All You Need to Know About Wrinkle Relaxers: Benefits, How They Work, and More

May 12, 2025

Wrinkle relaxers have transformed the way we approach facial ageing, offering a non-surgical solution to minimise fine lines and restore a refreshed appearance. These anti-wrinkle treatments work by temporarily relaxing specific facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles whilst preventing new ones from forming.

Many Australians are discovering the subtle yet significant impact of wrinkle relaxers on their appearance. These treatments can address common concerns like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases, helping to maintain a natural-looking, youthful complexion without appearing frozen or overdone.

As specialists in cosmetic medicine, we’ve witnessed countless success stories where wrinkle relaxers have helped our patients feel more confident in their skin. The treatment’s popularity stems from its quick procedure time, minimal downtime, and reliable results that typically last three to four months.

What Are Wrinkle Relaxers?

Wrinkle relaxers are prescription medicines that temporarily reduce muscle movement in specific areas of the face to smooth out expression lines and wrinkles.

Understanding Wrinkle Relaxers

Wrinkle relaxers contain purified proteins that work by blocking nerve signals to targeted facial muscles. These proteins prevent the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger responsible for muscle contractions. This treatment also helps with conditions such as excessive sweating.

The treatment involves tiny injections into specific facial muscles to reduce their movement. Common treatment areas include frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes.

The effects typically become visible within a few days after treatment, with optimal results showing at around 2 weeks. Results generally last 3-4 months, though this can vary among individuals.

How Wrinkle Relaxers Differ from Dermal Fillers

Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers serve distinct purposes in cosmetic treatments. Wrinkle relaxers target dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, while dermal fillers add volume to static wrinkles and hollow areas.

Dermal fillers contain substances like hyaluronic acid that plump up the skin from beneath. They’re ideal for addressing volume loss, deep lines, and enhancing facial contours.

Key differences:

Duration: Wrinkle relaxers last 3-4 months; fillers typically last 6-18 months
Target: Wrinkle relaxers → muscle movement; fillers → volume loss
Treatment areas: Wrinkle relaxers work best for upper face; fillers suit mid to lower face

How Do Wrinkle Relaxers Work?

Wrinkle relaxers work through precise injections that temporarily block nerve signals to targeted facial muscles, reducing their movement and smoothing out expression lines and wrinkles.

Targeting Muscle Movement to Reduce Wrinkles

Wrinkle relaxers contain purified proteins that act directly on nerve endings in facial muscles. These proteins prevent the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that triggers muscle contractions.

When strategically injected into specific facial muscles, these proteins create a localised effect. The treated muscles gradually relax, which leads to smoother skin above them.

The treatment specifically targets dynamic wrinkles – those that form from repeated facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows. Common treatment areas include:

Forehead lines
Frown lines between eyebrows
Crow’s feet around eyes
Bunny lines on the nose

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Initial changes can appear within a few days of treatment, though optimal results typically develop over 7-14 days.

The full effect becomes visible around day 14, when the muscle-relaxing action reaches its peak. During this period, patients notice a gradual softening of wrinkles and fine lines.

Some patients might need a follow-up appointment at 2 weeks to assess results and make any minor adjustments if needed.

How Long Do Wrinkle Relaxers Last?

Most patients enjoy results for 3-4 months after their treatment. The duration varies based on several factors:

Individual metabolism
Treatment area
Dosage used
Muscle strength
Previous treatment history

Regular facial movements gradually break down the protein, causing the effect to wear off naturally. First-time patients might notice shorter duration, while those receiving regular treatments often experience longer-lasting results.

We recommend scheduling maintenance treatments every 3-4 months to maintain consistent results.

Benefits of Wrinkle Relaxers

Wrinkle relaxers provide powerful, scientifically-proven solutions for facial rejuvenation with minimal risk and exceptional results. These treatments target specific facial muscles to reduce visible signs of ageing and prevent future wrinkle formation.

Smoother, More Youthful Skin

Anti-wrinkle injections effectively smooth existing facial lines and wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles. The treatment particularly targets dynamic wrinkles – those that form from repeated facial expressions.

Common treatment areas include crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Most patients notice visible improvements within 3-7 days after treatment.

