By law in Australia, cosmetic clinics and doctors aren't allowed to advertise the brand names of any medicines, including the brand of any injectable products used. Therefore you'll usually see this type of treatment generically referred to as 'consultations for wrinkles' or wrinkle-reducing treatments.
Despite the name implying that these consultations are specifically for wrinkles, we can also improve a wide range of other concerns including:
- Reducing tension and the down pulling effect of muscles in the chin and lower face
- Improving the symptoms of teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism)
Muscle Relaxant Injections
Put simply, Muscle relaxant injections blocks the chemical signals the brain sends to the muscle telling it to tense or contract. In other words, the injection acts as a muscle sedative, which in turn prevents the skin that covers the muscle from wrinkling. This softens and reduces the severity of lines for a tighter and smoother appearance.
The primary effect of the product is temporary and typically lasts between 3 – 4 months, depending on the individual’s physiology and metabolism. After this time, the muscles begin to tense and contract again as normal, causing wrinkles to re-appear and deepen.
Although the primary effect is temporary, muscle relaxant's also have a benefit that accumulates over time. Because facial muscle movement is one of the main contributors to a loss of collagen as we age, suspending this movement prevents collagen breakdown and slows the formation of new wrinkles.
A programme of Cosmetic Injections combined with Skin treatments will deliver the best overall results.
Patients are most commonly concerned with wrinkles of the following areas:
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the frown or 'glabella' area (the lines between the eyebrows when we look angry)
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the forehead area (the horizontal lines seen when we raise our eyebrows)
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the 'crow's feet' areas (the lines around the eyes when we smile)
We can also improve other areas of the face including:
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the 'bunny' lines (lines of the bridge of the nose when you frown or laugh)
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the downturned corners of the mouth (the pulling action of the muscles that create a 'grumpy' look)
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a dimply chin (the chin muscle is often hyperactive and creates an 'orange peel effect' on the skin here)
We all have different facial expression patterns and wrinkles - these depend on a multitude of factors including your sex, muscle strength, skin quality, smoking status and your degree of exposure to UV light over your lifetime. A consultation for wrinkles and lines will assess your own features to achieve safe and natural-looking results.
These treatments are also incredibly versatile and the same wrinkle-relaxing product can also be used to improve several medical conditions including:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is It Suitable For? Muscle relaxant procedures are well established and well understood, so the treatment is considered suitable and safe for anyone over 18 years of age who is looking to reverse or prevent lines and wrinkles, or to achieve a range of other outcomes (such as jaw slimming) by relaxing muscles in the face.
How Much Does It Cost? The cost of the procedure depends on the area being treated and how much of the product is needed to achieve the results you’re after. Check out our price list for pricing and packages.
Does It Hurt? Don’t worry: these procedures aren’t especially painful. Like any injection, there’s a small sting when the needle pierces the skin, but this sensation is typically short and not too intense. Any pain is confined to the injection site and is over before you know it. You may also experience mild discomfort in the 24 hours following the treatment as a result of swelling, but there is no ongoing discomfort or pain.
What Areas Can Be Treated? Dynamic wrinkles like forehead lines, frowns, and crow’s feet can be easily reduced with anti-aging procedures. However, they can also be used for a number of other enhancements such as facial slimming (overactive masseter reduction), a brow lift, gummy smile reduction or even anti-sweat treatment (reduce the effects of excessive sweating).
How Many Treatments Is Best? Each treatment is quick, straightforward and does not put the body under stress, so multiple areas can be treated simultaneously, saving you time and money. In fact, many of our packages cater for exactly this. The benefits of these injections can last from 3 – 4 months before lines slowly begin to return. The more treatments you have, the longer the effects last and the slower new wrinkles form, so you can look forward to fewer treatments over time.
What Can I Expect After? Hang tight: it takes 2 – 3 days for these treatments to begin working, and 7 – 14 days for them to reach their full effects. There may be some redness and swelling immediately after the treatment, but this will subside within 24 hours and does not make the treatment less effective.
How Long Between Treatments? It varies from person to person, but in general, Injections last from 3 – 4 months. We recommend visiting every 3 months to maintain optimal results. Over time, you may need to visit less often.
Potential risks and complications. Any treatment with cosmetic injectables will be associated with potential side effects. For wrinkle relaxers, the most common are bruising, swelling and redness, which should subside as the treated area settles. Additional side effects will be discussed during the consultation. Following your aftercare instructions and letting your injector know of any health conditions you may have during your consultation will help minimise complications.
Pre & Post Treatment Care
Pre Treatment Care
No blood-thinning medications, including Aspirin and Ibuprofen (unless prescribed by your Medical Practitioner.
Post Treatment Care
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Immediately after treatment, you may experience slight redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a typical result of the injections and generally disappears within a few days. If symptoms persist or other reactions occur, please get in touch with your physician.
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Immediately after: Keep the treated area clean. It’s OK to take over-the-counter pain medications or an antihistamine if you have swelling or the treated area feels tender.
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For 24 hours after the treatment: Do not rub, massage or place pressure on the treated area for 24 hours. Avoid exposure to extreme heat and do not exercise excessively for 24 hours. Avoid alcohol consumption entirely for 24 hours. Do not apply makeup or skincare products with active ingredients for 24 hours.
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For 2 weeks after treatment: Do not undertake any other skin treatments, such as facials, skin needling, microdermabrasion etc.
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Ongoing: To maintain and prolong results, we recommend using clinical grade skincare.
