Muscle Relaxation Treatments for Facial Lines

What Are Muscle Relaxation Treatments?

Muscle relaxation treatments involve the use of a purified protein that is carefully administered to temporarily reduce activity in specific facial muscles. By softening muscle contractions, these treatments may help reduce the appearance of lines that develop from repeated facial movements, such as frowning or squinting.

These products have been used internationally for over 30 years for both medical and cosmetic purposes. In Australia, all products used must be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). For regulatory reasons, specific product names cannot be mentioned here.

When performed by a qualified practitioner with a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, these treatments may provide a smoother and more relaxed facial appearance.

How Do Muscle Relaxation Treatments for Facial Lines Work?

Facial lines often form from repeated muscle activity beneath the skin. Over time, this can lead to creases that may become more noticeable.

Muscle relaxation treatments temporarily block nerve signals to the targeted muscles, reducing their activity. This may soften existing lines and help slow the development of new lines.

Treatment effects are not immediate:

• Early changes may be visible within 2–5 days.
• Maximum results are typically seen after about two weeks.

Effects generally last around 3–4 months, depending on the treatment area, muscle strength, and individual response.

Follow-up treatments may be required to maintain results over time.

Common Areas That May Be Treated

Muscle relaxation treatments for facial lines can be used in several facial areas, including:

• Forehead: horizontal forehead lines
• Glabella: frown lines between the eyebrows
• Around the eyes: “crow’s feet”
• Eyebrows: to help create a subtle lift
• Nose: “bunny lines” and drooping nasal tip
• Lips and mouth area: to address lines around the lips or a downturned mouth
• Chin: to reduce dimpling or a “cobblestone” appearance
• Jawline and lower face: to soften the appearance of a square jaw caused by enlarged masseter muscles
• Neck: visible vertical bands

The suitability of treatment for these areas varies between individuals and will be discussed during a consultation.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

All medical procedures carry potential risks. While muscle relaxation treatments are generally well-tolerated, some possible side effects include:

• Temporary bruising or redness at the injection site
• Mild tenderness or swelling
• Uneven results or facial asymmetry
• “Frozen” appearance due to over-treatment
• Temporary drooping of the eyelid or mouth if the product spreads to nearby muscles (uncommon, reported in about 1% of treatments)

Most side effects are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Your practitioner will provide pre- and post-treatment care instructions to help reduce these risks.

These may include:

• Avoiding touching or rubbing the treated area for several hours
• Refraining from strenuous exercise and hot showers immediately after the procedure
• Avoiding alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications prior to and shortly after treatment

How Long Do Results Last?

On average, results from muscle relaxation treatments last around 3–4 months. However, the duration varies depending on:

• The treated area
• Individual muscle strength
• Dosage used
• Your body’s unique response

Regular follow-up sessions can help maintain the results.

What to Expect During Treatment

1. Your practitioner will begin by assessing your goals and discussing whether treatment is appropriate for you.
2. The area will be cleaned, and ice or a topical anaesthetic may be applied for comfort.
3. The product is then injected into specific muscles using a fine needle.
4. The procedure typically takes around 10 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated.

You can usually resume normal daily activities immediately after your appointment. Mild redness or swelling may occur and typically resolves within a day or two.

Who Performs the Treatment?

At Restore Cosmetic, all treatments are performed by Dr Michael Xu, a qualified cosmetic surgery practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in cosmetic medicine and surgery.

Dr Xu uses only TGA-approved products and equipment in accordance with Australian safety standards.

Choosing the Right Treatment

There are several TGA-approved products available. The best choice for you depends on factors such as your treatment goals, facial anatomy, and medical history.

Your practitioner will discuss the available options and explain the expected outcomes, risks, and aftercare during your personal consultation.

Important Information

• The results of muscle relaxation treatments for facial lines vary between individuals.
• This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
• A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.