Over time crow’s feet, frown lines and expression lines become deeper and more permanent. These can be treated with wrinkle relaxants that can soften these lines, leaving your skin looking smoother and less lined.

How do wrinkle relaxants work?

Wrinkles are caused by subconscious nerve signals sent to your brain telling your muscles to contract when you laugh, frown, squint, etc. Muscle relaxant can be injected in tiny amounts in specific muscles to prevent this signal reaching the brain and thus preventing that wrinkle-causing contraction.

A wrinkle can be perceived as skin damage and whilst the effected muscles are inactive your skin can begin to repair and heal this damage reducing the depth of the wrinkle and preventing continuing damage. The human body is a wonderful thing and over time, approximately 3 to 4 months, the muscle relaxant is absorbed and excreted, the nerve regenerates and full facial expression is resumed. Repeat injections at this time are totally safe and can be given to allow your skin to continue repairing and indeed prevent further damage occurring.

Is this safe?

In 2005 more than 3 million wrinkle relaxing injections were carried out in the USA. This same product received its UK cosmetic licence in 2006 allowing it to be used to treat wrinkles. Muscle relaxing injections are so safe it is used in the medical world to treat spasticity in children, severe headaches, back pain, bladder problems and excessive sweating.

Potential side effects….?

Side effects are rare. Bruising and tenderness at the injection site can occur but this resolves very quickly. Slight drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow is seen in less than 1% of people treated. This condition is temporary and returns to normal over time.

Is this treatment for me?

It is not known if it is safe to have wrinkle relaxing treatments whilst pregnant or breast feeding as no studies have been carried out to prove its safety so Skin Deep Rejuvenation Therapies do not recommend its use at these times. If you suffer from certain muscle related diseases or are on certain medication, this treatment may not be for you.

For a free consultation to discuss this more fully please call to book an appointment with our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner.