Can BOTOX Make You Happy?

Most people are familiar with the drug botulinum toxin A, commonly known as BOTOX, that is used to treat wrinkles. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 and since then, has soared in popularity. When injected, BOTOX weakens the muscles that cause wrinkles. The procedure doesn’t require the use of anesthesia or any downtime for recovery afterward. The results last for three to six months.

However, according to researchers, wrinkles may not be the only ailment that BOTOX treats. In 2006, two psychologists found BOTOX to be effective in treating clinical depression. Eric Finzi, MD, PhD and Erika Wasserman, PhD conducted the study. They that found nine out of ten patients injected with BOTOX between the eyebrows for two months were no longer clinically depressed. Even the 10th person who was still depressed by clinical standards showed improvement in mood.

When people are depressed, they display furrowed brows. Darwin has long theorized that facial skin and muscle movement were linked to mood and emotion. For example, people who have paralyzed facial muscles tend to have difficulty feeling sadness.

Although this study was of a very small scale, researchers hope to expand it to larger populations. It is exciting to see the potential BOTOX could have. However, it is important to note that the drug only lasts several months, and therefore, continuous treatments will be needed to obtain desired results.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about treatment with BOTOX, contact board-certified Austin facial plastic surgeon Dr.Louis Apostolakis, M.C. today at 512-329-8989.