project that look. After 20 years, Botox has become the gold standard for helping people fight the visible effects of aging.
When people receive a cosmetic treatment that raises their self esteem and makes them feel better about their appearance, they actually do feel happier. But is there any clinical research showing that Botox can improve mental health, particularly for those suffering from depression or anxiety?
Study on Botox for Patients with Depression
Botox has long been used to treat a variety of medical conditions including migraines, limb spasticity, excessive sweating, and neurological disorders. In 2020, UC San Diego researchers looked at a large group of patients with depression who had received Botox injections for eight different medical conditions. Results found that for six of the eight conditions, depression symptoms were reported 40%-88% less often after Botox treatments compared to the control group. A follow up study in 2021 similarly examined patients with anxiety who had received Botox injections for medical conditions.
There are several theories about how Botox improves emotional state, but the results from the studies are promising. The effect seems to be independent of the cosmetic use of Botox, which is to reduce facial wrinkles. Allergan, the maker of Botox, recently announced more testing of Botox as a treatment for depression.
Cosmetic Uses of Botox
While Dr. Cristina Keusch does not treat depression or anxiety disorders, she does recommend Botox for its cosmetic uses. Botox is particularly effective in treating those dreaded number 11 lines, the two vertical lines between the eyebrows. These are more noticeable when we frown, squint, or concentrate. Botox is used to treat the horizontal lines, sometimes called worry lines, on the forehead. These lines are common as people age and the skin loses elasticity. Some people will have their forehead treated proactively to prevent these wrinkles from forming. Another popular Botox treatment area are the crow’s feet wrinkles, or fine lines, at the outer corners of the eyes.
How does Botox work?
Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it blocks the signals to nerve endings in the forehead and lateral orbital muscles. Botox will relax the muscles and smooth out the skin. Since the eyebrows are unable to move inward, the lines won’t deepen. The results are a younger-looking, more rejuvenated appearance.
Why Our Patients Love Botox!
Treatments take very little time. Patients can expect their appointment to take 15-30 minutes, depending on what areas are treated. There is no downtime or recovery, so patients can return to their daily routines immediately. Botox is effective! The results are subtle. Patients look like themselves, only with less noticeable facial lines and wrinkles.
Trust Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center
For the best cosmetic results, it’s important to choose an experienced Botox provider. Dr. Keusch, and her staff at Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center have extensive training in the use of Botox to treat facial lines and wrinkles. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
