London: The famous non-surgical cosmetic procedure Botox has a negative side to it. The wrinkle smoothing injections may affect emotional growth of young people, said experts.
According to lead study author and nurse practitioner Helen Collier, reality TV shows and celebrity culture are driving young people to idealise the “inexpressive frozen face”.
“Frozen faces can stop young people from learning how to express emotions fully,” she said.
As a human being, our ability to demonstrate a wide range of emotions is very dependent on facial expressions.
“Emotions such as empathy and sympathy help us to survive and grow into confident and communicative adults. If you wipe those expressions out, it might stunt emotional and social development among youngsters,” Collier noted.
Though most of the effects of the toxin are temporary, research suggests the muscles do not fully recover from injections.
The research is scheduled to be presented at the Clinical Cosmetic and Reconstructive Expo 2014 in London next month, BBC reported.
The study appeared in the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing.