Botox to impove depression New Jersey
There has been multiple claims that treating the frown lines could affect the mood and treat depression, but the most conclusive evidence comes from a study designed by Dr Kruger from Germany. In fact he conducted the study with a colleague Dr. Wollmer at the University of Basel Switzerland the town of the famous Roger Federer. The study is scientifically designed with a control (placebo) group and demonstrated an 80% positive response in the treated group versus 20% response in the placebo group. The mechanism through which this beneficial effect is obtained is not clear. It is believed that because of the small dose of botulinum toxin A, it is unlikely that this effect is produced by a direct action on the brain. The improvement in depression has to be a proprioceptive feed back from the treated muscles to the brain. It means that if a person is sad or angry these muscles show the expression of anger or sadness. At the same time the muscles make the central nervous system aware of their state of contraction and tightness through the feedback mechanism called proprioception. Elimination of that muscle contraction with the botulinum toxin treatment could break this vicious cycle and improve the mood. Another possible theory is that by looking less angry or sad, the patient gets a more positive response from other people or from the mirror. We all experience that when we feel good and smile other people smile back at us and this spreads the good mood. I believe this study is very important and should positively impact the use of these locally effective neuromodulators. Let me know if you have experienced improvement in your mood after treatment with Botox or Dysport. Please leave a comment here or on our face book page: Farhad Rafizadeh MD for Better Plastic Surgery. I think this would be a great conversation and would be mutually beneficial. Any questions feel free to call me at 973 2670928.
Common Questions Patients Search About Botox, Fillers & Non-Surgical Treatments
How long do Botox and Dysport last?
Most patients see effects of Botox or Dysport for 3–4 months. Dysport often kicks in slightly faster (2–3 days vs. 4–7 for Botox) and may last marginally longer in some patients. The differences are small enough that the right choice is usually about how each patient personally responds. Dr. Rafizadeh's Northern New Jersey patients typically settle into a 3–4 visits-per-year cadence.
How much do Botox and Dysport cost in NJ?
Botox is typically priced per unit (around $14–$18 per unit in Northern New Jersey); Dysport is priced per unit of its own (roughly 1 Botox unit ≈ 2.5–3 Dysport units). A typical full-face treatment runs $400–$800 depending on areas treated. Dr. Rafizadeh's office runs periodic specials and rebates on injectables; ask during the consultation.
Is it cheaper to get Dysport or Botox?
Per visible result, the two are roughly equivalent — Dysport's lower per-unit price is offset by needing more units. The real question is which neuromodulator your face responds to best. Some patients find one diffuses too much or doesn't last as long for them. Dr. Rafizadeh often recommends trying both over the course of a year to settle on the better fit for an individual.
Are Botox and filler side effects common?
Mild, short-lived bruising and tenderness at injection sites is the most common side effect. Serious complications (vascular occlusion from filler, asymmetric ptosis from Botox) are rare but real, and they're almost always related to injector experience. Dr. Rafizadeh's North Jersey patients see complications at rates well below national averages because he uses cannulas for filler in higher-risk areas and a precise injection map for neuromodulators.
How long do dermal fillers last?
Most hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Volbella) last 6–18 months depending on the product and where they're placed. Voluma in the cheek can last close to 2 years. Lip filler tends to dissipate faster (6–9 months) because the lips move constantly. Calcium-based fillers like Radiesse can last 12–18 months. Fat grafting, when used instead of filler, is essentially permanent for the volume that survives.
Can fillers be reversed if I don't like the result?
Hyaluronic acid fillers (most of the ones Dr. Rafizadeh uses) can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if a patient doesn't like the result or if there's any complication. The injection takes minutes and the filler dissolves within hours to a few days. This reversibility is part of why HA fillers became dominant. Permanent fillers and silicone do not have a safe reversal option, which is why Dr. Rafizadeh avoids them.
Is filler a substitute for a facelift?
Filler can delay the conversation about a facelift but is not a substitute once true descent has occurred. Filler adds volume; a facelift repositions tissue that has moved. Many North Jersey patients use filler well in their 40s and into their 50s, then transition to facelift surgery when volume restoration alone stops producing a natural result. Continuing to add filler past that point creates the “pillow face” look Dr. Rafizadeh works to help patients avoid.
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