What is the science behind Botulinum Toxin (commonly known or referred to as Botox) & depression??
The most popular theory is via the facial feedback mechanism.
Basically when we’re stressed and unhappy our emotions are often all over our faces. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught sight of my reflection in the hospital and all I can see is a furrowed brow and my frown lines.
While we’re constantly frowning and our muscles in an ongoing state of tension, the theory is that we are unconsciously sending a continuous message to our brains that we are unhappy.
When we relax those muscles we finally ease that tension, and that relaxation is what can lead to an improvement in mood.
There’s also of course the whole concept of if we look better we feel better about ourselves.
Now, I would never suggest that this represents a cure by itself, but could be a good low-risk adjunct therapy in the overall treatment plan of some patients.
If you’re a patient or curious about this, I wrote a piece about this for Glowday to summarise this theory. If you’re a fellow healthcare professional check out my CPD article in this month’s Aesthetics Journal where I do a deep dive into the science! The facial feedback theory is just the tip of the iceberg!
