Relaxants work by targeting your muscles of facial expression and relaxing them to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This gives you a more refreshed and well-rested look.

Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are all different medical grade brands of relaxants available to you from The Gallery of Dermatology and Advanced Aesthetics.

The procedure takes less than 15 minutes to perform and little to no downtime is expected. The cosmetic results usually last around 2-4 months. All injections are performed by our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Kerri Davis-Fontenot, only.

Areas that improvement can be seen with relaxants:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines between the brows (number 11’s)
• Crow’s feet
• Brow lift
• Lines besides the nose (bunny lines)
• Lip lines (“lip flip”)
• Improve a gummy smile
• Downturned corners of the mouth
• Chin dimpling
• Neck lines
• Jaw line for contouring

The procedure:

The procedure is quick with minimal discomfort. Your physician will ask you to make facial movements to determine the best location and the amount of relaxant that you will need. Then, using a small needle, she will inject the relaxant into the skin and facial muscles at multiple sites. You may notice a mild pinch or burning sensation that generally resolves within seconds. You may also notice small areas of swelling around the injection sites, which should resolve over the next 15-30 minutes. You may be sent home with an ice pack to prevent bruising.

Normal Response to Injections:

• Mild pinprick bleeding, mild swelling, or bruising.
• Mild headache or numbness after a few days.
• Some movement in the treatment area for 1-2 weeks.

Preparing for relaxant:

• Avoid blood thinning agents for at least 2 weeks before treatment if possible. This will prevent bruising after your treatment.
• Aspirin, vitamin E, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, ginkgo biloba, Omega 3, fish oil, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen sodium- Motrin, Advil, Aleve).
• Avoid drinking alcohol at least 24 hours before your treatment. Again, this will prevent bruising after your treatment.
• Schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks prior to any special event. It can take up to 2 weeks for relaxant to be fully effective, at which time touch ups are performed if needed, such as asymmetry or remaining unwanted muscle movement. This also allows enough time for bruising to resolve if this occurred during your treatment.
• Be sure to eat and drink prior to your appointment to prevent any lightheadedness during your treatment.
• Try to come to your appointment with a freshly clean face. If you are unable to, your physician will remove your makeup (if present) and cleanse your skin prior to treatment.
• If you develop a rash or open wound in the area you wish to have treated, please reschedule at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Injections should not be done if a rash or open wound is present.

Post-care instructions:

• Remain in an upright position for 4 hours. Lying down flat on your face may move the relaxant outside of the intended area of treatment.
• No massaging or facials in the treated area for 4 hours. This may move the relaxant outside of the intended area of treatment.
• Do not exercise for 24 hours.
• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for 24 hours. Tylenol is preferred if needed for pain or headache.
• It will take 3-7 days for noticeable improvement and up to 2 weeks for complete effects.

When to notify your physician:

• If you have a severe headache, fever, weakness, or other significant change in your health, seek emergency care and notify our office.
• For any drooping of the eyelids or other unexpected side effects of treatment.