Anti Wrinkle Treatments – Mood, Migraines and Self Esteem.
Anti Wrinkle Treatments – Mood, Migraines and Self Esteem.
In Australia, we can not use the trade name of the most popular anti wrinkle treatment in the world, but you can guess it from its chemical name Botulinum Toxin Type A. This muscle relaxant is used for cosmetic treatments, and it turns 21 in Australia this year for its use in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It has been used longer in Australia for other medical conditions such as torticolis and blepharospasm. However, recent studies have suggested it can be used to reduce Migraines as well as increase Mood and Self esteem.
How do anti-wrinkle injections work?
Muscle relaxants (Botulinum Toxin Type A) in Australia have been approved and funded medication for extreme migraine sufferers since 2011. Don’t rush off to the Doctor insisting you need your headache fixed with anti wrinkle treatments, we are talking “real fair dinkum” migraines which stop you in your tracks, lights out in the bedroom all day, with migraine episodes occurring 10-15 days per month style of migraines. If you’re on migraine medications, or you’re getting more severe or frequent headaches, it is definitely worth seeing your GP or a Dr at Curvz to discuss the wide range of medical treatments available for migraine sufferers.
It’s nice to know that, if you do suffer headaches and if you were thinking of reducing the strength of your frown lines, that there may be the additional benefit of reducing the frequency of migraines and headaches.
Facial feedback theory suggests that the facial expressions we make can influence our emotions. In other words, if we smile, we may feel happier, and if we frown, we may feel more negative emotions. Anti Wrinkle Injections can limit the movement of facial muscles, which in turn may limit the extent to which we are able to express certain emotions. So the basic concept is, If you Can Not – FROWN your mind perceives this as you must be Happy! There is a lot more neurological science behind this basic concept, but the fact remains, some studies do show an increase in mood in those who are getting anti-wrinkle treatments.
One study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that Anti wrinkle injections could reduce symptoms of depression in some people. The study involved 74 people with major depressive disorder, half of whom received Botulinum Toxin injections in the forehead, and half of whom received saline injections. The participants who received Botulinum Toxin reported a significant reduction in their symptoms of depression compared to those who received saline injections. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that Botulinum Toxin injections could reduce symptoms of social anxiety.
Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that participants who received Botulinum Toxin injections reported a significant improvement in their quality of life and satisfaction with their appearance. Participants were treated for frown and forehead lines or had placebo injections to the same area. Both groups completed quality of life and appearance satisfaction assessments before and after the injections. Those who received Botulinum Toxin injections reported significant improvements in both measures.
It’s important to note that self-esteem is a complex construct that is influenced by many factors beyond physical appearance. While anti wrinkle injections may provide an additional boost to self-esteem, in line with the Look Good – Feel Good motto, it is not a long-term solution for addressing underlying self-esteem issues, and other cognitive based therapies should be used in combination.
In summary, muscle relaxants to upper face frown muscles are an approved treatment for migraines. Depression, mood elevation, social anxiety and self esteem improvement are important health areas to address and discuss and to be managed by your GP. This article is aimed at reassuring clients that while seeking out or having cosmetic treatments to reduce the visible signs of aging, there is evidence to suggest that there are additional benefits which may occur from these cosmetic treatments.
As always, it’s important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional at Curvz, before considering any kind of medical treatment, including Botulinum Toxin injections.
Ask us a question
Details
CONTACT US
If you’d prefer to call and speak to someone in person please telephone the number below:
Pimpama
2/7 Attenborough Blvd Pimpama 4209
Paradise Point
Clinic 3-4, Corner Grice & Falkinder Avenue Paradise Point 4212
Phone
04999 28789
Best Parking
CURVZ is open 6 days a week with convenient free on-site parking
Email
admin@curvz.com.au
Ask us a question
At Curvz during the consultation we will perform an assessment of the face as well as address your concerns. We will then create an individualised plan for how we feel we can achieve your goals. We aim to create a look that has balance symmetry and is age appropriate thereby creating a natural look.