By Tara Bertoldo NP with Natalie Ledbetter DAcOM
It’s unbelievable to think that a toxin produced by bacteria (Botox), then injected into faces makes millions of people happy.
“What?” you might say. The ultimate point of these treatments, yes, is your happiness. How? Botox can make your eyes look more open. You look refreshed. Full of life and vitality. Your lines are smoothed. You feel like you’re getting something back that you lost: time, youth. You look in the mirror and there you are- the you that was there five years ago. This feeling of “oh, there I am” is the cause of the Botox-induced-bliss.
Not only does Botox help you feel better because you look better, but studies have actually shown decreased levels of depression (more happiness) in people within a few weeks of Botox administration. This effect lasted up to 24 weeks in one study. It is thought to be due to a “facial feedback” system where frowning decreases the release of endorphins and other “happy” hormones. Smiling or relaxed muscles increases the release of these hormones.
Botox can also be used to treat pain such as migraines, relax jaw muscles to decrease teeth grinding, and has multiple other “therapeutic” uses. It is not just for beauty, though it is used most commonly to help with facial appearance.
I write this because there is a misconception out there about the “kind of person” that gets Botox. The only real requirement is that you have a face, but some continue to push the idea that you have to be vain, insecure, or look totally fake. You can get Botox and still look very natural.
I’m here to tell you that you can choose to have Botox for happiness (see above), to preserve your good skin, or to appear rested when you are anything but. You can do it out of curiosity or because it’s Tuesday. Whatever the reason, rest assured that you will look and feel great. Don’t worry about all the haters out there, just do you and rock your new wrinkle free face guilt free!
Want more info on Botox? Click on one of these other articles about Botox
Is the COVID Vaccine OK with Botox and Filler?
Or here: Why I Will Never NOT Get Botox
And here: What is Botox, how does it work, and what does it achieve?