Injectable muscle relaxants

Introduction

Dr Lamb is one of very few doctors in Queensland registered to administer a well-known muscle relaxant both therapeutically and cosmetically. He uses this substance therapeutically to treat patients suffering involuntary eye muscle twitches, known as blepharospasm. With a sound history of safe and effective therapeutic use, this muscle relaxant is now best known for its cosmetic use to reduce lines in the eye and brow area and the lower regions of the face.

Why choose this treatment?

Wrinkles can add character to our face but some lines, such as vertical frown lines between your brows, can make you look tired, angry and unapproachable. The injection of muscle relaxants can give you a more relaxed, youthful and refreshed look.

The product and its safety

This prescription substance is derived from a natural, purified protein and provides temporary improvement in lines and furrows. It works by blocking the nerve impulse to the muscle, thereby preventing muscle contraction and the associated wrinkle.

The substance has been used for more than 40 years in 80 countries to treat 21 different medical conditions. As it was developed for medical treatments, it was thoroughly tested and documented prior to its cosmetic application. Like any other prescription medicine, there can be side effects but we have only observed one minor adverse reaction in our practice in more than a decade. Skin tests are not required for this treatment.

Treatable areas

In the hands of our skilled staff, muscle relaxants can be used to:

• Relax frown lines across the forehead, between the eyes, at the corner of the eyes (‘crow’s feet’) and at top of the nose (‘bunny’ lines)
• Lift the corners of mouth
• Relax the muscles around the mouth that contribute to ‘smokers’ wrinkles
• Elevate the outside edge of the brow (a ‘non-surgical brow lift’)

Procedure

After applying ice to the area to be treated, a super-fine needle is inserted into the appropriate muscles and a small amount of muscle relaxant is injected. The procedure is usually over in a minute or two. Pain varies between Injectable muscle relaxants.  Typically any pain is minimal and brief.

Results

Patients typically see results between three and seven days and the improvement usually lasts for three to six months, depending on the individual and the area treated. We often find that the more treatments a patient has, the longer the interval between visits.

How long will it last?

A small percentage of patients show very little response to the first treatment and it may have to be repeated. The effect of the treatment lasts between three and five months. However, if it is repeated it can last as long as six months. A small percentage of people will become resistant to the toxin and the effect may not be so pronounced. When it wears off, the muscle power will return and it is therefore reversible.

Expertise administering injections

Kris Luszczek a registered nurse, is a highly sought-after practitioner due to her exemplary knowledge, skills and ‘bedside manner’. Continual education and training ensures Kris is always at the leading edge of her profession.

Postoperative Instructions

After the administration of muscle relaxants the area should not be rubbed for several days.  It is advised not to have a facial, microdermabrasion or facial massage.

Side effects

In the doses prescribed, it is extremely safe with no systemic side effects. A stinging sensation following the injection can occur and some people report a mild headache usually in the forehead region. Bruising and small red marks where the needle enters the skin are possible. A neighbouring muscle to the muscle being treated may also be weakened.  For example, the eyelid or eyebrow may appear droopy. If blinking is affected you may require protective eye drops until this resolves. Rarely, a muscle involved in the movement of the eye can be affected and this could result in temporary double vision.  Temporary drooping of the lip has also been reported.

Risks

Due to the proximity to the levator, a ptosis (droopy eyelid) can occur and has been reported.