Wrinkle Relaxers
Fine lines and wrinkles become a natural part of our appearance as we age. While they’re a sign of a life well-lived, many of us desire a smoother, more youthful complexion. At Vue Dermatology & Laser, we offer wrinkle relaxer treatments to help soften the appearance of fine lines and restore a refreshed, youthful look.
Wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin®, are injectable treatments designed to temporarily reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expression movements and soften static wrinkles that have set in from these repeated movements. These treatments work by relaxing the underlying muscles that create wrinkles, allowing the skin to lay smoother and appear more youthful.
Wrinkle relaxers are most commonly used to treat:
- Forehead Lines: Horizontal lines that form across the forehead due to repeated expressions like raising the eyebrows.
- Glabellar Lines (frown lines): The vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called “11s,” appear when one frowns or concentrates.
- Crow’s Feet: Fine lines that develop around the outer corners of the eyes due to smiling or squinting.
In addition to these common areas, wrinkle relaxers can be used in other regions of the face to create a more balanced and rejuvenated appearance.
Wrinkle relaxers are derived from a purified protein called botulinum toxin type A. When injected into specific muscles, this protein temporarily blocks the signals between the nerves and the muscles. As a result, the treated muscles relax, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles.
The quick, minimally invasive procedure provides visible results with little to no downtime. Wrinkle relaxer injections are very well tolerated with minimal temporary discomfort. After treatment, patients typically notice smoother skin in the treated areas within a few days, with full results appearing within two weeks.
Wrinkle relaxers are an excellent option for individuals looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Ideal candidates include those who:
- Have dynamic wrinkles, such as forehead lines, frown lines, or crow’s feet
- Want to prevent new wrinkles from forming
- Desire a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment with no downtime
Wrinkle relaxers are safe for most patients, but Dr. Philip Eliades will decide if this is the right treatment for you based on your goals during a consultation.
At Vue Dermatology & Laser, Dr. Eliades prioritizes your safety and comfort. After cleaning the treatment areas, small amounts of the wrinkle relaxer are injected into specific muscles responsible for creating wrinkles; a tiny needle is used to help improve comfort. The procedure itself is relatively quick, lasting only a few minutes.
After the procedure, you can return to your daily activities immediately. Some mild swelling or redness may occur at the injection sites but typically subsides within 30-60 minutes. We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise for the remainder of the day following the procedure.
Results from wrinkle relaxers typically last between 3 to 4 months, depending on the individual and the treatment area. Regular maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain a smooth, youthful appearance.
Wrinkle relaxers offer a wide range of benefits for those looking to achieve a more youthful appearance without the need for invasive procedures:
- Quick and Convenient: Wrinkle relaxer treatments are often called “lunchtime procedures” due to their short duration and lack of downtime.
- Natural-Looking Results: When performed by skilled professionals, such as Dr. Eliades, wrinkle relaxers provide subtle, natural results, allowing you to look refreshed without appearing “overdone.”
- Preventative Treatment: Many patients use wrinkle relaxers as a preventative measure to delay the formation of new wrinkles.
- Customizable: The treatment can be tailored to each individual’s needs, allowing for precise targeting of specific facial muscles.
While wrinkle relaxers are generally safe and well-tolerated, some patients may experience mild side effects. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, patients may experience headaches, mild pain, or temporary eyelids drooping.
Wrinkle relaxers can be used alone or with other cosmetic treatments for enhanced results. Many patients pair wrinkle relaxers with dermal fillers, which add volume to areas of the face, such as the cheeks or lips, to create a more youthful and balanced appearance.
Schedule Your Consultation at Vue Dermatology & Laser
Ready to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? At Vue Dermatology & Laser, Dr. Philip Eliades specializes in providing natural-looking, refreshed results with wrinkle relaxers. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
At a Glance
Philip Eliades, MD, FAAD
- Board-Certified Dermatologist
- Served as Chief Resident at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Author of numerous peer-reviewed research articles in leading Dermatology journals
- Learn more
