Beyond aesthetic outcomes: psychodermatological benefits of botulinum toxin treatment in the upper facial third. A narrative review
-
By
-
Álvaro Loewen
-
Sabina Aranda-Guerrero
-
Kazuhiro Tajima-Pozo
-
June 9, 2026
-
0 min
Clinical Report: Psychological Advantages of Botulinum Toxin Therapy in the Upper Face
Overview
Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) treatment in the upper face is associated with significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as improvements in self-perception and social functioning. This narrative review highlights the psychodermatological effects of BoNT-A, suggesting its role in enhancing emotional regulation beyond aesthetic outcomes.
Background
The use of BoNT-A in aesthetic dermatology has gained prominence due to its effectiveness in treating dynamic wrinkles. However, its implications extend into psychological domains, influencing emotional well-being and social interactions. Understanding the psychodermatological effects of BoNT-A is crucial as it may provide additional therapeutic avenues for patients experiencing mood disorders.
Data Highlights
No numerical data available in the article.
Key Findings
['BoNT-A treatment in the upper facial third leads to clinically meaningful reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms.', 'Improvements in self-perception and social functioning are reported following BoNT-A treatment.', 'The inhibition of facial muscles modulates afferent signaling to limbic structures, supporting the facial feedback hypothesis.', 'Neuroimaging studies show reduced amygdala activation post-BoNT-A treatment.', 'Evidence regarding BoNT-A effects in bipolar disorder and personality disorders is limited and heterogeneous.', 'Caution is advised when considering BoNT-A for patients with body dysmorphic disorder.']Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the psychological benefits of BoNT-A treatment in the upper face as part of a comprehensive approach to patient care. The findings suggest that BoNT-A may serve as a complementary intervention for patients with mood disorders, enhancing emotional regulation and overall quality of life.
Conclusion
BoNT-A offers significant psychodermatological benefits that extend beyond cosmetic improvements, warranting further exploration in clinical practice. Future research should focus on large-scale randomized controlled trials to establish standardized psychiatric and neurobiological endpoints.
Related Resources & Content
- Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- FaReWell Depression – a randomized controlled trial of a physiotherapeutic program for the facial rehabilitation of wellbeing in depression
- Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Intervention effects of different brands of botulinum toxin type A on Meige syndrome with anxiety symptoms
- Evaluation of Outlet Type Constipation in Adults Following Treatment with Type A Botulinum Toxin: A Cohort Analysis
- HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, 2024 -- Botulinum Toxin Use in the Upper Third of the Face
- OnabotulinumtoxinA in Resistant Depression: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Facial Injection Sites (OnaDEP Study), 2024
- Frontiers in Ophthalmology — Ultrasound-guided preseptal hydrodissection with 5% dextrose in water for persistent botulinum toxin-associated ptosis: a technical protocol
- Botulinum Toxin in Facial Aesthetics Affects the Emotion Process: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- Potential Role of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A as a Supportive Intervention for Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review
- HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION
- Consensus Recommendations for Treatment of the Upper Face With LetibotulinumtoxinA - PubMed
- Botulinum Toxin Use in the Upper Third of the Face - PubMed
- OnabotulinumtoxinA in Resistant Depression: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Facial Injection Sites (OnaDEP Study) - PubMed
- OnabotulinumtoxinA in Resistant Depression: A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Facial Injection Sites (OnaDEP Study) - Ceolato-Martin - 2024 - Depression and Anxiety - Wiley Online Library
- Exploring the effect of glabellar Botulinum toxin injections on symptoms of anxiety and depression: A pilot study from a cosmetic patient population - ScienceDirect
- Efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of unipolar major depression: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression analyses of double-blind randomised controlled trials - PMC
- Frontiers | Beyond Aesthetic Outcomes: Psychodermatological Benefits of Botulinum Toxin Treatment in the Upper Facial Third. A Narrative Review
- Does Blocking Facial Feedback Via Botulinum Toxin Injections Decrease Depression? A Critical Review and Meta-Analysis - Nicholas A. Coles, Jeff T. Larsen, Joyce Kuribayashi, Ashley Kuelz, 2019
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
