Muscle Relaxants

Found yourself squinting and frowning in photos?

Muscle relaxants are used to reduce and remove the crease lines across the upper face making skin appear smooth and more youthful.

What are muscle relaxants?

They are products with active botulinum toxin A. This is used to freeze or paralyse the muscles thus preventing wrinkles or frown lines developing. Muscle relaxants are very safe and have been used for a long time both as a cosmetic procedure and as a medical treatment. Botulinum toxin A has been licenced since 2002 for the glabellar area and crows feet in 2013. They are temporary as they are gradually broken down by the body.

How do they work?

The toxins work by paralysing the muscles which prevent wrinkles from forming. This also reduces the development of wrinkles over time maintaining a youthful appearance as well as erasing static lines that may also be present. They do not affect any sensation of the area only the muscle activity.

What can they be used for?

Forehead
Horizontal lines across the forehead form over time from constant movement of the area. By using muscle relaxants in this area the lines decrease and disappear over time.

Glabellar lines
Squinting, frowning and concentrating over time can cause “angry face” lines in between the eyebrows. These can be more apparent in bright sunlight and photos. Muscle relaxants in this area will reduce lines and smooth the area between the brows.

Crows Feet
These are lines and wrinkles that appear at the corners of the eyes. By relaxing the obicularis oris muscle the eyes appear more open and lines are minimised.

Botulinum toxin A is also used for a number of medical conditions including Freyes Syndrome, Hypersalivation and Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

How long does it last for?
The product lasts for 4-6 months. This can vary depending on the activity of the muscle. If the muscles are less active it can last up to 6 months. With repeated courses the relaxants also last longer as the muscles become less active.