Botulinum toxin cosmetic therapy correlates with a more positive mood.
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested that botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) treatment for frown lines can also be used as a treatment for depression. A psychological mechanism for this effect is reviewed in which paralysis of the corrugator (frown) muscles leads to less facial feedback for negative emotions. Consequently, a negative affect is harder to maintain and so the person has a more positive mood.


METHODS
In order to test this mechanism, the mood of patients who had received BTX-A treatment for glabelar frown lines was measured and compared with patients who had received other cosmetic treatments.


RESULTS
The BTX-A-treated patients showed significantly less negative mood.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the facial feedback view that frowning can make one unhappier. Treatments that prevent frowning correlate with reduced negative mood.
Lewis
Michael B
MB
School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. LewisMB@cf.ac.uk
Bowler
Patrick J
PJ
D000339:Affect; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000523:psychology; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011336:Probability; D012060:Rejuvenation / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019274:Botulinum Toxins, Type A