Could Botox Make You Happier?

If you’re hating your facial lines and wishing you could smooth them, Botox may come as a welcome answer. The resulting changes may make you feel happier because you’re pleased with your appearance and feeling like your skin has been rejuvenated. But studies are suggesting that Botox may improve your mood for other reasons. The action of relaxing certain facial muscles prevents frowning, which is the cause of many forehead lines. And, surprisingly, not frowning may actually make you feel better.

Can Facial Expressions Affect Emotions?

This isn’t a new concept, but it’s one that isn’t widely-known. Charles Darwin was actually the first scientist to propose a link between expression of emotions and experience of emotions. With the aid of Botox, today’s scientists have been able to conduct fascinating experiments. One gave half its participants Botox treatment in facial muscles associated with frowning, and the other nothing. When being questioned after living with Botox, the recipients reported feeling happier and more satisfied. So, that just means they appreciated having smoother skin, right? Actually, their feelings weren’t connected to their looks – they also reported feeling no more attractive than usual.

Another study used fMRI scans to record participants’ brain activity. Again, half received Botox and half did not. When they were asked to make angry faces, those who had Botox showed much lower activity in the areas of the brain responsible for emotional processing and emotional response. They literally felt less angry because they were unable to make the faces.

Of course, Botox isn’t a source of nonstop happiness – but it might make a difference in your day-to-day moods. When paired with the impact it can have on head pain, its ability to prevent future facial lines, and boost patient confidence, Botox is even more impressive than we once realized. Hoping to try Botox for yourself? It’s available from Dr. Baudean – just get in touch.