Facial Muscle Relaxation
Facial Muscle Relaxation in Oxfordshire
Line & Wrinkle Treatments
Line and wrinkle treatments are commonly used for areas in the upper part of the face, these treatments can combat both fine lines and also deep wrinkles. The most popular areas to treat are:
- Frown lines between the eyes
- Forehead lines
- Crows feet
The treatment known as BOTOX® has been approved for cosmetic use under a new name Vistabel®. BOTOX® / Vistabel® is ideal for easing over-active muscle movement that can cause deep frown lines and crows feet.
The positive therapeutic effects of injecting Facial Muscle Relaxant into facial muscles has been known for the past 25 years. However, the true cosmetic benefits have only really been appreciated over the last 10 years. During this period Facial Muscle Relaxant treatments have become the most popular non-surgical treatment in the USA/UK with over 1.2 million patients receiving treatment last year alone.
Facial Muscle Relaxant is a chemical derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. This product was first used to treat face spasms and central nervous disorders. It acts to freeze muscles by blocking the electrical impulses from the nerves into the muscles, this effect is not permanent, usually lasting between 3 to 4 months. Like many medicines, if taken incorrectly in very large amounts, it can be dangerous. However, when used correctly, in very small amounts it can have a dramatic effect on eliminating facial lines and wrinkles with minimal side effects.
Treatment for Lines and Wrinkles
Over time, as we naturally age, overactive muscle movement gradually wears away the collagen in our skin, causing the skin to crease and wrinkles to appear. Line & wrinkle treatments relax these muscles, preventing the formation of wrinkles and smoothing out lines. Line & wrinkle treatments work only on the specific muscles injected, leaving surrounding muscles to function as usual, enabling normal facial expression, just with less wrinkles.
Not all lines and wrinkles are caused in the same way and therefore not all are suitable for the same form of treatment.
Facial Muscle Relaxant is most effective at removing lines of facial expression or laughter lines, i.e. those around the eyes and forehead (frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet).
Here are some important facts you need to know regarding treatment.
You will require a consultation with your doctor prior to treatment to determine if this treatment is best for you.
There are a number of contraindications to treatment which are:
- Pregnancy/breast feeding
- Neuromuscular conditions, i.e. Multiple Sclerosis/Myasthenia Gravis
- Medication-penacillamine, aminoglyocide antibiotics, calcium blockers
If in doubt, ask the doctor.
Treatment is quick, usually consisting of tiny injections to each treatment area.
Most patients experience very little discomfort but an anaesthetic can be applied to the skin if required.
The treated area may look a little red for 6 hours after treatment and make-up can be applied after 6 hours.
There may be minor bruising but this risk can be reduced;
- By not taking Aspirin within 5 days of treatment
- Avoiding excessive alcohol intake
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 2 days, and/or air travel
- Informing the practitioner of any medication you may be taking.
The effect usually takes between 3 and 5 days to develop and starts with a tingling sensation.
The effect should be visible at 10 days after treatment in all patients. If the effect is weak or unequal, contact the practice as a top up may be needed. It is best to be conservative with the first treatment.
The effect usually lasts for 3 to 4 months on average (range 2 to 6 months).
There is no evidence at present that Facial Muscle Relaxant treatments prevent the occurrence of lines and wrinkles. However, by de-activating the muscles which constantly fold the skin, permanent lines can be avoided.
There are no known long term harmful effects and it has been in clinical use for 20 years. The commonest side effects, apart from bruising, is unintentional paralysis of the muscles lifting the upper eye lid. This is rare if proper care is taken (less than 1 in 100) but is a recognised risk. If it does occur, it is usually short lived (2 weeks) and can be reversed with eye drops if treated promptly. There have been cases of localised infection and/or allergic reactions around the injection site but this is very uncommon.
Not all line and wrinkles will disappear even with complete paralysis of the treated muscle. Sometimes other treatments such as fillers may be needed to fill deep lines. You will be advised about the likelihood of further treatments being required at your initial consultation.
The intention of the treatment is to remove lines whilst retaining facial character and animation. You will not be given a 'blank' expressionless face.
FACIAL MUSCLE RELAXATION: Line & wrinkle treatments have been used as Cosmetic Treatments since the late 1980's, revolutionising the cosmetic industry due to its remarkable results combined with very few risks and no recovery time. Wrinkle Relaxing injections have been used to treat millions of patients worldwide and is the world's most popular Non Surgical treatment.
Facial Muscle Relaxant is a chemical derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It acts to freeze muscles by blocking the electrical impulses from the nerves into the muscles, this effect is not permanent, usually lasting between 3 to 4 months. Like many medicines, if taken incorrectly in very large amounts, it can be dangerous. However, when used correctly, in very small amounts it can have a dramatic effect on eliminating facial lines and wrinkles with minimal side effects.
