Not just a pretty face, Botulinum Toxin has long been used to treat more than just frown lines. The effects of botulinum were first discovered by an ophthalmologist who was looking for a cure for crossed eyes. He worked out that if he could just weaken the muscles that caused the crossing, he would have a solution. A biochemist who’d been working with a purified strain of botulism, sent him some to try and it worked.
Since then documented medical uses of the natural, purified protein have included:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Excessive sweating
- Migraine
- Urinary incontinence
- Joint Pain Relief
Read more about how these conditions can be helped HERE.
But more recently, studies have been taking place that could see frown lines permanently replaced with a smile as the pharmaceutical giant, Allergan, last year, announced its intention to progress their version of Botulinum toxin to Phase III clinical trials for major depressive disorder in women.
The trial has been based on the concept that facial expressions play a central role in encoding and transmitting information to the brain’s emotional circuitry, thereby influencing depressed moods. When botulinum toxin is injected into the brow muscles, it has shown initial results of being able to treat depression through emotional proprioception. In other words, by blocking the facial expressions linked to a low mood or sadness, (frowning), it is possible to ease mental health conditions and depression.
At enhanceskin, we administer cosmetic botulinum to treat frown lines and soften fine lines or wrinkles caused by facial expressions, stress and sun, but this research on using it to treat depression (and its initial signs of success in this area) has come as no surprise to our team. We consistently receive testimonials from clients who say they feel better about themselves and experience an uplifted mood following their Cosmetic Botulinum treatment.
If you would like to talk to us about the cosmetic uses of Cosmetic Botulinum , and how it might help you we offer FREE cosmedical consults at our Nelson clinic and the Churchill Trust Private Hospital in Blenheim. Contact us to book yours.
