MissLJBeauty

From trusted options like Botox to innovative new formulas, non-surgical wrinkle relaxers can smooth expression lines and help you look fresher and more youthful. 

What Are Wrinkle Relaxers?

Wrinkle relaxers are injectable treatments made from botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles. This effect reduces the muscle's ability to contract, allowing the overlying skin to remain smoother and more relaxed.

They’re particularly effective on dynamic wrinkles. These are the lines that form from repeated facial movements like frowning, smiling, or squinting. By helping regulate the activity of these specific facial muscles, wrinkle relaxers help reduce the deepening of these lines while still allowing natural expression.

Common Brands and Their Differences

While Botox is the most well-known brand, it’s not the only option. Dysport  is another popular option that tends to spread out more than some other products, which makes it especially useful for treating larger areas like the forehead. Because of this spreading effect, it can cover a wider surface with fewer injections, making the treatment quicker and often more comfortable. It’s also known for working relatively fast, with results often visible within a few days. Many doctors recommend Dysport when they want a natural look without targeting very small, precise areas.

There are also other product options, like Xeomin, which is a cleaner formula without any added proteins. This formulation is a good option for patients concerned about developing resistance. Then there’s also Jeuveau, also known as “Newtox,” which is often chosen by younger patients looking for subtle results or preventive action.

Though all of these products are similar in how they work, they can differ slightly in how fast they take effect, how far they spread in the tissue, and how long they last.

Target Areas for Wrinkle Relaxation

Most commonly, wrinkle relaxers are used on the forehead, around the eyes and between the eyebrows. This is the area many people refer to as “11 lines”.

But these treatments can also be used off-label for other concerns. For example, they can slim the jaw by relaxing the masseter muscles, help neck pain by relaxing the neck muscles or help reduce overactive sweating. 

Some providers also use them for other kinds of aesthetic enhancements like subtle lift of the eyebrows, relaxing a gummy smile, or performing a “lip flip” for a fuller-looking upper lip without adding volume to the area.

Treatment Process

A typical treatment is quick and relatively painless. After discussing the patient’s goals and evaluating your facial anatomy, the treatment provider will cleanse and prep the area. This can include applying numbing cream or other techniques like vibration anesthesia (a gentle massage technique), ice, etc.

The procedure is done using a very fine needle to make a series of small injections into the targeted muscles. The exact number of injections depends on the size and location of the area being treated, but usually the entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Most people describe the sensation as a brief pinch or stinging feeling.

After the procedure, patients will be instructed on specific aftercare rules they must adhere to. This includes avoiding rubbing or massaging the treated area, doing intense exercise, or lying flat for a few hours after your session. These are necessary precautions to prevent the product from spreading into unintended areas. 

Since the procedure is minimally invasive, there’s no real downtime. You can go right back to your day.

Safety, Side Effects & Aftercare

Wrinkle relaxers are considered very safe when administered by a qualified professional. Still, as with any injectable treatment, mild side effects are possible. You might notice some redness or swelling at the injection sites, and a small bruise can sometimes develop. These effects typically resolve on their own within a couple of days.

In rare cases, if the product spreads beyond the intended area, there can be temporary muscle weakness or asymmetry, such as a drooping eyelid. But with precise injection technique and proper aftercare, these complications aren’t common. 

How Long Do Results Last?

On average, the effects of wrinkle relaxers last about three to four months. This can vary depending on individual patient factors like your metabolism, the strength of your facial muscles, and which product was used for the procedure. When the effects wear off, you can simply return for another session to maintain the results.

Some patients notice that with consistent treatments, their results last a bit longer each time as the muscles gradually become less overactive. 

Can It Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Absolutely! Wrinkle relaxers work great when combined with other non-surgical treatments. Dermal fillers are often used alongside wrinkle relaxers, as they help fill in lost volume. Together, they provide a complete facial rejuvenation.

Skin boosters can also be added in combination with wrinkle relaxers. These injectables contain a cocktail of skincare ingredients and vitamins to improve hydration and glow, while helping further stimulate collagen production for longer-term rejuvenation.

A Safe, Proven Approach to Softer Expression Lines

Wrinkle relaxers have earned their place as a reliable, effective, and low-commitment solution for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. They offer a way to stay ahead of the ageing process without taking away what makes you unique.

When performed by a knowledgeable provider, the results are subtle, natural-looking, and confidence-boosting, helping you look more refreshed and rested.