Effects of lavender olfactory input on cosmetic procedures

Area of Science:

• Aromatherapy research
• Cosmetic dermatology
• Psychophysiology

Background:

• Botulinum toxin type A injections are common for cosmetic facial wrinkles.
• Anxiety and pain perception are key concerns for patients undergoing these procedures.
• Essential oils, like lavender, are explored for their potential therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of lavender essential oil aroma versus placebo on pain perception and anxiety during botulinum toxin type A facial injections.
• To assess physiological responses, including heart rate and blood pressure, associated with lavender aroma exposure.

Main Methods:

• Thirty subjects, new to cosmetic facial injections, were randomized to either lavender aroma or placebo exposure.
• Pain perception, anxiety levels (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), heart rate, and blood pressure were measured at baseline, pre-injection, and post-injection.
• Botulinum toxin type A (12 U) was administered for glabellar wrinkle correction.

Main Results:

• Subjects exposed to lavender oil demonstrated a significant decrease in heart rate post-injection compared to pre-injection levels.
• No significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate were observed in the placebo group between pre- and post-injection.
• Pain perception was not significantly affected by lavender aroma exposure.

Conclusions:

• Lavender aromatherapy did not alter pain perception during facial injections but induced significant increases in parasympathetic activity.
• Lavender aroma shows potential for alleviating anxiety in patients undergoing minimally invasive cosmetic facial procedures.
• Further research may explore lavender's role in managing patient anxiety in aesthetic treatments.