Botox Dampens a Person's Emotional Perception

Scientists have proved that though Botox may smooth wrinkles it can dull a person's ability to understand others emotions. For the past 20 years, Botox is being used for cosmetic and medical procedures. It paralyzes the facial muscles which hinders certain facial movements, like frowns which can cause wrinkles. People read emotions partly by mimicking others facial expressions and if these muscular signals from the face to the brain are dampened, it hampers their ability to read emotions.

Scientists concluded this based on the study in which Botox and the dermal filler Restylane was used in a group of 31 women, while a gel that amplifies muscular signals was used in another group consisting of 56 women and 39 men. Participants from both the groups were asked to view computer images of faces and identify the emotions. It was found that Botox dampened the facial muscles due to which the emotional perception was worse and this emotional perception got better with the use of amplifying gel.

The research has been published in the journal Social Psychology and Personality Science.




Source-Medindia