Facial Muscle Relaxant Treatments
Anti-aging and muscle relaxant treatments are used to relax the muscles that cause facial lines.
Over time, repeated muscle movements such as smiling, frowning, laughing and conveying emotion cause fine lines and deep facial folds to form.
Aging of the skin is normal, but due to sun exposure lines can become apparent prematurely. As we grow older, the collagen and elastin fibres in our faces become looser and thinner, causing the skin to become inelastic and more brittle. When the skin attempts to stretch during displays of expression, visible lines may become apparent.
Another cause of facial line formation can be attributed to the transfer of moisture between the dermis and epidermis. This slows down with age which leads to dry, textured skin which showcases facial lines more easily.
While we can’t freeze time, we can slow down the aging process with anti-aging, and muscle relaxant treatments. Anti-aging treatments relax the muscles in the face for a firmer face. They can smooth facial lines and can prevent further lines from forming.
Our non-surgical goal when using cosmetic anti-aging treatments is to compliment your features, not change them.
What Are Anti-Aging Treatments?
Anti-aging treatments are a non-surgical muscle relaxant that helps to relax the muscles that cause your skin to line and crease. By altering the dynamics of muscle activity, anti-aging treatment may help to produce a firmer facial surface.
Anti-aging treatments consist of a purified protein that has been diluted. They work by blocking the chemical signal that tells the muscles to contract. By preventing muscle activity, from deepening these fine lines, it can effectively prevent static lines from forming.
The most requested treatment area is the lines that surround the eyes and forehead. However, this treatment can also minimise lines that surround the mouth, nose, chin, jaw and neck.
Anti-aging treatment can be used to treat:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Lines around the eyes (crows feet)
- Chin dimples
- Facial slimming
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw clenching
- Reduce a gummy smile
- Lift the upper lip
- Lift the brow
- Excessive sweating
How Anti-Aging Treatments Work
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Anti-aging treatments block the nerves responsible for muscle activity. It’s generally considered a non-permanent procedure that decreases lines and creases by reducing muscle contractions. Because the treated muscle can no longer contract, lines will relax and soften which leaves the skin looking smoother. The treatment can also lift the muscles, which can give an overall tighter appearance to the face.
The treatment typically lasts up to 3 months and it is recommended to have treatments every 3 months for best results.
Benefits of Anti-Aging Treatments
There are advantages to getting anti-aging treatments. Some of these include:
- Soften fine lines and creases – anti-aging treatments visibly reduce common expression lines such as smile lines and frown lines.
- Prevent future formation of deep lines – as well as reducing current lines, this treatment prevents lines from deepening or forming in the future.
Anti-Aging Treatments Before and After Images
Your Treatment
The entire process of consultation to completion takes, on average, 45 minutes.
Before beginning the treatment, your registered nurse at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery will consult you based on your non-surgical goals and preferred outcomes for your anti-aging treatment. Your registered nurse will then provide advice on how best to treat your concern and will assess your facial structure to determine the best treatment techniques. Then, you will undergo a consultation with a Doctor who will provide instruction on whether to proceed based on numerous factors including risk.
All the recommended products will be explained to you in detail so you and your registered nurse can decide which product will help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your unique anatomy. Please note, that due to strict TGA guidelines, we are unable to advertise the brand names of anti-aging treatments on our website. However, we stock the leading brands and are able to discuss these freely during your consultation.
During your treatment, your registered nurse will strategically perform the anti-ageing treatment into your select muscle groups using a fine needle. The goal is to achieve biological results. You will be provided with aftercare instructions to follow for the next 48 hours and can ask any questions at any time during your appointment.
The effect of the anti-aging treatment will generally be visible 7-10 days post-treatment. After two weeks you’ll be asked to come in for a complimentary follow-up appointment to ensure your goals have been achieved.
Book a free consultation with our friendly Gold Coast Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse to explore a personalised treatment program for you.
Anti-Aging Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
Do anti-aging Treatments hurt?
Our Registered Nurse uses tiny needles to treat the muscles. While it’s important to note that everyone experiences pain differently, most people describe a slight pinch that only lasts a few seconds – comparable to the sensation of a mosquito bite.
What are the risks?
Discussing your medical history, and expectations, before getting anti-aging treatment is crucial to reducing your risk. In consultation, you can discuss any possible risks. Some potential risks and side effects can include:
- Bruising and redness
- Temporary weakness or dropping of the muscle
- Headache or discomfort
- Eye or brow ptosis
- Uneven results or overcorrection
What should I not do immediately after treatment?
Try not to move your facial muscles for the half-hour following your treatment, this includes frowning, squinting and raising your eyebrows. Don’t have any facial treatments or rub or massage the treated area. Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for four hours. Any other aftercare instructions will be explained to you in detail during your appointment.
How much does it cost?
The starting price for one unit of anti-aging treatment can no longer be advertised due to strict TGA laws, however, it can also vary between the products and brands being used. The number of units you are recommended depends on the treatment area, the strength of the muscles being treated and other factors unique to you. Your Registered Nurse will be able to provide you with an accurate quote at the time of consultation.
How many units will I need?
While this varies based on a number of personalised factors, your first treatment will typically require more units than follow-up treatments. With regular anti-aging treatments, it may be possible to reduce the dosage.
What products do you use?
Due to strict TGA guidelines, we are unable to advertise the brand names of anti-aging treatments on our website. However, we stock the leading brands and are able to discuss these freely during your consultation.
Can I have an anti-aging treatment while pregnant?
As the risks of anti-aging treatment to an unborn baby remain uncertain, it’s not recommended to receive this treatment while pregnant. Our team will not treat you if you are pregnant but we will be happy to see you in the future, following pregnancy.
What areas can be treated with anti-aging treatment?
The most common muscle groups for skin crease reduction are frown lines between the eyes (glabella), the forehead and the lines around the outer eyes (crow’s feet). Muscle relaxants are also a way to treat jaw-grinding (this can also slim the jaw) and excessive sweating.
Book a Consultation
To book a consultation with our Gold Coast Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse, call us on 07 5598 0988 during clinic hours or submit an enquiry form.
