FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrinkle Relaxers FAQS

  • A wrinkle relaxer is a type of cosmetic treatment used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It involves injecting a neurotoxin, or botulinum toxin such as Botox, into specific muscles.  This neurotoxin temporarily relaxes the muscle, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles.

  • Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.  In small doses, botulinum toxin is used for both medical and cosmetic procedures.  There are several types of botulinum toxin, but TYPE A is the most commonly used from cosmetic procedures.  Type A botulinum toxin is the form found in the brand products Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau and Daxxify.

  • Wrinkle relaxers are commonly used to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by facial repetitive facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or smiling.

  • In the United States, several brans of wrinkle relaxers are commonly used, including:

    • Botox

    • Dysport

    • Xeomin

    • Jeuveau

    • Daxxify.

    Each of these products uses botulinum toxin type A to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • Yes, is possible to achieve natural-looking results with wrinkle relaxers.  Key factors include:

    • Choosing an Experienced Practitioner:  A skilled and experienced practitioner understands facial anatomy and knows the precise injection sites and appropriate dosages to achieve a natural-looking result.  An experienced provider also knowns an understands how to prevent and treat complications.

    • Customized Treatment Plans:  A tailored treatment plan is customized to the individual’s facial structure and desired outcomes can help maintain natural results.

  • Wrinkle relaxers like Botox work by targeting the underlying causes of fine lines and wrinkles: repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling, and other facial expressions.  A small injection of botulinum toxin Type A is injected into a specific muscle using a fine needle.  The botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the nerve signals to the muscle resulting in a relaxation of that muscle.  The muscle is unable to contract as strongly, leading to a smoothing of the facial area treated.  Reduced movement of the muscle results in reduced development of fine lines and deep wrinkles.

  • The effects of a wrinkle relaxing treatment are temporary, typically lasting 3-6 months, after which the muscle action gradually returns, and the wrinkles may reappear, necessitating repeat treatments to maintain results.

  • Yes, bruising can occur after a wrinkle relaxer treatment.  This is a common side effect of the injection process.  Factors that can contribute to bruising include: 

    • Needle penetration into the skin or small vessel beneath the skin.

    • Some people are more prone to bruising than others due to their skin type or medical condition.

    • Specific medications and supplements can increase the risk of bruising (vitamin E, fish oil, and ginkgo biloba, aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescribed blood thinning medications).

  • No.  The only persons who can administer wrinkle relaxer treatments are medical providers such as doctors, nurse practitioners, physician associates, and in some states registered nurses.  State laws provide oversight on what medical providers are able to provide wrinkle relaxer treatments and these laws vary between states.  Be sure to make sure your medical provider is licensed and trained to administer injectable treatments.

  • Yes.  Wrinkle relaxing treatments are safe when performed by a well-trained, knowledgeable professional.  The wrinkle relaxer products available in the United States have undergone strict clinical trials and are approved for use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

  • The difference between a wrinkle relaxer and a filler is that:

    A wrinkle relaxer reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles by inhibiting the muscle movement that is causing wrinkles to develop.  A wrinkle relaxer can only be used to reduce muscle movement. 

    A filler is used to add volume and contour to the face.  As we age over time, we lose volume in our face from the loss of bone volume, depletion and slowed production of collagen and elastin, as well as fat pad migration and fat loss in the face. 

  • During a wrinkle relaxing treatment, you can expect the following steps:

    Consultation: The practitioner will discuss your goals, medical history, medications you take, examine your facial muscles, and develop a customized treatment plan.

    Preparation:  The treatment area will be cleansed, and in some cases, a topical anesthetic or ice may be applied to minimize discomfort.

    Injection: A fine needle is used to inject small amounts of the wrinkle relaxer.  You may feel a slight pinch or pressure during the wrinkle relaxer injection.

    Post-Treatment Care:  The practitioner will discuss with you any limitations and activities to avoid following your treatment such as avoiding exercise, hot saunas, facial massages or back massages, and avoiding rubbing the treated areas.

  • You can expect to see your full results by the second weeks following your wrinkle relaxer treatment.  You can expect to maintain your results for 3-6 months following your initial treatment.

  • Yes, there are potential side effects when having a wrinkle relaxer treatment although they are generally mild and temporary. 

    Common side effects can include:

    • Bruising

    • Swelling and redness

    • Pain or discomfort at the injection site

    • Mild headache

    • Temporary drooping of untreated muscles

    • Asymmetry

    It is important that you and your medical provider speak about all potential side effects and complications of any medical procedure.

  • Wrinkle relaxers like Botox and Dysport are most commonly injected into areas of the upper face to help reduce lines and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), the middle of the eyebrow area (“11” lines), and the forehead.  More advanced treatments using wrinkle relaxer can be used in the lower face, neck, shoulders commonly known as the Barbie Botox treatment, jawline for slimming of the face,  and in the scalp for migraine treatments.  Your medical provider will determine if these advanced treatments are right for you.

Lip Filler FAQs

  • Lip filler product brands like Juvéderm or Restylane are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body.  Hyaluronic acid is also found in many skin care serums, lotions, and face washes.  Lip fillers that contain hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin to increase the volume, shape, and structure of the lips leaving you with that much desired plumper pout.  Lip fillers also contain a small amount of lidocaine to help make the lip injection treatment more comfortable. 

  • The amount of time a lip filler treatment will last is based on factors such as: the type of lip filler products injected, the amount of lip filler product injected, and your body’s metabolism.  Products such as Restylane and Juvéderm can last anywhere from 6 months to over a year.  If you have a higher metabolism, the lip filler products may not last as long as someone with a slower metabolism.  Individual anatomy varies, so the amount of lip filler product that can be safely and effectively injected during a treatment can vary.  You should always discuss with your provider the best treatment options available and which lip filler treatment and product is right for you. 

