It’s never been easier to look exactly the way you want. Americans seem to be more averse to the signs of aging than ever and where there is demand, there’s always technology working to advance and improve supply. Once again, Botox and the other botulinum type a injectables held the number one spot for the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure according to the 2016 National Plastic Surgery Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The wrinkle reducer was followed in popularity by soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion.
This year, Botox is making waves in a new category that no one would have predicted. According to Fortune, the owners of Botox, Allergan, announced last month that Botox has been in clinical trials to potentially be used in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Although the trials have had mixed results, the pharmaceutical giant said they plan to move into a third phase to continue to work for a new treatment method for those suffering from depression.
According to PsychCentral, Major Depressive Disorder, also known as clinical depression, is defined as a brain disorder involving loss of interest and depressed mood lasting for two weeks or more. Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy and medication.
The most popular medications for treating depression are known as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They work by increasing serotonin in the brain and blocking its reabsorption. Side effects from these medications can include nausea, trouble sleeping, nervousness, tremors and sexual problems. Due to the difficulty of the trial by error method often used in finding the right medication at the right dosage, researchers are always looking for new ways to help treat depression.
Over the years, Botox has been used to treat many ailments such as crossed eyes, uncontrolled blinking, muscle stiffness, movement disorders, headaches and migraines, excessive sweating and even overactive bladders. Perhaps its most popular and well-known use is in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Mayli Davis, MD, uses Botox for cosmetic treatments in her practice at the Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center in the Dallas area.
“Botox is usually used to treat wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes,” said Davis. “It’s a popular treatment for frown lines and crow’s feet which happen naturally as we age. It stops the nerves from signaling to the muscles so that the muscle will stop contracting and the wrinkles can finally relax.”
In 2016 alone, over 6.7 million Botox injections were performed according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. As the potential uses for this product continue to expand, the popularity of the treatment will likely continue to increase.
