Botox treatments are commonly used to help combat signs of aging, but it appears as though the cosmetic treatment may offer a rather surprising benefit. Some medical professionals argue that Botox injections may help one overcome depression, reports NBC affiliate WBBH.

Botox features neurotoxins that block nerve signals which cause muscles to contract, preventing wrinkling. Many choose to have the substance injected around their eyes, as this is a common area where wrinkles form.

Some doctors believe that this treatment may also cause one to frown less often, which could potentially help reduce depression, as many argue that facial expressions are strongly linked to one's personal emotions. If one has trouble frowning, then it might lead to difficulty feeling the emotion. Others believe that if a person frowns less, other people may respond to that person differently, contributing to a positive feedback loop.

Psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal, of Capital Clinical Research Associates, is working to understand the connection between Botox and depression alleviation.

"There are so many ways to treat depression and of course the mainstay is antidepressants," he told the news source. "Often times these are insufficient. There are still some people left feeling depressed. So we really do need novel, innovative ways to treat depressed people."

Botox has also been used to treat excessive sweating of the palms and scalp, among other areas, according to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety. Those who are considering undergoing a Botox treatment should be sure to discuss the process with a board-certified plastic surgeon.