WHAT IS Muscle Relaxer THERAPY

Botulinum toxin is a natural substance formed by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. It acts to weaken or “stun” muscles and thus prevent their movement. It has been used for medical conditions since the 1950’s especially in ophthalmology to correct twitching eyes. An interesting effect of such treatments was the improvement in lines around the eyes. In 1992 its cosmetic use for the treatment of facial lines was acknowledged and since millions of treatments around the world have occurred.

Before	After

IS IT SAFE?

Botulinum toxin in large quantities causes a type of food poisoning called botulism. In cosmetic treatments we use amounts 600 times less than would be needed to cause serious illness. Children as young as two years old use 200 times the dose to relax muscles in cerebral palsy. Consequently, the treatment is one of the safest medical procedures performed. Furthermore there have been no allergic reactions reported in its cosmetic use and adverse reactions generally resolve completely in time.

Botulinum toxin has not been studied in pregnant or breast feeding women and hence is not recommended in these groups.

Before	After

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

The treatment is generally takes less than 30minutes with minimal discomfort. The physician examines the lines to be treated and then proceeds to inject the lines with a fine needle. The patient experiences a slight stinging at the time. Should the patient be particularly worried about this an anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand. Bruising in 1% of injections and a temporary headache may also occur. Other possible side effects are generally related to the diffusion of the product into adjacent muscle groups for example the eyelid. This is not often and should it occur it only lasts a few weeks before completely resolving.

Some controversy has arisen as to whether wrinkle relaxer therapy can cause wrinkles in adjacent muscles that are not treated. In truth, if treated muscle groups are relatively strong in their movement they can recruit some fibres from adjacent muscles, which will cause a wrinkle if the skin is loose. This however, is easily corrected by giving more product to these muscles. This is why the treating doctor often likes to review patients two weeks after initial treatment to ensure the best possible result for that patient. Remember all patients are unique in their facial marking and movements and every treatment should be tailored to that individual.

It must also be remembered that wrinkle relaxer therapy prevents wrinkles that occur in the natural aging process. Thus cessation of treatment will simply allow the aging process to continue from that point on i.e. it will not create new wrinkles.

There is also a risk of the body creating antibodies against the botulinum toxin. This occurs in 5% of people treated and will result in the treatments no longer working. (I personally think this would be the worst side-effect!!)

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

Wrinkle relaxer therapy works by preventing the muscle from receiving the signal from the nerve telling it to tense. It is this tensing that forms creases in the overlying skin. Over time these creases become permanent and a wrinkle has formed. The ability of the product to prevent the nerve signal is only temporary as the body creates new pathways for this nerve signal to follow to reach the muscle. Initially for most people the effect lasts 3 to 5months. Over time with regular treatments the muscles often learn to accept the weakened state and treatment last longer.

WHAT’S THE COST?

Botulinum toxin is made from highly purified products that are screened for disease and monitored for quality. It should only injected only by professionals who are adequately qualified. Its costs reflect the high standards of production and care in which it is given. The product is thus surprisingly inexpensive for a cosmetic procedure and as such has made it even more popular. Its price varies from clinic to clinic and often being dependent upon how much is used. Some clinics charge per area treated, while others charge per unit used which can work out more expensive if the muscle is particularly strong as often seen in men. We charge per area and use the recommended amounts from numerous studies that will allow maximal effect on the average muscle without overcharging our patients.

WHAT AREAS CAN I TREAT?

Wrinkle relaxer therapy can be used in a vast range of areas which include frown lines between the eyes, horizontal lines of the forehead, crows feet around the eyes, bulging lower eyelids, for “turkey neck’, smokers lines, bunny lines on the sides of the nose, turned down corners of mouth, chemical brow lift and décolletage lines between the breasts. It has also been used to treat tension headaches and excessive sweating under the arms and palms of hands.

Both men and women can benefit from wrinkle relaxer.

WILL EVERYONE KNOW THAT I HAVE HAd A COSMETIC PROCEDURE?

People will not know you have had any specific treatment unless you tell them. Side effects do not often occur and if they do are mild. The effects of the treatment are subtle and do not begin until 5 to 10 days after treatment. They are maximal at 2 to 6 weeks. They similarly resolve subtly over time also. Many wrinkles will be removed completely whilst deep lines will fade. The final result is a refreshed, youthful appearance. Careful placement of the product prevents the expressionless look that the media often associates with botulism toxin therapy.

Our doctor personally feels that wrinkle relaxer therapy is a fantastic treatment for the aging complexion and a great preventer for women in their early 30’s where skin begins the aging process.