Once the treatment areas have been determined, the overlying skin is degreased with alcohol or acetone.  Depending on a patient’s comfort level with injections, topical medicine or a cold pack can be applied to temporarily numb the skin.  A series of injections then place the wrinkle relaxer into the desired facial muscle.

Wrinkle relaxers require little recovery time.  We recommend patients use a cold pack for the first twenty minutes after injections to minimize the chance of swelling or bruising.  We also ask that patients not massage their injection sites, or lay down for four hours after injections, in order to prevent the relaxer from traveling to an unwanted portion of the face.

We believe in being preemptive to avoid any side effects, but occasionally the following may occur:

Localized Reactions: Patient’s may have temporary swelling, redness, or soreness at the site of injections.  These reactions typically resolve within 24 hours.

Bruising:  Bruising develops within a day, and usually resolves within a week.

Headache: Most commonly attributed to the facial muscles in the forehead being unable to contract, headaches can occur in the first 24 hours.

Eyelid Ptosis: If a relaxer is placed too closely to the upper eyelid, it may cause the lid to droop.  This may last for several weeks, but can be partially improved with an eye-drop medication.

Number of Treatments: With conservative administration, some patients may require multiple treatments in order to reach a desired result

Duration of Results:  Wrinkle relaxers can achieve impressive improvement, but only temporarily.  Results may last for 3-6 months, but if not re-treated, the facial appearance present before treatment will return.

Why would a man need a wrinkle relaxer?

With the increasing importance that youth has placed on workplace success, men have been one of the fastest growing segments of wrinkle relaxer use. Nearly 400,000 men tried a wrinkle relaxer last year.  Wrinkle relaxers allow men the subtle changes that can prevent one from looking angry, tired, or worried.  Dr. Castillo has subtle techniques that allow enhancement of the male face, and which promise not to leave men looking artificial.

How much wrinkle relaxer will I need?

In short, it depends.  The amount of wrinkle relaxer needed varies on several factors: patient age, severity of wrinkling, number of treatment locations, and desired goals, to name a few.  Men tend to require slightly more relaxer than women, due to their increased muscle size.

Can I have a wrinkle relaxer and filler placed in the same setting?

Yes, wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers can be safely used together, and can complement each other’s effects.  For example, a wrinkle relaxer placed in the same area as a filler can prolong the filler’s duration by limiting motion of the underlying muscle, thereby slowing the body’s resorption of the dermal filler. Conversely, dermal fillers can help smooth the appearance of a wrinkle that persists, despite the use of a wrinkle relaxer.

Will I look overdone?

As each patient has their own idea for what they would like to achieve with a wrinkle relaxer, it is important to have an open discussion with Dr. Castillo about your goals.  Once knowing your goals, Dr. Castillo can guide therapy to ensure the outcome you desire, without looking overdone.