Wrinkle Relaxers
Wrinkle Relaxers (Neuromodulators)
What are Wrinkle Relaxers (Neuromodulators)? They are injectable drugs that soften the skin by restricting muscles from contracting. They work by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that cause wrinkling. This results in wrinkles either softening or completely disappearing. Think younger looking skin!
Since Zoom meetings became a new standard, many people have started noticing their wrinkles while staring at themselves on a computer screen for extended periods of time, and many have decided to do something about it. Others have started using wrinkle relaxers before the onset of wrinkles, to help prevent deep, etched in facial lines. This treatment is for both women and men….so men don’t be shy, and people of all ethnic backgrounds, as everyone deals with changes during aging.
The most common places to inject are the forehead, between the eyebrows (the 11s), and the crow’s feet. Wrinkle relaxers can also be injected to reduce a “gummy smile”, help correct down-turned smile lines, reduce “bunny lines” on the nose, and help relax prominent bands of muscle in the neck. This can really boost self-confidence during the aging process! The most well-known brand is Botox, but there are 3 more currently on the market, and just as amazing, if not more. These include Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau (or New Tox). They are all derived from botulinum toxin type A, with slight variances. Depending on which brand is used, the results can be seen anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. The results last usually around 3 months, and results keep getting better with continued use. These injections are not particularly painful, with most clients reporting, at most, a mild stinging sensation. Some clients even report not feeling them……making this treatment ideal for those a little squeamish around needles! Before getting a wrinkle relaxer, a health history and medication review will first be assessed to make sure you are healthy enough for getting these injections and to make sure it will not interfere with your prescribed medicine(s). Also, your anti-aging goals will be investigated to assist you in coming up with a personalized treatment plan, unique for your skin. Pictures are taken to compare before and after results. Once the assessment is completed, the time it takes to inject is usually less than 10 min. There is no sedation or anesthetic required, so you can resume most normal activities immediately. This is a huge plus for working and busy people. Activities to avoid is to not lay flat for 4 hours, no hats or exercise for the rest of the day, avoiding alcohol for 2 days, and no face down activities, like massages, for at least 2 days. The face should not be rubbed or massaged for the rest of the day, so the injected drug does not migrate. Side effects are minimal; the most common is mild bruising. Avoiding aspirin, NSAIDs, Vitamin C and E, fish oil and alcohol a few days before your wrinkle relaxing treatment can help alleviate bruising. Wrinkle relaxers are commonly used with dermal fillers (which is discussed on its own page) to further help you look younger and refreshed. Come in for a complimentary consultation to see how you can look and feel years younger with wrinkle relaxers.
