A study conducted by scientists at the University of California and researchers from the pharmaceutical company AbbVie found that Botox injections induce changes in areas of the brain associated with emotional processing, such as the amygdala and fusiform gyrus.
The scientists conducted brain scans of the women before injecting Botox into the forehead, and again two to three weeks later.
During the experiment, the participants had to recognize and distinguish feelings of anger and happiness in the pictures of the faces that were shown to them.
According to the scientists, the results of the study showed that the inability to smile or frown, which could be a result of Botox, also affects how individuals read faces.
Speaking to New Scientist, Dr. Fernando Marmolego Ramos, a researcher in human cognition, explained that mimicking expressions helps us identify them. Our facial muscles unconsciously copy another person’s frown or smile before sending signals to areas of the brain that interpret the emotion. Because Botox restricts this movement, non-responsiveness occurs.”
Ramos added: “You may not be able to experience another person’s feelings as intensely or clearly as you would like,” according to the British Daily Mail.
He continued, explaining: “There is no doubt that Botox manipulates emotional communication. We communicate with others based on what we see in ourselves. If you cannot see or feel that you are frowning or smiling, it makes sense that you would struggle to see it in others.”
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