What are wrinkle relaxers?
Anti-wrinkle injections can be used in many areas of the face to reduce wrinkles and correct other issues such as a square jaw or gummy smile. They can also be used to reduce excessive sweating in the armpits – the possibilities are endless!
Expression lines such as crow’s feet and frown lines on the forehead and between the brows are caused by overactive muscle movements repeatedly creasing the skin. Treatment involves the use of a purified protein produced by a type of bacterium, a minimal amount of the protein is injected into selected muscles, temporarily reducing the contractions that cause the permanent frown lines.
Wrinkle Relaxers Procedure?
Procedure time
20-30 minutes
Anaesthesia
not required
Common treatment areas
Upper face (frown lines, forehead, crows feet)
Additional areas
Lower face (jaw slimming, corners of mouth, smokers line, neck)
Pain and discomfort
mild discomfort at the time of injection only
Risks (rare)
facial weakness, eyelid droop, asymmetry, headache, and heaviness to brows. Approximately 1% chance of temporary eyebrow drop, eyelid drop or dry eyes/double vision. No risks of permanent damage.
Time off work
None, injection marks settle within a few hours.
Follow up appointments
12-14 days following the procedure
Sports & exercise
can be commenced the next day without restrictions
Results
takes approximately 1-2 weeks for full results and they usually last 3-4 months (sometimes up to 6 months)
What is the procedure?
The procedure itself, usually takes ten to twenty minutes to carry out and the discomfort is minimal as very fine needles are used. Also, no recovery time is involved and the results are noticed within 7-10 days.
The skin around the treated area will look smoother and less wrinkled. The upper third of the face is where the best results are obtained; the crow’s feet (around the eyes), the wrinkles and the frown lines between the brows and on the forehead. Due to the results of the treatment, many patients report that they are feeling more relaxed as frowning reduces. However, the results are not permanent; it is normal procedure to repeat the treatment every 3 – 4 months to maintain and build on the results.
FAQ’s:
Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?
Wrinkle relaxers are relatively painless as the injections are performed using a very fine needle. Patients therefore and do not require any anaesthesia.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last for?
It can take about 2-14 days to see the full effects after the initial treatment. The cosmetic effects can last up to six months but typically range from three to four months. Eventually most people require re treatment as the wrinkles reappear.
However in some treated areas (such as frown wrinkles), the wrinkles may return less severe after repeated treatments as the unconscious muscle contraction habit is broken. We offer all our patients a free two week follow up appointment to assess the effect of treatment and administer any top up treatments if necessary.
What else can be treated with anti-wrinkle injections?
Wrinkle relaxers can be used for migraine relief and for excessive sweating as well as wrinkle relaxing.
