Botox has long been seen as a cosmetic quick fix for the rich and famous and in turn, has gotten a materialistic and shallow reputation in the past years. Doctors have actually used this procedure to aid in chronic migraines, misaligned (crossed) eyes, overactive bladders, severe sweating, and, of course, a temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles.
Botox is actually the injection of Botulinum toxin to weaken or paralyze certain muscles to aid in these and many more health problems. Effects from these injections can last from three to twelve months. Recently a new study found something far more interesting and unique about participants that had Botox procedures done. They were starting to report improvements in their symptoms of depression and living overall happier lives.
What about Botox procedures could be lessening the sign of depression in patients?
Researchers have actually hypothesized a number of reasons why this is happening to those receiving Botox injections to try and find out the correlation. When participants felt they physically looked better, their moods improved.
The anti-wrinkling effect of these injections creates a rejuvenated appearance. Confidence is a byproduct of improving appearance and increased confidence leads to a more positive outlook on life and fewer feelings of depression. Since participants feel better about themselves they are more likely to smile causing a positive social interaction with others improving depression feelings.
Smiling seems like an insignificant daily activity, but increased smiling leads to increased happiness. Smiling at others also creates positive social interactions with others which can lessen the signs of depression. Negative emotional feedback lessened by the injections reaching the brain.
Decreased muscle activation also decreases nerve signals that create negative emotional feedback. This can cause a more optimistic mindset and overall mental health. The injections directly reach the brain and have direct effects on the emotions.
Another theory is that injections actually reaches the brain and causes a direct change in the emotional part of the brain. Though none of these have been proven they are valid theories. It will take more research to find exactly what the cause of these signs of improvement of depression symptoms, however, it aides in the argument that Botox is more than just a cosmetic procedure.
Are they safe?
According to Cosmos Clinic, who perform Botox injections in the Melbourne area, these anti-wrinkle injections are nothing more than a natural, purified protein that once injected can control the muscles movement. Once muscles cannot contract, the area of injection will be smoother and rejuvenated.
In fact, these injections are the only medical product of its type and are used worldwide every day to give fast results in the most non-invasive way possible. To get started with Botox injections the best thing to do is schedule an initial consultation to go over more details about the procedure and ask any additional questions you may have. There are many positive effects of having anti wrinkle injections performed and lessening signs of depression is now added to the list!
