Muscle
Relaxant
Injections

The Scientific Stuff

OK so let's get the scientific stuff out of the way first.

Yes, muscle relaxant injections involve the use of tiny little needles to inject Botulinum Toxin A into a muscle. This is a natural protein that is released by a bacteria known as Clostridium Botulinum and we all know the potential nasty effects of this protein when it is released in large quantities after the bacteria is ingested – a condition known as 'Botulism'. Botulism is a serious condition because the protein is what they call a 'neurotoxin' ie it affects the nerves and can at its worst cause paralysis of the body where excessive quantities have affected the body's nervous system.

The Good Stuff

OK let's skip now to the good stuff.

Botulinum Toxin A was isolated by scientists over 5 decades ago and since then it has been a recognised method of treating many conditions including migraines, muscle spasms in cerebral palsy and strokes, jawclenching (known as Bruxism), excessive sweating (known as Hyperhidrosis), involuntary muscle contractions and just recently irritable bladder syndrome. Its effects as a neurotoxin, ultimately led to its effective use in many recognised medical conditions. When injected in specific diluted doses its effects are predictable and easily controlled.

What You Need To Know

Muscle relaxant injections work as a temporary block, stopping the transfer of impulses from the brain to the muscle via nerves. This stops the muscle from contracting so strongly and forming a wrinkle, crease, groove or bulge on the skin. The relaxation of the muscle occurs 2-3 days after the injection and reaches its peak effect after about 10-14 days. The effect lasts a few months gradually wearing off from around 2 months onwards. It is advisable to repeat the injections every 3 months to achieve the best results otherwise the full effects will usually wear off after 4-6 months depending on the dose used and the area injected.

What I Need To Tell You

Yes, this treatment does involve the use of tiny little needles and there is a very very small amount of discomfort involved with the injection. But trust me, it is worth it and the minimal discomfort is over in an instant! It is extremely rare to get any bruising from the injection but try not to take any medications or natural supplements for a day or so before the treatment that might encourage bruising e.g. Nurofen, Aspirin and Fish Oils. You can put makeup on immediately after and no one would even know that you are one of the millions of people enjoying the benefits of this treatment right now all over the world! You can go right back to what you were doing be it work or play!

OK Let's Get Specific!

Muscle relaxant injections have 3 main uses. The first is an ANTI-WRINKLE effect that reduces the wrinkles seen on the skin as a result of a muscle movement eg forehead lines. The second is a RESHAPING effect where the injections reduce the strength of one muscle and allow other muscles to be more effective, which results in a change of the shape of an area eg relaxing cheek muscles changes the shape of a face from square to oval. Thirdly, the injections can be used to treat a physical symptom such as jaw-clenching & teeth grinding and EXCESSIVE SWEATING (HYPERHIDROSIS).