There is a lot of social stigma surrounding the word “Botox” nowadays. Despite an estimated 10 million people around the world using injectable wrinkle relaxers, making it one of the most commonly used cosmetic procedures in the marketplace, many choose not to reveal their use of it. This has added to the misconceptions circulating about the procedure, with Botox becoming the poster child to represent the entire family of wrinkle relaxers.

However, contrary to popular opinion, wrinkle relaxers won’t leave you with that frozen forehead look the media keeps trying to sell us. In fact, when injected with the right dosage in the right area, your wrinkles should be softened, your overall facial expressions more refreshed, your eyes brightened and your skin with a more significant glow because of the relaxed lines.

What exactly are Wrinkle Relaxers?

As we age, the surface of our skin gradually begins to change as cell renewal slows down the replacement of old skin cells with new ones. With natural substances that provide our skin with support and lustre such as elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid decreasing over time, prominent lines in our face will begin to show. It is when these lines — specifically frown lines, crows feet and forehead lines — start surfacing that wrinkle relaxers should be considered.

Wrinkle relaxers aim to target unwanted wrinkles and folds by relaxing specific facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Once these muscles are relaxed, they are unable to contract and cause the unwanted wrinkle to occur. As a result, these lines gradually smooth.

The dose recommended for the cosmetic treatment will vary depending on your individual needs, muscle strength and the severity of the wrinkle lines. Wrinkle relaxers specialists in Perth – MIRA Clinic know what the right dose is for you and which muscles to inject to give you the best-desired results.

The procedure and recovery process

Wrinkle relaxers are administered using purified protein that targets the muscles that are causing the wrinkle and relaxes them to create a more rejuvenated appearance. This is administered by injecting a tiny amount into the selected facial muscles using a thin needle. The cosmetic procedure takes around 10 minutes, and the discomfort felt is minimal and brief, much like a flick of an elastic band on the skin. To provide maximum comfort, ice and comfort cream can be given to the patient.

There may be a small area of redness at the injection site, which will settle down without downtime, most patients can return straight to work if they prefer. It then takes 2-3 days for the wrinkle treatment to begin taking effect and about 10-14 days to see the full effect, which can last for about four months before lines slowly start to return. With repeat treatments, the result may last longer, and following multiple wrinkle relaxing treatments, most patients will have stopped using those strong facial muscles as much because they were used to them being relaxed.

What happens if I stop using Wrinkle Relaxers?

A recurring question asked by patients is ‘what will happen once you stop using wrinkle relaxers’? The answer is nothing — literally. The myth that when you stop using injectables your face will drop or that you will experience ongoing facial-expression freezing is just that — a myth. However, patients should be aware that treatment is temporary and therefore should be repeated at least three times a year (every four months) to ensure lasting effects.