Results typically last 3-4 months, with some patients experiencing benefits for up to 6 months. Regular treatments can lead to longer-lasting results as the targeted muscles become progressively weaker.

Prevention of Deeper Wrinkles

Early treatment with wrinkle relaxers can significantly reduce the formation of deep, permanent wrinkles. By limiting repetitive muscle movements, these injections help prevent creases from becoming etched into the skin.

The preventative approach works best when started before deep static lines develop – typically in one’s late 20s or early 30s.

Regular treatments can reduce the need for more invasive procedures later in life. Many patients find they need less frequent treatments over time as their muscles adapt.

Non-Surgical and Minimal Downtime

Wrinkle relaxer treatments require no incisions, anaesthesia, or recovery period. Most patients return to their daily activities immediately after treatment.

Minor side effects like slight redness or bruising typically resolve within 24-48 hours. The procedure takes just 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.

There’s no need for bandages or special aftercare beyond basic precautions in the first few hours post-treatment.

Quick and Convenient Procedure

The treatment process is straightforward and efficient. A typical appointment includes a brief consultation followed by precise injections in the target areas.

Results appear gradually over 3-14 days, creating a natural-looking transformation. Touch-up treatments can be scheduled every 3-4 months to maintain results.

Treatment plans are customised to each patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. Most patients find the procedure relatively comfortable with minimal discomfort.

Common Areas Treated with Wrinkle Relaxers

Wrinkle relaxers effectively target dynamic facial lines and muscles across multiple areas of the face, offering customised solutions for various aesthetic concerns.

Forehead Lines

Horizontal lines across the forehead respond remarkably well to wrinkle relaxer treatments. These lines form from repeated eyebrow raising and forehead muscle movement throughout our lives.

The treatment involves precise injections into the frontalis muscle to reduce its contraction strength. Most patients notice visible smoothing within 3-14 days after treatment.

Crow’s Feet (Around the Eyes)

These fine lines radiating from the outer corners of the eyes become more pronounced when smiling or squinting. The orbicularis oculi muscle is the target area for these treatments.

Treatment requires small, strategic injections around the eye area. The goal is to soften lines while maintaining natural expression.

Frown Lines (Between the Brows)

The glabellar area between the eyebrows develops vertical ’11’ lines from repeated frowning. These lines can create an angry or worried appearance.

Treatment targets the corrugator and procerus muscles. Precise injection placement helps maintain natural movement while reducing line severity.

Bunny Lines (Nose Wrinkles)

These diagonal wrinkles appear on the sides of the nose when smiling or scrunching. The nasalis muscle creates these characteristic lines.

Small amounts of wrinkle relaxer soften these lines effectively. Treatment requires expert placement to avoid affecting nearby muscles.

Lip Lines and Gummy Smile

Fine vertical lines around the mouth respond well to careful treatment. For gummy smiles, targeted injections help reduce excessive gum exposure when smiling.

The orbicularis oris muscle around the mouth needs precise dosing. Too much product can affect speech or drinking ability.

Jawline Slimming and Masseter Reduction

Wrinkle relaxers can slim the lower face by treating enlarged masseter muscles. This treatment helps square jaw appearances and teeth grinding issues.

Treatment involves multiple injection points in the masseter muscle. Results develop over 4-6 weeks as the muscle gradually reduces in size.

Effects can last 4-6 months, with some patients seeing changes in their jaw profile for up to 12 months.

What to Expect During a Wrinkle Relaxer Treatment

Wrinkle relaxer treatments are quick, minimally invasive procedures that typically take 15-30 minutes to complete. The process involves careful planning, precise injections, and specific aftercare instructions to achieve optimal results.

Consultation and Assessment

Our specialists begin with a thorough facial assessment to identify your concerns and desired outcomes. We examine your facial muscle movements and discuss your medical history, including any medications or supplements you’re taking.

During this time, we’ll explain the treatment process and create a personalised treatment plan targeting specific areas like crow’s feet, frown lines, or forehead wrinkles.

We take clinical photos to document your starting point and track your progress over time.

The Process

The treatment area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. We may apply a topical numbing cream if requested, though most patients find the procedure quite tolerable.

Using ultra-fine needles, we inject small amounts of the wrinkle relaxer into specific facial muscles. The number of injections varies based on your treatment areas and desired results.

