Facial expressions and the mental status of patients receving cosmetic treatment

Abstract

Objectives. This study explores changes in facial expression and the mental status of patients after cosmetic procedures, specifically after the facial injection of Botulinum toxin type A. Materials and methods. The research sample includes 40 females, and each was offered a questionnaire form individually before and after the cosmetic procedure (on 14 - 21 days follow-up, the full-effect period). The standard dose of botulinum A toxin was injected intramuscularly into the muscles of the upper third of the face to smooth out the forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and the crow’s feet. Outcome. The Prokhorov’s Mental Health Inventory in this study identifies the mental status of patients and data are processed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Higher doses of Botulinum toxin type A relax muscles and thus, smooth out the wrinkles. However, female patients experience problems with eyebrow contraction afterwards. After the cosmetic procedure, the patient’s true feelings and emotions became difficult to determine. As revealed, the given cosmetic intervention has a negative impact on the mental state of a female patient. The survey demonstrates changes in mood towards sadness, sorrow, drowsiness, negative intentionality and generally heavy feelings. Conclusions. Facial expression not only transmit the subject’s experiences into the external environment (communicative message) but also influences mental processes and personal states through feedback. In the second case, it is the key to sensory cognition and emotional self-monitoring. The language of facial expression prevents the pathological effects of psycho-emotional stress from developing and contributes to person’s adaptation.

Keywords

• facial expression
• mental health profile
• sensory cognition
• botulinum toxin type a
• personality
• communication
• paramimia
• emotions