Dr Finzi carried out a study on a group of patients with Botox to treat frown lines (muscle tension in-between the eyebrows, which causes deep furrows), and results indicated that by injecting these muscles and releasing the tension, the frown lines disappeared. Many of the patient’s emotional moods improved as a result.
It may seem crazy that Botox could treat something as serious as depression, but several mental health experts believe that the theory has weight.
It is acknowledged that facial expression and mood are linked. “Depression is a neural circuit, and if you interrupt that circuit in any way, you lessen its impact”—Professor P. Ekman of the University of California San Francisco Medical School. Botox may do just that – reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles – thus inhibiting the patient’s ability to display negative emotions, resulting in increased happiness levels.
We asked our patients what they thought about this study and received positive feedback suggesting a similar effect when treating negative facial expressions caused by line formation.
Bodyvie patient Kate stated that “following on from my Botox Injections with Dr Weber, I noticed an improvement in my own levels of general contentedness and a positive response from those around me.
Whilst I’m certain my age plays a factor in the lines, I did inherit particularly deep lines from my mother, which left me looking a little aggressive. Since having Botox, these lines have softened, and people find me more approachable. It was frustrating when you feel fine, yet people assume from your ‘look’ that you are in a bad mood.
I can’t remember being happier with my appearance. It has offered me many advantages beyond purely aesthetic improvement. You can’t help but feel happier when you look at yourself in a mirror.”
