Beyond aesthetic outcomes: psychodermatological benefits of botulinum toxin treatment in the upper facial third. A narrative review - Takeaways - MDSpire

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

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  • 1

    Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is effective for treating dynamic wrinkles and has psychological benefits beyond aesthetics.

  • 2

    BoNT-A treatment in the upper face significantly reduces depressive and anxiety symptoms while enhancing self-perception and social functioning.

  • 3

    The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that BoNT-A alters facial muscle activity, influencing emotional processing via the skin-brain axis.

  • 4

    Neuroimaging studies show reduced amygdala activation after BoNT-A treatment, indicating potential neurobiological mechanisms for emotional regulation.

  • 5

    Caution is advised when using BoNT-A in patients with body dysmorphic disorder, as evidence in bipolar and personality disorders is limited.

Original Source(s)

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

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