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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea
Published on: November 9, 2016
Botulinum toxin cosmetic therapy correlates with a more positive mood
Michael B Lewis1, Patrick J Bowler
1School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. LewisMB@cf.ac.uk
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.
Conclusion:
The results support the facial feedback view that frowning can make one unhappier. Treatments that prevent frowning correlate with reduced negative mood.
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