Facial Muscle Relaxant Injections

What are Facial Muscle Relaxant Injections?

Facial Muscle Relaxant products are made up of a natural purified protein that is restricted to be used by Medical Practitioners, and can be administered by Registered Nurses, under the supervision of a Medical Practitioner.

How does it work?

Wrinkles are primarily formed through the repetitive contraction of facial muscles. Facial Muscle Relaxant injections work by inhibiting neurotransmitters, which prevents the muscles from contracting. For example, Facial Muscle Relaxant injections can relax the muscles around the eyes to prevent the appearance of crow’s feet.

It is important to note that Facial Muscle Relaxant injections do not immediately improve static lines (lines that are present at rest). However, following several Facial Muscle Relaxant injections treatments, skin that is normally creased has time to rest and recover, and an improvement in static lines usually occurs.

Where is it commonly used?

Facial Muscle Relaxant injections are used mainly for treating frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet (at the sides of the eyes). They can also be used to produce a brow lift by shaping or elevating the position of the brow.

What’s involved in the treatment?

The treatment uses a small number of extremely fine needles to inject a tiny volume of the product. The discomfort experienced is minimal, and a cold pack can be used to reduce discomfort if necessary. The procedure takes only a few minutes and typically requires two to three days to begin relaxing the treated areas and reducing facial lines. The maximum effect of Facial Muscle Relaxant injections occurs one to two weeks after the treatment.

How long does it last?

Generally, after the first few sessions, the results last around two to three months. However, after regular treatments, the results can last longer because the treated muscles have been retrained.

If you cease the treatments, your muscles will return to normal, and your wrinkles will return to their previous state—they do not become worse.

Returning to normal activities

Normal activities can be resumed soon after your treatment. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or massaging the area for the first 24 hours after treatment.

Potential Risks

Every non-surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated. Majority of patients do not experience the following, but you should discuss each with your physician to ensure you understand.   

Common side effects may occur immediately or may be delayed.    

Pain, burning, stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site; local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids or eyebrows; swollen eyelids, skin tightness, itching or aching forehead, headaches, nausea and/or flu like symptoms.                                                                   

Although exceedingly rare, in some cases the effect of the product may be observed beyond the site of injection and the following symptoms may occur – loss of strength and muscle weakness, drooping of upper eyelid, double or blurred vision, trouble speaking, constipation, aspiration and trouble swallowing.  These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and are more likely to occur in patients treated with high doses or who have underlying conditions that would predispose to the above.

Post-Procedure Care

The following are very common side effects after treatment and should resolve with time.  

• Swelling at puncture sites   
• Bruising 
• Redness at puncture sites  
• Tenderness   
• Tightness  
• You may experience a mild headache; Paracetamol may be taken if required.    

Final Results  

You may notice the effects of your treatment within two – four days.  It can take up to 14 days for the full effect. You may require further treatments to achieve your desired results.   

Aftercare 

Please contact the clinic immediately 1300 373 662 if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary.   

• If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department
• You may return to your normal activities (including driving immediately post treatment)  
• We advise no strenuous exercise or alcohol for 24 hours  
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and extreme temperatures for at least 2 weeks post treatment 

Avoid touching or massaging the treatment area. Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, IPL, laser or any other skin treatments for at least 2 weeks after treatment. 

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.