I'm 40 and Just Got Botox and Filler for the First Time

Shamban also says that Botox has been shown to “improve the quality of the skin and forehead through physiological effects of the product.” Additionally, it can be used as a nonsurgical brow-lift,

as a temporary nose job, to enhance lips with a “lip flip,” to sculpt the jawline, and even to curb sebum and oil production, resulting in fewer acne breakouts. She also explained other benefits of Botox aside from aging and aesthetics. While it can help with issues like migraines and excessive sweating, another possible benefit relates to my aforementioned “Lodi scowl,” known as resting bitch face to those with a similar affliction.

“If you’re a person that frowns when you’re concentrating, but people think you’re angry with them, this completely eliminates that. So you look serene and happy,” says Shamban. (If only I could have gotten Botox as a child, the bullies who wanted to beat me up for “looking mad” might have left me alone!) Interestingly enough, there have also been studies pointing to Botox as a potential treatment for depression. This is tied to the facial feedback theory that a physical expression of emotion can trigger a matching emotional response. “There’s a feedback loop between when you frown and your mood state. So if you’re not frowning and just sort of lift your brows, then you automatically feel better. It’s psychological,” says Shamban.