Looking good is important for most people. Obviously, looking good is linked to our self worth and confidence. Even if you don’t really think about the way you look, the psychological component is hardwired in our brains and that is why a compliment on our looks brightens up your day. Botox® has been used for years to reduce the signs of aging but some new research is now suggesting that it can also be used to fight depression.
How can Botox® help deal with depression
Depression is a serious issue that is affecting a large portion of the American population. For years, the tools to fight it have been counseling sessions with a psychiatrist and drugs that seek to alter the brain chemistry. Although these have been successful, doctors are always on the lookout for new and more efficient techniques, one of which is botox.
Botulinum Toxin A or Botox® , as it is commonly known, has been used in cosmetic surgery for skin care many years now. Its effects include reducing of wrinkles, tightening of skin, and youthful looks. What botox does is that it paralyses the so-called frown muscles (the muscles responsible for frowning). This means that the patient cannot form any expressions that show negative emotions such as sadness.
By some accounts, this inability to show negative emotions manifests itself in the brain as an inability to form a negative mood. Dr. Steven Zimmet who has been a dermatologist in Austin, TX for over thirty years feels that this idea might have some substance to it. He has used Botox® in his dermatology practice extensively and has often felt patients to have a more positive outlook after such a treatment.
Skin care after Botox®
Even though botox has become very popular, it still remains a toxin that is injected in to your face. That means proper precautions need to be taken for your skin care after a Botox® treatment. Dermatologist recommends that you –
1. Do not touch the skin where Botox® was administered for at least 24 hours after the treatment and absolutely no rubbing of the area. This can spread the toxin to unintended areas and can cause complications.
2. Do not consume alcohol.
3. Avoid skin treatments for up to 24 hours after the treatment. This means no facials, chemical peels, or micro-dermabrasion for you.
4. If you are on blood thinning medication, avoid taking it soon after Botox® treatment. Discuss with your doctor how long you should do this.
5. Botox® bruises can occur. To get rid of them try a topical vitamin K and arnica cream.
As explained above, botox is not just a tool for getting rid of your wrinkles and getting you a more youthful look anymore. Used correctly, it can become a great way to counter and maybe even cure depression in individuals. Researchers are working hard to scientifically prove this link and when they are able to do so, doctors, both in dermatology and psychiatry will be happy get a tool that they can use together for both their fields.
If you would like to learn more about the procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Steven Zimmet, please contact us at (512) 485-7700.