Frown Lines

How Does This Treatment Work?

Frown lines can be caused by repetitive muscle contraction, muscles that can be seen when you frown. To address these frown lines, we use muscle relaxant products that block neurotransmitters, which prevents the muscles from contracting. Meaning that you will find it far more difficult to frown and therefore, you will notice a reduction in the appearance of the lines between your brows.

It is important to note that there is no immediate improvement in static lines (lines that are present at rest). However, following several non-surgical muscle relaxant treatments, skin that is normally creased, has time to rest and recover, and an improvement in static lines usually occurs.

How long do the results last?

Generally, after the first few sessions, the results last around two to three months. However, after regular treatments, the results can last longer because the treated muscles have been retrained. Please note: if you cease having the muscle relaxant treatment, your muscles will return to normal, and your wrinkles will return to their previous state—they do not become worse.

Returning to normal activities following treatment

Normal activities can be resumed soon after your treatment. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise or massaging the area for the first 24 hours after treatment. There is some addition post-treatment information that is recommended, and this information will be provided to you at the time of your consultation.

Potential Risks

Every non-surgical procedure including eye lines and wrinkles treatment, will involve a certain degree of risk, so it’s important that you understand what these risks are and also the possible complications associated which such treatment. While many of our patients do not experience the following, it is important that you discuss the following risks with your prescribing doctor and the treating cosmetic registered nurse, so that you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment plan. 

Common side effects may occur immediately or may be delayed.    

Pain, burning, stinging, bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site; local muscle weakness including drooping eyelids or eyebrows; swollen eyelids, skin tightness, itching or aching forehead, headaches, nausea and/or flu-like symptoms.                                                                   

Although exceedingly rare, in some cases the effect of the product may be observed beyond the site of injection and the following symptoms may occur – loss of strength and muscle weakness, drooping of upper eyelid, double or blurred vision, trouble speaking, constipation, aspiration and trouble swallowing.  These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after injection and are more likely to occur in patients treated with high doses or who have underlying conditions that would predispose to the above.

Post-Procedure Care

The following are very common side effects after treatment and should resolve with time.  

• Swelling at puncture sites   
• Bruising 
• Redness at puncture sites  
• Tenderness   
• Tightness  
• You may experience a mild headache; Paracetamol may be taken if required.    

Final Results  

You may notice the effects of your treatment within two – four days.  It can take up to 14 days for the full effect. You may require further treatments to achieve your desired results.   

Aftercare 

Please contact the clinic immediately if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary.   

• If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department
• You may return to your normal activities (including driving immediately post treatment)  
• We advise no strenuous exercise or alcohol for 24 hours  
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure and extreme temperatures for at least 2 weeks post treatment 

Avoid touching or massaging the treatment area. Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, IPL, laser or any other skin treatments for at least 2 weeks after treatment. 

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.