How Injectable Cosmetic Treatments May Help with Depression
Overwhelmed by feelings of depression? Some new studies suggest that in addition to giving you a youthful look, injectable cosmetic fillers could also help lift your spirits. Last year, Fox News reported that a FDA-approved dermal filler was in the second phase of a clinical trial to determine whether or not it could be used to treat depression. Dr. Eric Finzi, a board-certified derma surgeon from the Washington DC area, who pioneered the treatment and also trains psychiatrists to use it, hopes that once approved, it will be adopted by mental health professionals.
Finzi’s prediction is based on a study he did along with Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, an associate professor at the Georgetown School of Psychiatry. The two researchers found that:
- 52% of participants who suffered from moderate to severe depression found relief from the FDA-approved injectable filler when compared to the 15% that received a placebo
- Also, nearly a third of the Botox patients went into remission
Dr. Doris Day, a board certified dermatologist in New York City, agrees that injectable dermal filler treatments can help improve patients’ mood. The RealSelf Chief Aesthetic Advisor, who has been administering injectable cosmetic treatments for over 20 years, says that her patients (who did not have depression) told her they feel happier. Day also believes that the FDA-approved dermal filler that is currently being tested is safer and more reliable than antidepressants.
How Does a Wrinkle Treatment Reduce Negative Emotions?
While restoring a youthful appearance has proven to help patients feel better about their looks, some studies suggest that there is a scientific reason behind the positive feelings some wrinkle treatments evoke. One study’s author propounds that by forcing the face not to frown, the FDA-approved injectable filler may signal the brain to lighten up.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, corroborated both Finzi’s findings and the above hypothesis. It concluded that by preventing people from displaying physical expressions of negative emotions, it helped lighten up their mood.
The above study followed 25 cosmetic-surgery patients, 12 of whom received injections of Botulinum Toxin A or similar neurotoxins, while the others received fillers, peels or other cosmetic treatments for wrinkles. As per a Time report, the lead author Michael Lewis, a psychology professor at the University of Cardiff found that:
- The patients who received the FDA-approved injectable filler scored much lower on measures of depression, anxiety and irritability.
- Also, there was no significant difference in how much their treatment made them feel attractive when compared to the others suggesting that the mood enhancement wasn’t just due to a boost in self-confidence.
Another cosmetic surgeon also supported Finzi’s facial feedback loop hypothesis. The two felt that if a depressed person couldn’t frown because of the injectable filler, others were less likely to frown back at them, which may help break this cycle of feeling depressed.
While study authors are hopeful, they warn patients against assuming that injectable cosmetic treatments may be used purely for mood enhancement. Even when used for cosmetic purposes, it is important to be treated by a trained and experienced physician. Dr. Charles M. Solnik, M.D. is a practitioner for more than 20 years who specializes in Botox® cosmetic care in Mississauga. He applies skill and experience to achieve optimal results based on your safety and well-being.
Men and women from across the GTA seek his fixed-price injectable filler treatments to enhance their looks and self-confidence. See our gallery of before-and-after pictures.
Dr. Solnik will be happy to discuss your cosmetic needs and treatment options as well as explain in detail how an injectable dermal filler can work for you.
Call 905-273-3176 Ext.3 or fill out our online contact form to set up a free Botox consultation in Mississauga. Dr. Solnik will be happy to answer your questions and concerns about FDA-approved injectable dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation.
