BOTOX® Specialist in Glen Ellyn, IL

Wrinkle Relaxers

Wrinkle Relaxers are an excellent treatment option to create a smooth, youthful face specifically reducing unwanted facial wrinkles caused by expression. Most commonly referred to by its product name, BOTOX® Cosmetic, or Wrinkle Relaxers are most often performed on the brow (glabella), forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), on the ridge of the nose (bunny lines), on the border of the lips (perioral wrinkles along the vermillion border), and neck. There is no downtime and minimal discomfort and risk. It is the perfect treatment for those wanting a smooth complexion while still enjoying their regular daily activities.

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What does a wrinkle relaxer treatment feel like?

Treatments are approximately 10-30 minutes depending on the treatment area. Your skin will be cleansed prior to beginning the treatment. You will be asked to contract the muscles revealing the wrinkles upon expression. These areas will be marked or notated and then treated. A very fine needle will be inserted into the muscle where the product will be placed. This process will repeat in each area that the Provider feels is necessary to reduce the contraction, with the goal of creating a natural look. Although the treatment is tolerable, most clients assimilate the feel of Wrinkle Relaxers to a small pinch of the skin. This feeling only lasts during the treatment application. For those with sensitive skin, a small ice pack pillow or cold air will be applied to the skin immediately prior to reduce discomfort. Once complete, the areas treated may appear mildly swollen with a small pinprick mark at each injection site. Your skin will be cleansed again and skincare will be applied. You may apply makeup immediately following and go about your regular daily activities, avoiding excessive sun exposure.

How does the treatment work?

The lines that have formed in the skin have developed due to varying reasons. Wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), on the ridge of the nose (bunny lines), on the border of the lips (perioral wrinkles along the vermillion border), and neck are created and then imbedded into the skin due to muscle contraction with movement as many refer to our expressions. The constant use of these muscles causes these lines to form and become embedded in the skin. In these areas, we want to retrain the muscles memory by blocking the impulse that causes the muscle to contract. BOTOX® Cosmetic provide this service. The lack of response or contraction gradually weakens the muscle and its memory to respond to that signal. The result is a smoother surface, with smaller or no wrinkles when trying to contract.

The product is typically metabolized within 3 months of treatment, but the effect can for up to 3 more months. With constant retreatment at 3 months, the muscles do not have the chance to remember the process of contraction again, allowing the retraining of muscle memory to provide a longer-term effect. In other words, it takes a longer period of time to build back the strength in the muscle, thus the degree of contraction and the re-embed lines in the skin. We generally suggest having treatment every 3 months for the first year and then gradually adjust to 4 months as time passes. Over time, some clients progress to treatments every 5-6 months due to the lack of response from the muscle.

What product do you use?

At Blue Seas Med Spa we use BOTOX Cosmetic, which is made of purified onabotulinumtoxinA.

What skin features can the treatment improve?

The product that we use can improve:

• Wrinkles caused by dynamic expression
• Fine Lines

What is the pre-treatment care?

Please follow the recommended skincare regimen as directed by your Consultation Coordinator or Provider.

Although it most likely will not provide a side effect, we do not recommend this treatment be performed on sun burnt skin. This includes tanning beds. Sun exposure will make the skin sensitive, which increases risk for potential side effects. Daily use of sunblock with SPF30 or higher will assist in reducing sun exposure, but will not do enough if you are regularly outside. If your skin is compromised, your provider may delay your treatment to a later date to reduce risk of side effects.

Individuals who want to reduce the risk of bruising may apply Arnica Montana or vitamin K to the treatment area for 3-5 days prior to treatment. Please note, some medicals and supplements may increase the chance of bruising.

What is the post-treatment care?

Individuals who want to treat bruising may apply arnica Montana or vitamin K to the treatment area for 3-5 days after treatment. Please follow the recommended skincare regimen as directed by your Consultation Coordinator or Provider.

Who are the best candidates?

The best candidates for this procedure are those with early signs of aging skin who desire a healthier, more youthful appearance. Those candidates should also have realistic expectations and be committed to improving their skin and maintaining results under the direction of a skincare professional. Please note this procedure is not recommended for pregnant women

Can all skin types be treated?

All skin types can be treated with Wrinkle Relaxers.

What results are expected?

Although you will see results with each treatment, with consistent treatments, proper sun exposure and skin care, one should expect an impressive overall improvement in the appearance of their skin, including a smoother texture, with minimal to no wrinkles in the areas treated. To treat the skin features and maximize results, overall dermal fillers, photorejuvenation, facials, peels and microdermabrasion are ideal services to complement your treatment.

When can you expect the results?

Results gradually develop over a period of 2 weeks after each treatment while textural improvement can occur for a few months following treatment.

After treatment, the skin will continue to age. It is important to follow a healthy skin care regimen to prevent new wrinkles and sun damage in addition to receiving maintenance results. Please consult with your Consultation Coordinator or Provider for the most effective plan for your skin care goals.

We measure results based on the goals of the consultation and with clinical photography. Your Consultation Coordinator and/or Provider will assess your results throughout your treatment program. Photos of the treatment area will be taken prior to your first treatment and at the completion of the program. Additional photographs may be taken as needed.

What are things to consider in choosing to have this treatment? Are there potential risks or side effects?

Slight discomfort is associated with the treatment, similar to a pinch on the skin. This sensation does not continue after treatment. There is minimal if any downtime with each treatment, although side effects are possible.

With any injectable treatment, there are potential side effects. Minimizing sun exposure before and after treatment minimizes risk of side effects. There are also certain medications and supplements that may cause more sensitivity and may affect the results of the treatment. You must advise your Consultation Coordinator and Provider of any changes in medical history. Side effects can include:

• erythema (or redness/flushing) of the skin for up to 48 hours following treatment
• edema (mild swelling)
• infection and scars
• bruising
• tenderness to touch
• ptosis (droop of the lid), temporary effect
• asymmetries in the face, temporary effect
• cold sores (if you are already prone to Herpes Simplex Virus in the treated area)
• nausea or flu like symptoms

Why should I receive this treatment from Blue Seas Med Spa?

You should receive treatments from Blue Seas Med Spa for multiple reasons. We have highly skilled professionals with excellent client satisfaction. We are very cautious with treatments taking all necessary steps to ensure safety and efficacy. We pride ourselves in our client services, creating relationships that make our clients our number one referral source. We are under the medical direction of Dr. Christopher Olson.

How much does the treatment cost?

The cost of Wrinkle Relaxers varies depending on treatment area. A specific cost will be provided to you in your one-on-one Cosmetic Consultation.

We incentivize our clients with our Client Loyalty Program where you will gain credits to use towards treatments and products. Refer to our Client Loyalty Program to learn more about how you can earn greater rewards.