Botox’s success is clear to see; there has been an increase in its usage over recent years. Its ability to improve the appearance of crow’s feet and frown lines makes it one of the safest and most effective anti-ageing cosmetic procedures today.

More people are reported to be choosing non-surgical treatments to look more youthful, which may explain the rising percentage of people opting for Botox.

The anti-ageing industry has undeniably grown and will only continue to flourish in the coming years, especially with the emergence of innovations and newer treatments. But Botox, for all its merit in the cosmetic sector, has found a role in other fields.

Treatment for TMJ

Botox may be used as an alternative treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, and associated discomfort, soreness and tension in the jaw.

When injected into the affected muscles, Botox helps relieve TMJ, headaches linked with bruxism (teeth grinding) and severe stress. Moreover, injections can reduce the risk of lockjaw.

Botox achieves this by weakening the ability of the facial muscles to participate in the intense and often unconscious movement that causes a headache. TMD-associated problems are significantly reduced, enabling patients to engage in daily activities such as talking, chewing and swallowing.

Furthermore, Botox can contribute to the perseveration of dental health. In extreme cases where teeth grinding results in worn teeth and damaged gums, Botox may also serve as a convenient, cost-effective treatment.

Treatment for Depression

At a glance, the connection between Botox and depressions seems clear. A person living with clinical depression who suddenly experiences the positive effects of Botox may have more reason to feel ‘less depressed’. The actual reason behind the link is a little more complex.

In 2014, a group of American investigators conducted a study to see the effects of Botox on moods. They discovered that treating the facial muscles involved in emotion with Botox relieved symptoms of depression.

People express emotions using facial muscles. These muscles send feedback signals to the brain to reinforce these emotions. If a person feels sad, the muscles react by contorting to its ‘sad’ state. This ‘sad’ facial state is read by the brain, stressing the feeling.

The effect of Botox, which is to control facial muscles, interferes with this cycle, preventing the reinforcement of depression.

The research involved 30 patients with chronic and treatment-resistant depression and used two treatments, a single Botox injection and a single injection of saline placebo. The investigators assigned one treatment to random patients.

Six weeks into the treatment, the group that received Botox injection showed a 47.1% reduction in depression symptoms, while placebo group saw only a 9.2% reduction. Researchers found similar results using other methods to measure the symptoms. They concluded that Botox may offer a novel, effective and therapeutic tool to treat depression. The findings of the study are in line with what these researchers found.

Smile Spa Offers Botox as a Cosmetic Treatment

At Smile Spa, Botox is available as part of our facial aesthetic treatment range. We use the highest quality products to be administered by a registered, experienced practitioner.

To book a free consultation, contact 01564 758 723 (Solihull) or 0121 392 7522 (Sutton Coldfield).