None — BOTOX® Injections
BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) is a cosmetic injection approved for the treatment of glabellar lines (the wrinkles between the brows). It is sometimes used off-label for wrinkles elsewhere on the face.
BOTOX is derived from the same toxin associated with some types of food poisoning (botulinum toxin). When small amounts are injected into a muscle, the drug temporarily paralyzes the muscle.
Some types of wrinkles are caused when the muscles permanently contract, pulling on the nearby tissues and overlying skin. A BOTOX injection temporarily prevents the muscle from contracting, smoothing out the associated wrinkles. An injection can last for 3 to 6 months.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports more than 2.5 million BOTOX injections were performed in the U.S. in 2009. It is the most common cosmetic procedure performed in this country. Nearly 90 percent of patients are female.
BOTOX's Effect on Emotions
The face is an important source of emotional expression. Researchers believe the ability to both elicit and perceive emotion (like joy, sadness, anger and disgust) is a universal inborn trait. Joshua Davis, Ph.D., Researcher at Barnard College in New York City, says emotional perception and response is a continual feedback. In other words, emotional response reinforces perception, which in turn, enables us to continue to respond to a stimulus.
Since BOTOX paralyzes some of the muscles used to make facial expressions, researchers at Barnard College and Columbia University wondered whether the injections of BOTOX may influence emotional response. To study the effects of the drug, investigators recruited two groups of patients scheduled for cosmetic procedures. One group was scheduled to have BOTOX injections. The others were scheduled for injections of Restylane®, a type of wrinkle filler made with hyaluronic acid.
Researcher Ann Senghas, Ph.D., says, prior to the treatments, the participants watched various video clips taken from movies and television. The clips were chosen to elicit different types and strengths of emotional response. After each clip, the subjects were asked to rate the emotional response to the images.
Next, the participants had their scheduled procedures. Those having BOTOX received injections in the areas of the brow lines, crow's feet and smile lines. The participants getting Restylane had injections in the area of the smile lines. About ten days after the treatment, the participants returned for a second session of movie and video clips.
Davis says the researchers found participants who received BOTOX injections had a small decrease in their ability to respond to emotions. These results suggest that the inability to respond to an emotional stimulus with facial expression may, in turn affect the ability to perceive that emotion.
The effect of BOTOX was most pronounced for mild emotional reactions rather than strong reactions. Thus, investigators say other factors may also play a role in emotional response.
For general information on BOTOX injections:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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