Neuromodulator injections like Botox have become a cornerstone of modern aesthetic treatments for reducing facial wrinkles. These injections act to weaken specifically targeted facial muscles, reducing the appearance of facial lines over time and providing a more youthful appearance. Yet beneath the surface of these physical changes lies an intriguing psychological change that extends beyond mere aesthetics.

The psychological effects of Botox treatments have garnered increasing attention, particularly its impact on mood. The most well-studied phenomenon relates to treatments for “frown lines,” where patients have a reduced ability to frown even if they are unhappy. These patients report not only a softer, happier appearance but also that they are perceived by others to appear happier than before treatment. Prior research has shown that this physical change also leads to significant reductions in symptoms of depression.1

The mood enhancement that may occur with Botox treatments can be in part explained by the facial feedback hypothesis, which suggests that forming a facial expression strengthens the internal feeling of that expression.2 Smiling when you’re happy will make you feel happier, and........

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