The actual injection process takes about 10-15 minutes. You might feel tiny pinpricks or mild pressure during the injections.

Aftercare and Recovery Tips

For the first 4 hours post-treatment:

Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas
Keep your head upright
Don’t exercise or engage in strenuous activities

For 24 hours after treatment:

Skip facial treatments or massages
Avoid alcohol consumption
Stay out of saunas and hot showers

Minor redness or slight bruising at injection sites usually subsides within 24-48 hours. Results typically appear within 3-7 days, with full effects visible after 14 days. The effects generally last 3-4 months.

Are Wrinkle Relaxers Safe?

Wrinkle relaxers have been used safely for cosmetic purposes for over 30 years, with millions of treatments performed worldwide. When administered by qualified medical professionals in appropriate doses, these treatments maintain a strong safety record.

Common Side Effects and Risks

Most side effects from wrinkle relaxers are mild and temporary. Bruising and redness at injection sites typically resolve within a few days.

Some patients experience slight swelling or tenderness that subsides within 24-48 hours.

There’s a small risk of temporary drooping eyelids or eyebrows, affecting roughly 1% of patients. This typically resolves within 4-6 weeks.

Headaches may occur in the first few days after treatment but are usually mild and manageable with standard pain relief.

In rare cases, patients might experience:

Dry eyes or excessive tearing
Mild flu-like symptoms
Temporary muscle weakness near injection sites
Slight asymmetry in facial expressions

Who Should Avoid Wrinkle Relaxers?

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should not receive wrinkle relaxer treatments.

People with certain neuromuscular conditions like myasthenia gravis must avoid these treatments.

We recommend against treatment for those with:

Active skin infections at injection sites
Known allergies to any ingredients
Blood clotting disorders
Significant facial muscle weakness

Patients taking specific medications, including some antibiotics and blood thinners, should discuss these with their practitioner before treatment.

Active skin conditions like severe acne or rosacea may need treatment before receiving wrinkle relaxers.

Wrinkle Relaxers vs Other Anti-Ageing Treatments

Cosmetic treatments offer different approaches to addressing signs of ageing. Wrinkle relaxers target dynamic wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, while other treatments focus on different aspects of skin rejuvenation.

How They Compare to Dermal Fillers

Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers serve distinct purposes in facial rejuvenation. Wrinkle relaxers work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause expression lines, while dermal fillers add volume to areas of lost fullness.

Dermal fillers are ideal for static wrinkles, deep folds, and volume loss. They can plump up areas like lips, cheeks, and temples. The results typically last 6-24 months, depending on the product used.

On the other hand, wrinkle relaxers excel at treating crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. These treatments typically last 3-4 months and require minimal downtime.

Combining Wrinkle Relaxers with Other Cosmetic Treatments

Many clients achieve optimal results by combining different treatments. Wrinkle relaxers work well alongside dermal fillers, creating a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect.

Other complementary treatments include:

Laser therapy for skin texture
Chemical peels for surface renewal
Microdermabrasion for gentle exfoliation
Skin needling for collagen stimulation

The timing between treatments matters. We recommend spacing out wrinkle relaxer sessions from other procedures by at least two weeks.

Professional consultation helps determine the most effective combination for individual needs and ensures safe treatment spacing.

Where to Get Wrinkle Relaxers in Perth

Medaesthetics offers numerous qualified clinics and medical professionals who provide wrinkle relaxer treatments. The most reliable providers are located in medical centres and dedicated cosmetic clinics across the metropolitan area.

We recommend choosing a clinic that specialises in anti-wrinkle injections and has extensive experience with cosmetic injectables. Look for providers who offer detailed consultations and clear treatment plans.

Key factors to consider when selecting a clinic:

Registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
Professional qualifications and experience
Clinic hygiene standards
Treatment costs and payment options
Before and after photos of previous clients

It’s essential to book an initial consultation to discuss your goals and assess your suitability for treatment. Most reputable clinics like Medaesthetics offer these consultations to evaluate your needs and explain the procedure in detail.

Always verify that your chosen provider uses genuine, TGA-approved products. Avoid seeking treatment from non-medical professionals or unlicensed practitioners, regardless of attractive pricing.