Muscle Relaxants

Injections of muscle relaxants are one of the most common procedures performed at the Nakatsui DermaSurgery Centre. It is an affordable treatment that yields natural-looking results when injected appropriately.

Patients who have never had this procedure before are sometimes concerned they will look unnatural following a treatment. However, once they have had muscle relaxant injections once, they understand how natural the results can be. There is a good reason why this procedure is so common and why the results are enjoyed by so many. You might be surprised by who is getting muscle relaxant injections–celebrities, co-workers, and even some of your neighbours.

One of the most commonly treated areas is the area between the eyebrows–these are the lines that make one look angry or concerned even when happy. Following treatment, these frown lines normally fade yielding a more pleasant appearance. Other commonly treated areas include the crow’s feet around the eyes, bunny lines, uneven chins, gummy smiles, and pursing lines around the mouth. Muscle relaxants can also be used to lift the brows and raise the corners of the mouth and can even be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Three muscle relaxants have been approved in Canada. The most commonly recognized one is BOTOX COSMETIC® and it has been used by physicians for medical and aesthetic purposes for years. More recent products available to Canadian physicians include DYSPORT™, XEOMIN ®, and NUCEIVA™.

Unlike other facilities where nurses inject muscle relaxants, Dr. Nakatsui personally injects all muscle relaxants at the Nakatsui DermaSurgery Centre.

Before and After Photos

**Actual patients. Individual results may vary.

**Actual patients. Individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Involved In Muscle Relaxant Injections For Wrinkles?

Muscle relaxant injections are generally simple and safe. Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of muscle relaxant is injected, very precisely, into the target muscle. Normally, there is a slight burning sensation as the fluid enters the muscle. No sedation or local anesthetic is required and normal activities can normally be resumed immediately, with the exception of bending over for a few hours after treatment.

The actual injection of the muscle relaxant into the targeted muscles takes only a few seconds. In most individuals, the results may take up to 10 days to take effect.

How Long Will The Muscle Relaxant Last?

Gradually, over two to eight months (depends on the patient), the muscle relaxant will wear off and the muscle action will return. The duration is determined by the individual’s rate of metabolism. When the undesirable creases begin to reappear, another injection is all that is usually necessary to maintain the desired result. Normally, three to four injections a year are necessary to maintain this positive effect.

Some studies have shown that the duration of the treatment benefits increase over time. The length of time the treatment lasts varies from patient to patient.

What Are The Limitations Of Muscle Relaxant Injections?

Muscle relaxant injections are effective in treating some muscle pull creases, but not all of them and the results are temporary. The injections will not improve the quality of the skin, such as fine wrinkles, texture changes and uneven pigmentation due to long term sun exposure. Treatment options for improving the quality of the skin include the 3D Rejuvenation Program, Pearl Fractional/Fusion treatments and laser resurfacing. Muscle relaxant injections will not improve sagging and redundant skin. Lifting procedures are necessary for these conditions.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Muscle Relaxant Injections?

There is a small chance of a bruise at the site of the injection, which will fade over the course of a week. Approximately 5% of patients will develop a temporary or slight drooping (ptosis) of one eyelid or the eyebrows. When crow’s feet are treated, temporary double vision may occur. These side effects are temporary, and may not even be noticed by the patient.

Although rare, an allergic reaction to the solution may occur. There is also a very small possibility (4.5%) that the eyes will be dry. This is easily managed with eye drops. If weakness of the lower eyelids occurs (3.4%), tearing of the eye may result. Some individuals (1.4%) develop sensitivity to light. Numbness in the area of the injection is also a rare but possible occurrence.

Are Muscle Relaxants Used To Treat Other Conditions?

Muscle relaxant injections have been used to successfully treat muscle twitching (blepharospasm), severe tension headaches and sweating (hyperhidrosis). We treat hyperhidrosis with muscle relaxants at our Centre. The cost of the muscle relaxants for hyperhidrosis is covered by most drug plans; however, there is a charge for the injection by the physician.

What Does A BOTOX COSMETIC® Treatment Cost?

BOTOX® injections cost $230.00 per syringe.

Do you have another question that wasn’t addressed here? Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have!