Wrinkle relaxers, also known as neuromodulators or neurotoxins, are injectable medications that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. These are the lines that form from repeated facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows.

At Spindrift Aesthetics, we offer several FDA-approved wrinkle relaxers, including:

• Botox® Cosmetic

• Dysport®

• Jeuveau®

• Xeomin®

While each product has unique characteristics, they all work by temporarily reducing communication between nerves and the treated muscles. This allows the overlying skin to appear smoother while helping prevent deeper wrinkles from forming over time.

Wrinkle relaxers are commonly used to treat:

• Forehead lines

• Frown lines (glabellar lines or "11s")

• Crow's feet

• Bunny lines

• Lip flip

• Chin dimpling

• Downturned corners of the mouth (DAO)

• Platysmal bands

• Jawline slimming

• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

• Additional cosmetic and therapeutic indications as determined during your consultation

Wrinkle relaxers work by temporarily blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. As muscle activity decreases, the overlying skin has an opportunity to smooth, resulting in a softer, more refreshed appearance.

The medication remains localized to the muscles that are treated and gradually wears off as new nerve endings regenerate over time.

The goal at Spindrift Aesthetics is not to eliminate all facial movement. Instead, we create balanced, natural-looking results that preserve facial expression while softening unwanted lines.

Immediately After Treatment

You may notice:

• Small bumps at the injection sites

• Mild redness

• Slight tenderness

• Minimal swelling

These typically resolve within 15–60 minutes.

First 24 Hours

Most patients resume normal daily activities immediately.

It is common to experience:

• Mild tenderness

• Occasional bruising

• Temporary redness

The medication is beginning to bind to the targeted nerve endings during this time.

Days 2–5

Many patients begin noticing early improvement.

Muscle movement may gradually become weaker.

Results often develop unevenly before reaching their final effect.

Days 7–14

Your treatment reaches its full clinical effect.

This is the ideal time to evaluate your results and determine whether a small touch-up is necessary.

Three to Four Months

Most wrinkle relaxers gradually wear off over approximately 3–4 months, although duration varies based on:

• Treatment area

• Product used

• Dosage

• Individual metabolism

• Muscle strength

Regular maintenance treatments help preserve consistent results.

Following these recommendations helps optimize your results and reduce the likelihood of bruising or unwanted migration.

During the First Four Hours

• Remain upright.

• Avoid lying flat.

• Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas.

• Avoid facial treatments.

For the First 24 Hours

Avoid:

• Strenuous exercise

• Hot tubs

• Saunas

• Steam rooms

• Excessive alcohol

• Facial massage

• Cosmetic facial devices

You may gently cleanse your face and apply your regular skincare unless otherwise instructed.

Makeup

If there is no bleeding from the injection sites, makeup may generally be applied several hours after treatment using clean brushes or applicators.

Bruising

Small bruises occasionally occur and generally resolve within several days.

Applying a cool compress intermittently may improve comfort.

Results Continue to Improve

Your wrinkle relaxer continues working for approximately two weeks.

Please avoid judging your final result too early.

Most patients notice improvement within 2–5 days, with full results appearing around 10–14 days.

We advise avoiding strenuous exercise until the following day to reduce the potential for increased swelling or product migration.

Yes, but avoid lying face down or directly on the treatment areas. Avoid face massages, back massages and any treatments that place prolonged pressure where you had treatment (eyelash extensions, microblading).

Yes, gentle face soap and gentle washing of the face is fine. Avoid pressing firmly and do not massage the treatment areas for the next 5-7 days. No guasha massaging.

Most patients return every 3–4 months, although treatment intervals vary based on individual muscle activity and treatment goals.

Please contact Spindrift Aesthetics promptly if you experience:

• Significant or worsening swelling

• Increasing redness or warmth

• Fever

• Persistent severe headache

• Changes in vision

• Eyelid drooping that concerns you

• Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning

Although serious complications are uncommon, prompt communication allows us to provide appropriate guidance and evaluation.

If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing please cal 9-1-1 and seek emergency care as this could be a symptom of a rare but serious complication.