The effect of botulinum toxin application used in the treatment of facial and neck wrinkles on individuals' self-esteem and psychological symptoms: A quasi-experimental study

This study aims to examine the effects of botulinum toxin application, used in the treatment of facial and neck wrinkles, on individuals' self-esteem and social appearance anxiety. A quasi-experimental research design was employed in the study. The sample consisted of a total of 100 participants, including an experimental group of 50 individuals who received botulinum toxin applications to the face and neck region at a private aesthetic clinic in Istanbul, and a control group of 50 individuals who did not receive any application. Demographic Information Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Social Appearance Anxiety Scale were used as data collection tools. After the pre-test was administered to the experimental group, botulinum toxin application was performed, and the post-test was administered at the 4th week after the application. The control group was administered pre-test and post-test at the same time intervals without any intervention. According to the research results, a significant increase in self-esteem scores and a significant decrease in social appearance anxiety scores were observed in the experimental group after botulinum toxin application. No significant difference was found between pre-test and post-test scores in all variables in the control group. The findings indicate that botulinum toxin application can positively affect individuals' psychological well-being through changes in physical appearance.