An injection here, a prick there. Today, Botox and fillers are no longer taboo, but there is still a lot we don’t know about them. Did you know, for example, that there is a connection between Botox and your mood?
There is of course nothing wrong with getting older, but at the same time we want to look fresh and fruity. It is therefore not surprising that many women choose to inject some botox every now and then. In fact, botox seems to become more popular every year. Many people see it as a way to reduce fine lines and frown lines, but did you know that it can also affect your mood?
Cosmetic procedures
An eyelid correction, a breast reduction, a nose job and a facelift can all be classified as cosmetic procedures, as can fillers and Botox injections, but treatments such as laser hair removal, mole removal, chemical peels and permanent make-up also fall under minor cosmetic procedures.
Anyone who undergoes cosmetic surgery will have thought about it carefully. It is also a personal choice. If someone feels much more confident with some botox in their frown line, good for them.
Even if we don’t think a certain cosmetic procedure is necessary, we shouldn’t judge a person if they choose to have it. After all, you often don’t know how someone felt before and after. Although, a recent study on Botox has an idea.
Good mood
Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that Botox can have a positive effect on your mood. For example, people who had Botox were less likely to be in a negative mood. The team that conducted the research explained that Botox for frown lines can also be used to treat depression. “A psychological mechanism for this effect is discussed whereby paralysis of the frown muscles leads to less facial feedback for negative emotions. Consequently, a negative mood is harder to maintain, thus the person has a more positive mood,” the study said.
For the study, the team analyzed the mood of patients who had received botox in their frown lines. It is not known whether these patients themselves suffered from depressive symptoms. Another side note that we would like to add is that the researchers do not speak of a better mood because a person is more confident about their appearance afterwards. Incidentally, this could perhaps be possible, but the study did not look into this.
Other interventions
The results of the study group were compared by the researchers with data from patients who had undergone other cosmetic procedures. Compared to them, the patients who had been injected with botox had a less negative mood. “Treatments that can prevent frowning help to reduce negative mood,” the researchers confirmed.
While the study didn’t look at the sense of satisfaction someone can experience after addressing an insecurity of theirs, we suspect that it can also have a positive impact on your mood. Think about it, if you just got home from the hairdresser with a great blowout and a lovely color, you feel good about yourself. We suspect that cosmetic surgery can have the same effect. Although, we’re not researchers.
Source: Marie Claire, Her.ie | Image: NL Beeld
