Wrinkle Relaxers
Wrinkle relaxers are neuromodulator injections for fine lines and wrinkles
How wrinkle relaxers work
Botulinum toxin doesn’t work directly on the wrinkles. It acts on the muscle. When we inject the muscle, it prevents it from contracting, which prevents dynamic creases from forming. When we lessen dynamic creases, we prevent and improve static lines. Over time, with repeat treatments, the muscle slowly atrophies and the dynamic lines become less and less severe, meaning static lines don’t form.
Each area of the face needs careful consideration regarding dosage and location of injection. Oftentimes, we need to treat multiple areas, even when only one area is requested, to achieve a balanced and natural look.
Currently, at Limelight Medical Aesthetics, we offer Xeomin, Jeuveau, Dysport, and Daxxify.
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Prior to Arrival
Prior to arrival, you would have received a questionnaire and consent for treatment. Dr. Tyler will review these forms with you and answers any questions you may have.
Photos
Dr. Tyler does photos with each visit. Not only does it show progress through your aesthetic journey, it also helps to understand and tweak subsequent treatments, based on outcomes from each encounter.
Preparation
Once images are obtained, the skin is cleansed and marked for injections. Dr. Tyler marks every patient to assure symmetrical placement of product and honor each individual’s unique anatomy.
Injections
The injections are quick and mostly painless. If pain is of concern, ice can be applied briefly before the injection to numb the area.
Complications/Side Effects
BLEEDING/BRUISING
Because we are causing trauma, by sticking a needle through the skin, bruising is possible. To lessen the chance of bruising, Dr. Tyler will attempt to place injections around vessels and not through them. To lessen the chance of bruising, please refrain from alcohol, turmeric, fish oils, aspirin, and other blood thinning supplements/medications for at least 24 hours.
If bruising occurs, arnica gel or tablets can assist in resorption. At 48 hours, you can apply warm compresses to further hasten resolution.
BROW/LID PTOSIS
The most feared complication of botulinum toxin is a ptosis.
Brow ptosis is when the entire or part of the eyebrow is lower than it should be. This is very easy to correct with a touchup, if one section of the brow has dropped. If the entire brow is heavy, your dosage and areas injected will need to be adjusted. There are several anatomical findings that make you more likely to drop a brow:
• You have a short forehead
• You have shallow set eyes, with a hooded lid or less prominent brow bone.
• You have resting forehead tone, keeping your eyebrows constantly elevated.
Dr. Tyler will provide a careful assessment and inform of how he will perform the treatment to prevent a brow drop.
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Day 1-3: you may have some bruising in the more sensitive/vascular areas, but still likely have full muscle movement.
Day 4-5: the treatment starts to kick in and the facial muscles become less and less active.
Day 7-10: the treatment is hitting its most active state. The face can feel very heavy and frozen during this period.
Day 10-14: the muscles that were treated are set. This is the time for reassessment and a touch-up. Everyone has a side of the face that is more dominant, so it is not uncommon to need a quick poke to get things even on each side.
Day 21: this is when the face returns to a more natural state. The compensatory muscles have picked up the slack and though not noticeable, the treatment is already starting to lessen.
Day 21-Day 60: enjoy! This is the time to shine and get ready for all the compliments. Are you ready for the limelight?
Day 61: Time to consider when to schedule your touch-up. By 2 months, some movement is back. You should schedule your 3 month touch-up now, to assure you stay on track.
Day 90: time for your next treatment. Let Dr. Tyler know what you liked and/or didn’t like about the previous treatment, and he can modify the location or dosage at your next visit.
Instructions + Forms
Prepare for your appointment and learn how to care for the treated area after your procedure.
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In preparation for your neuromodulator treatment, if able, please have cleansed skin. Your skin will be sanitized before injection, but to give best results with least complications, cleansed skin is best.
If you enjoy regular exercise, please do so BEFORE your appointment. You cannot exercise for at least 4 hours after treatment, as there is risk for migration of product.
If you are a shift worker, or enjoy an early bedtime, please make sure your appointment start time is 5 hours before you plan on going to bed. We want 4 hours of time from your injections, before lying down. This minimizes risk of product migration.
To decrease the chance of bleeding (and bruising) it is best to refrain from alcohol for 24 hrs before your appointment.
To enhance your treatment, take 50 mg zinc citrate daily, starting 4-5 days before your appointment.
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Do not touch or rub your face for 4 hours after you have been treated.
Avoid lying down for 4 hours after your treatment.
Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sweating for 24 hours after treatment.
Avoid any skin care products that have high amounts of acid over the injected areas for 24 hours.
“Frown, raise, frown, raise” 30 times or so over the next hour, as it helps the muscle pick up the botox and give a better effect.
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Science + Education
Botulinum toxin is protein made by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. It works to block the release of acetylcholine, the chemical (known as a neurotransmitter) needed to activate muscle contraction.
The effect is temporary. New nerve terminals form and are eventually able to produce and release acetylcholine again, allowing movement to return to the muscle.
Holistic Aesthetic Approach
This treatment is used for correcting fine lines and wrinkles. To holistically address your concern, consider adding treatments that prevent wrinkles and regenerate the collagen that's lost during the aging. These include chemical peels, microneedling and EXION™ Radiofrequency.