When you’re considering BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment with Board Certified Knoxville Plastic Surgeon Dr. Dean Kleto, there’s an emerging application for this popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment that may be of interest: Depression treatment.
Of course, BOTOX® has become the country’s leading nonsurgical cosmetic treatment because of its effectiveness treating Crow’s feet, wrinkles, fine lines and frown lines. In recent years, BOTOX® also has become an option for people suffering from chronic migraines.
But BOTOX® clinical trials are now underway to survey the effectiveness of this pharmaceutical in countering the symptoms of depression. Those symptoms are:
- Prolonged sadness
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Chest pain
- Digestive issues
- Weight and/or appetite changes
- Diminished sex drive
These clinical trials grew out of previous studies conducted worldwide that experimented with using BOTOX® to diminish the facial expressions associated with depression. Scientists say that these expressions, which are triggered by emotion, send signals to the brain that actually reinforce the subject’s depressive state. The idea behind using BOTOX® to treat depression is that once those emotional expressions dissipate, so will the brain signals that produce prolonged depression.
As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kleto is focused on helping his patients look their best. That alone go a long way toward alleviating depression and anxiety. But no doctor would balk at the prospect of patients experiencing a secondary benefit from his treatment.
To explore whether BOTOX® is right for you, please call the Knoxville offices of Dr. Kleto today to schedule your consultation: (865) 366-4755 or toll-free at (877) 907-0747.