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Botox Lifts Spirits: Study

Mood boost is about more than confidence: doc

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Apr 1, 2009 1:36 PM CDT

(Newser) – As Botox etches out frown lines, it also lifts moods, new research shows. In a small sample—just 12 patients—researchers found Botox recipients less depressed, anxious, and irritable post-treatment, even though they didn't feel any more attractive than other cosmetic treatment patients, Time reports. That adds depression to the many ailments—enlarged prostates, migraines, sweating, writer's cramp, and cancer among them—the cosmetic drug can supposedly treat.

By forcing the face not to frown, Botox may signal the brain to lighten up, the study's author hypothesizes. He warns that Botox also impairs other facial cues and advises weighing that against this particular effect. Another cosmetic surgeon surmises that people who frown elicit frowns in others, further dampening their moods. Botox treatments may break that cycle.

Botox is also thought to help with enlarged prostates, migraines, and even cancer. (PRNewsFoto/Allergan, Inc.)

By literally wiping away smiles, Botox could cure depression. (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)

The Botox boost findings are still preliminary, the author warns. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, file)

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Botox Lifts Spirits: Study

Mood boost is about more than confidence: doc

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Actresses Launch No-Surgery League

Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Rachel Weisz not going under the knife

Mom's Gift to 7-Year-Old: Coupon for Boob Job

Daughter 'squealed with delight,' boasts proud mother

Boob Jobs Are Up, Nose Jobs Are Down

Number of breast implants rises by 40% over the last decade

Heidi Klum's Aging Secret: Gain Weight!

Cosmetic surgery is nothing compared to the power of a few pounds

Should Shirley Manson Go Under the Knife?

44-year-old singer debates the merits of plastic surgery

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Mood boost is about more than confidence: doc

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

plastic surgery • depression • study • Botox • cosmetic treatments

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Actresses Launch No-Surgery League

Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson, Rachel Weisz not going under the knife

Mom's Gift to 7-Year-Old: Coupon for Boob Job

Daughter 'squealed with delight,' boasts proud mother

Boob Jobs Are Up, Nose Jobs Are Down

Number of breast implants rises by 40% over the last decade

Heidi Klum's Aging Secret: Gain Weight!

Cosmetic surgery is nothing compared to the power of a few pounds

Should Shirley Manson Go Under the Knife?

44-year-old singer debates the merits of plastic surgery

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?