Botox could be ruining your relationship, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Botox injections, or Botulin toxin Type A, temporarily paralyze the muscles in your face, which can sometimes cause it to appear frozen in one expression.
If the wildly popular cosmetic procedure is overdone, it can lead to miscommunication between significant others.
Microexpressions, the small facial movements that reveal emotions people are trying to hide, play a crucial role in how people connect with others, especially within their personal relationships.
However, when Botox is overdone and people’s faces are frozen, it can limit these subtle signals.
A study previously found that the temporary paralysis of the face can block a person’s ‘proprioceptive feedback,’ which helps others understand the emotions they observe.
It’s important to find a doctor who will make sure your face can still move naturally.
Double-board certified surgeon Dr. Mark Murphy warned DailyMail.com, ‘Botox should limit the facial movements that create wrinkles, but this can be overdone.’
Botox injections, or Botulin toxin Type A, temporarily paralyze the muscles in your face, which can sometimes cause it to appear frozen in one expression (stock photo)
To confirm that you’re not on your way to ruining your relationship, make sure your face isn’t frozen.
Dr. Murphy, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, said to look in a mirror and ‘try raising your eyebrows, furrowing your brows, or making expressions that feel natural to you.’
The founder of Palm Beach Facial Plastic Surgery told FEMAIL ‘If you feel like you’ve received too much Botox and your expressions are limited, the only thing you can do is remain patient.’
If this does happen to you, all hope is not lost.
‘Botox is temporary and will naturally wear off in about three to four months,’ Dr. Murphy reminded DailyMail.com
There are also techniques people can do while they wait.
Dr. Murphy said you can ‘use facial exercises to stimulate muscle movement and metabolize the Botox slightly faster,’ although results vary person to person.
The Persana doctor said that ‘when Botox is done well, the treatment should soften lines while preserving your ability to express yourself.’
Microexpressions, the small facial movements that reveal emotions people are trying to hide, play a crucial role in how people connect with others, especially within their personal relationships (stock photo)
Double-board certified surgeon Dr. Mark Murphy warned DailyMail.com, ‘Botox should limit the facial movements that create wrinkles, but this can be overdone’
He warned ‘if your face looks overly smooth and immobile, it’s likely a sign that your injector used too many units or placed them too deeply into the muscle.’
‘Patients can remain expressive with Botox, and it’s still the best solution for addressing fine lines and wrinkles,’ Dr. Murphy said.
However, if you’re hesitant, there are other treatments you can consider first.
Dr. Murphy explained that while these treatments won’t provide the exact same results, they can be helpful.
The surgeon suggested skin resurfacing treatments like fractional laser, microneedling with radiofrequency, or chemical peels to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen without affecting muscle movement.
