Injectables » Wrinkle Relaxers

Wrinkle Relaxers are a purified protein, which causes temporary muscle weakening. It is an excellent treatment for 'dynamic' wrinkles such as crow's feet and frown lines. Wrinkle Relaxers have been used for more than 10 years to decrease lines of facial expressions in the face.

How are wrinkle relaxers used?
A small amount of wrinkle relaxer is injected using a tiny needle into the muscle that needs to be weakened. There is a slight sting for a few seconds, then it is painless. There is no ongoing numbness or redness.

Will wrinle relaxers leave me expressionless?
No! Only tiny amounts are injected into very specific areas. The vast majority of facial muscles will not be effected at all.

Is it instant?
Wrinkle relaxers are actually absorbed into the nerve cells and usually take 2-4 days to start working. The maximal effect may not be seen for up to two weeks.

Will wrinkle relaxers remove wrinkles entirely?
Numerous factors are involved in facial aging (see "The Aging Face"). Wrinkle relaxers can decrease the specific muscle activity entirely and in younger skin result in complete eradication of wrinkles. If there has been dermal atrophy (loss of deeper skin support) or significant sun damage then even complete paralysis of the muscle will not completely remove the wrinkle. For these lines a dermal filler may be added or resurfacing (chemical peel or laser) can be considered.

How long do wrinkles relaxers last?
The muscle weakening and reduction of crow's feet and frown lines usually lasts 3 - 5 months after which another injection is required. After several treatments the effects of wrinkle relaxers may last longer.

How safe are wrinkle relaxers?
Wrinkle relaxers are extremely safe. The only side effects are local and temporary. Risks, which will be discussed prior to treatment, include a small bruise from the injection or, very rarely, slight drooping of the brow or upper eyelid. Fortunately, if this occurs it will usually correct itself in 2-4 weeks.

Recovery
As no sedation or anaesthetic is required patients may return to normal activity immediately after the procedure. However it is advisable for patients not to rub the injected area. There may be some slight swelling and redness. The effect of wrinkle relaxers usually takes 2-4 days to come on, occasionally as long as one week.

For further information on wrinkle relaxers visit the websites of - Allergan and Ipsen.