Wrinkle Relaxation

• General
• Treatment Areas
• Safety Concerns

Wrinkle relaxing injections is a remarkably safe therapeutic agent for wrinkles. Complications have been minor and only transient. Bruising may occur where injected and a brief pain or headache may follow. Bruising may be greater in patients who are taking aspirin or any blood thinning medicines. These products should be avoided if possible prior to the injection. Ice helps to prevent bruising. Muscle weakness is first noted at 24-48 hours; it is not immediate.

How long does wrinkle relaxing injections last?

Successful therapy is signaled by muscle weakness that begins at 24 to 48 hours after injection with a peaking weakness at 7-14 days. Paralysis after the initial injection lasts between 4 and 7 months for most patients.

How often is re-injection needed?

Re-injection is suggested every 3 to 4 months to keep the muscles paralysed and allow the furrows to completely smooth out. Once the area is smooth, patients are instructed to return for therapy only when they notice a return of muscle movement that may not occur for four months to one year or even longer has been reported.

Who should not use wrinkle relaxing injections?

Although there have been no reports of birth defects with this medicine, no pregnant patients will be treated. It is also our policy not to inject Wrinkle relaxing injections in nursing mothers. Patients with a history of neuromuscular disease (multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis) or other types of disease involving neurotransmission should avoid this medicine.

Patient taking the following medicines may potentiate the effects of Wrinkle relaxing injections; aminoglycoside antibiotics (Streptomycin, Tobramcyin and Gentamycin injections), penicillamine, quinine and calcium channel blockers (Calan, Cardizem, Dilacor, Norvasc, Procardia, Verelan).

How exactly do wrinkle relaxing injections inactivate the muscle?

Wrinkle relaxing injections inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the joining site of the nerve to the muscle so that the muscle never gets the message to contract. Remember muscles only have the ability to contract; an opposing muscle contracts to produce movement in the opposite direction. To rejoin the nerve to the muscle, the nerve produces new motor endplates, which re-establishes the connection.

What are the alternatives to wrinkle relaxing injections?

Filling agents including fat, collagen, Restylane, resurfacing procedures with acids or lasers and lifting operations of the forehead, temporal, neck and mid-face regions.

What unexpected benefits have come from wrinkle relaxing injections?

Tension headaches for some patients have disappeared. These occurred in patients who were recruiting forehead and brow muscles during periods of stress and tension. When these muscles were relaxed, the headaches faded.