What are muscle relaxants?
Muscle relaxants are used to relax those muscles that are used for facial expressions and therefore cause the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When used in minute quantities they cause a temporary relaxation of the muscles so that they no longer respond to nerve stimuli. Muscle relaxants have been used for over 30 years to treat various tics, facial spasms and cerebral palsy and are very safe. They have also been used for cosmetic purposes, to treat Migraines and excessive sweating.
What happens during the treatment?
The treatment involves the use of very fine needles to inject the muscle relaxant and reduce wrinkling. The doctor may use topical anaesthetic cream on the area to help increase comfort during the procedure. The treatment is very quick and there is no ‘down time’.
Is the procedure painful?
No, there is minimal pain. We do offer anaesthetic cream for all muscle relaxant treatments if you prefer. To have the anaesthetic cream you will need to arrive half an hour before your scheduled appointment time.
What areas can be treated?
There are two types of lines or wrinkles that develop on the face with ageing – static and dynamic. Static lines are present when the face is relaxed and can be corrected with various different types of dermal fillers, chemical peels, skin tightening, surgery, laser resurfacing, broadband light and good skin care.
Dynamic lines, more commonly known as expression lines, are caused by the movement of facial muscles. The most common areas where these occur are the crow’s feet at the side of the eyes, the frown lines in between the eyebrows (giving the “angry look” which so many of us dislike) and those on the forehead. We also use it to treat the mouth frown or the downturned corners of the mouth, as well as to tighten the neck and jawline (also know as a ‘Nefertiti’ lift). There is no loss of facial expression when patients are treated appropriately with muscle relaxants.
How long before I will see results?
Muscle relaxants start to take effect within 72 hours but can take up to 3 weeks to reach full effect. The doctor may ask you to come back 2 weeks after your initial treatment to check that it has had the desired effect.
How long does it last?
Muscle relaxants used for cosmetic purposes usually last 3 – 6 months depending on the strength of your muscles. However this does vary from person to person. They tend to last longer after the second or third treatment if treated on a regular basis.
What else can muscle relaxants be used for?
Muscle relaxants can be used to treat migraines in some people. When used for migraines they can last up to 6 or even 12 months in some cases. They can also be used to reduce the amount of sweat produced in certain parts of the body, most commonly the armpits and hands. If an adequate amount is injected then a decrease in sweating will be produced for an average of 7.5 months but can last for up to 16 months in some people. Usually more is required to treat these conditions than when they are used for cosmetic purposes. To find out if this is a suitable treatment for you, please book an appointment with our cosmetic doctor.
Is there any ‘down time’?
No, there is no ‘down time’ with this treatment but you are advised not to manipulate the areas that have been injected for two hours following your appointment otherwise there is a risk of the product moving away from the area you wish to have treated.
Are there any side effects to this treatment?
All side effects are temporary. Some side effects that may occur are a slight reddening of the skin, localised swelling or numbness and bruising. Infection is possible but rare. Rarely when injected above the eyebrow it can cause the eyelid to droop temporarily. In a very small number of individuals, the injections do not work as satisfactorily or for as long as is typical.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes, however you can have the treatment done on the day of your consultation appointment if you would like.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the treatment depends on how much is required to treat the muscles in question. Everyone’s muscles differ in strength depending on how you use your facial muscles. The Doctor will give you a quote upon consultation.
Muscle Relaxants are a safe, effective way of controlling facial lines and are an excellent way of preventing and reducing the signs of ageing.