  • Lip filler injections can be performed gradually over time or in a single session.  A majority of patients have lip filler treatments every 6 months to 1 year.  Lip filler treatments are dependent on your desired outcomes and your individual anatomy.  Not everyone wants or needs a full syringe of lip filler in a single session.  Lip filler treatments can include a subtle plump or hydration as well as a full lip augmentation that can help to enhance the structure, surrounding support (like the chin and marionette lines), and shape of the lips.

  • Lip fillers, like many other aesthetic treatments, will not last forever.  Lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the body.  Over time, the body will naturally absorbs the lip filler hyaluronic acid from the body causing the plumping effect of the lip to fade.  To maintain your desired volume, you will need to have future lip filler treatments.

  • Products like Juvéderm and Restylane are FDA approved for lip filler treatments..  Lip fillers are generally safe when administered by a qualified medical professional in a regulated setting.  As with all medical procedures, lip filler treatments still carry some risks such as bruising, swelling, and redness at the injection site.  Rare side effects can occur and you should ALWAYS be sure that you discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.  The chances of complications with lip filler injections increases when performed by an unqualified or unlicensed injector.  Patients should avoid getting lip filler treatments from in a non-clinical setting that lacks proper sterility and safety equipment. 

  • Lip filler treatments performed with hyaluron pens are not deemed safe and the FDA has warned against the use of hyaluron pens.  Serious side effects such as scarring and infection have occurred when using a hyaluron pen to perform a lip filler procedure.  Individuals who are performing lip filler treatments with hyaluron pens are not medical providers and lack sufficient training and education to deal with complications. 

  • You should only have a lip filler treatment from a qualified medical provider.  Depending on the state in which you live, the professional who can perform lip filler injections can include a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, and Physician Associate/Assistant.  Your provider performing the lip filler should be able to answer questions about the procedure, products, risks and benefits, as well as have the ability to explain how to handle complications.  All of the providers should be board-certified by the state in which they are performing the lip filler treatment. 

  • Depending in which state you reside, a lip filler treatment can be performed by a board-certified Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Associate/Assistant, or a Physician.  Regardless of the state, the provider should be able to provide you with the proper credentialing and licensure to verify they are legally allowed to perform injectable treatments.

  • In the Tampa Bay and Saint Petersburg, Florida areas, the average cost for a lip filler treatment can vary from $700 to $1000 depending on the facility.  Some facilities will offer lip hydration treatments or lip plumping treatments for around $475.  These treatments can include smaller amounts of lip filler products or ½ syringe treatments.  Everyone loves a sale or discount, however, patients should be very cautious if a lip filler treatment is advertised at a priced well below the average cost. 

  • Anytime a procedure using a needle is performed, bruising can occur.  The lips are particularly susceptible to bruising because they are more vascular.  The amount of bruising that occurs following a lip filler treatment depends on the technique, type of filler, and the patient’s susceptibility to bruising.  Certain medications can affect the degree of bleeding and bruising that can occur during your lip filler treatment.  Be sure to talk with your provider about all medications and supplements that you are taking.  You can limit the amount of bruising during your lip filler treatment by avoiding alcohol for 48 hours prior to your treatment, over the counter blood thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as supplements like Vitamin E, Ginger, fish oils, green tea, flaxseed oil, and ginkgo biloba.  Talk to your provider before discontinuing any prescribed medications.

  • Following your lip filler treatment you should avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours.  Elevated blood pressure and heart rate during exercise can worsen bruising and increase risk of infection.  Avoid foods with high sodium content as this can lead to increased swelling.  Typically following lip filler injections, you will still want to avoid medications that thin your blood like aspirin and ibuprofen as they can lead to worsening of bruises.  If you’re having discomfort following your lip treatment, Tylenol is okay to take for discomfort.  Avoid having your lip filler treatment close to special events.  Typically providers will recommend having aesthetic injectable treatments 4-6 weeks BEFORE any major event.  You should also avoid putting any lip ointment or lipstick on for at least 24 hours following the treatment.  It’s best to avoid massaging, puckering your lips or sipping through as straw for 3-5 days after your treatment as this can cause unwanted movement of the product.

  • Lip filler injections are associated with a low level of discomfort.  Lip filler products like Juvéderm and Restylane contain a small amount of lidocaine that helps to decrease the amount of discomfort associated with the procedure.  Additionally, prior to you lip filler treatment, your provider may apply topical numbing cream or perform a dental block to help decrease discomfort during the treatment.  Your lips will feel tender and swollen but should the discomfort should subside within 3-4 days after your treatment.

  • The amount of lip filler injected during your treatment will depend on your desired outcomes and the provider’s recommendations.  A lip filler treatment aimed at simply giving the lip a small plump  requires less lip filler than is required for a lip augmentation, which is typically a treatment aimed at giving the lip more volume, structure, and support.  Your provider will help guide you towards a treatment plan and lip filler product that’s right for your anatomy and your desired outcomes.

  • According to Real Self, a digital online resource for people seeking cosmetic treatments, report that lip filler was rated at 97% worth it by those who had the lip treatment done.  In simpler terms, the majority of those who get lip fillers are very satisfied with their results.  Lip fillers are a minimally invasive procedure with a high rate of satisfaction.  A qualified and experienced provider can help to enhance your natural-beauty, balance facial symmetry, restore lost volume from aging, and leave your feeling more confident.