Muscle Relaxants for Wrinkles
Anti-wrinkle treatment is a way to rejuvenate the face by relaxing certain muscles of facial expression.
One example of a muscle of facial expression is the muscle that raises the eyebrows, called the Frontalis Muscle. This leads to forehead lines. Other examples include frown lines which are the vertical lines between the eyebrows, and also crow's feet which are the lines around the eyes.
When these muscles are relaxed with injections of an anti-wrinkle treatment then the muscles are not able to contract. This smoothes out the skin overlying these muscles.
Anti-wrinkle treatment usually lasts 2-3 months initially. With repeat treatments this tends to last longer which is on average 4 months. Without further treatment the muscles gradually return to normal.
What Can Contribute to Wrinkle Formation?
- Age
- Sun exposure
- Smoking
How Can I Try to Prevent and Treat Wrinkles?
- Daily application of sunscreen with re-application throughout the day
- Stop smoking if applicable
- Anti-wrinkle injections
What is in This Treatment?
The product that is injected is a protein that relaxes muscles. It works by stopping the release of a chemical that is released at a nerve ending. This chemical (acetylcholine) is normally responsible for the contraction of a muscle.
How Long Does This Treatment Work For?
This anti-wrinkle treatment improves your appearance within 2-5 days. The full effects are normally seen at the 2 week mark and it is at this point that you are normally asked to return to the clinic for review. The effects normally last for 3 months but this can be more if you have regular treatments. If you decide not to have further treatment, then your lines will slowly return to their pre-treatment appearance.
Are There Any Side Effects?
There are potential side effects with this treatment. These include headache, pain and bruising at the injection site. Rarer side effects include eyelid and eyebrow droop.
There are side effects with all medicines. These are temporary with this treatment. Some of the side effects include discomfort at the injection site, redness, bruising, headache and eyelid droop.