ReviewJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025
The Face of Emotion: Botulinum Toxin, Emotional Anatomy, and Mood Modulation.
Review in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Review
- A Psychological Guide to Lower Face Botulinum Toxin Injections: Baseline Emotional Functions of Facial Expressions.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026Review
- Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Migraine: Beyond Headache Reduction and Toward Possible Cognitive Benefits.Toxins · 2026Review
- Sustained anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of botulinum toxin A in blepharospasm patients beyond motor symptom control.World journal of psychiatry · 2026Article
- A Psychological Guide to Upper Face Botulinum Toxin Injections: Baseline Emotional Functions of Facial Expressions.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundFacial expressions profoundly influence emotional communication and well-being. The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that facial muscle activity can reinforce or modulate emotional experiences. Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A), known for its aesthetic applications, is emerging as a modulator of mood through its effects on facial musculature and feedback mechanisms. Its ability to influence mood extends beyond aesthetic improvement, offering potential therapeutic benefits in emotional regulation.
aimsThis literature review explores the interplay between facial anatomy, emotional expression, and the potential of BoNT-A to enhance overall mood and well-being, beyond aesthetic improvement.
methodsA literature review was conducted using PubMed with search terms like "botulinum toxin" AND "emotion." Relevant English-language articles from 2000-present were selected based on their examination of BoNT-A's influence on mood and facial feedback. Articles not in English and lacking relevance were excluded. Citation tracking was used to identify additional studies, and insights from the authors' clinical expertise further informed the review.
resultsA total of 46 articles were included based on their relevance to both BoNT-A and emotional states. BoNT-A-induced muscle relaxation can prevent specific muscle contraction and thereby disrupt feedback loops that reinforce mood, potentially enhancing positive emotions and promoting overall wellbeing. Studies suggest that BoNT-A injected into the glabella region can modulate amygdala activity, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and strengthen overall emotional resilience. By modulating facial expressions, BoNT-A can also enhance social interactions, increase positive emotional contagion, and contribute to a more positive self-perception.
conclusionBoNT-A shows promise as a novel approach to mood regulation and enhancement by altering facial feedback mechanisms. Its dual aesthetic and therapeutic benefits highlight its value in both dermatology and mental well-being.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.