Melbourne Eastside Dermatology is Melbourne’s premium specialist dermatology practice providing cosmetic muscle relaxant injection for cosmetic purposes and reducing hyperhidrosis (sweating).
What is the medication used in muscle relaxant injection?
**Due to restriction of TGA, we are not able to publish the name of the medication used**
The medication use for muscle relaxant injection is a protein particle that is manufactured with medical purposes. How this neurotoxin works is it blocks off the communication particles between the nerve endings and the muscle or sweat glands. Without this communication, the muscle is weakened and the sweat is reduced, and therefore achieving the desired effect of reducing facial muscle movement (knocks out the dynamic wrinkle), reducing muscle bulk on masseter (the muscle on side of cheeks to produce a slimmer facial shape), and reducing hyperhidrosis (sweating).
In Australia, only qualified medical doctors are able to prescribe the use of this medication for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Nurse injectors require the prescription and treatment plans / supervision of medical doctors to perform these injections.
For treatment of hyperhidrosis, only specialist dermatologists (FACD) and neurologists can access PBS subsidy for the use of this.
Muscle Relaxant Injections
Melbourne Eastside Dermatology is Melbourne’s premium specialist dermatology practice providing cosmetic muscle relaxant injection for cosmetic purposes and reducing hyperhidrosis (sweating).
What is the medication used in muscle relaxant injection?
**Due to restriction of TGA, we are not able to publish the name of the medication used**
The medication use for muscle relaxant injection is a protein particle that is manufactured with medical purposes. How this neurotoxin works is it blocks off the communication particles between the nerve endings and the muscle or sweat glands. Without this communication, the muscle is weakened and the sweat is reduced, and therefore achieving the desired effect of reducing facial muscle movement (knocks out the dynamic wrinkle), reducing muscle bulk on masseter (the muscle on side of cheeks to produce a slimmer facial shape), and reducing hyperhidrosis (sweating).
In Australia, only qualified medical doctors are able to prescribe the use of this medication for both cosmetic and medical purposes. Nurse injectors require the prescription and treatment plans / supervision of medical doctors to perform these injections.
For treatment of hyperhidrosis, only specialist dermatologists (FACD) and neurologists can access PBS subsidy for the use of this.
Wrinkles Reduction
This is one of the commonest cosmetic procedures performed worldwide to achieve reduction of wrinkles. The most frequent treatments are the forehead lines, frown lines and smile lines.
Facial Slimming
(Masseter Reduction)
This can be injected directly into the masseter muscle (muscle on the side of the cheeks) to shrink the muscle size, and therefore to achieve a slimmer appearance.
This is one of the commonest cosmetic injection done especially in the Asian patients to achieve the desired oval facial shape.
Teeth Grinding
(Bruxism)
Subconscious nighttime teeth grinding can be reduced by injection directly into the masseter muscle. This procedure can also reduce the headaches associated with teeth grinding.
Excessive Sweating
(Hyperhidrosis)
This is highly effective in reducing (in many cases, completely eliminating) sweating when directly injecting into the affected areas such as armpits.
In Australia, specialists dermatologists can access PBS subsidy for treatment of this.
Is there a difference between different types of muscle relaxant injection?
In our opinion, at this point of writing (2020) there are only subtle differences in the different types of muscle relaxant injections in terms of how well it works and how long it lasts. The choice of the neurotoxin used is frequently decided by the practitioner’s preference. In Melbourne Eastside Dermatology, we utilise a few types of neurotoxins for cosmetic and medical purposes.
How long does muscle relaxant injection last?
Broadly speaking, for wrinkle reduction, the effect lasts for around 2-4 months. It is possible that some minor effect exists beyond but the usual amount of injections required is around 3 to 4 times per year
How quickly does muscle relaxant injection work?
The effect to reduce wrinkles is usually seen within 1 week or so.
What types of wrinkles are suitable for treatment?
This is best used to knock out the “dynamic rhytides”, which are wrinkles created by active movement of the muscle. The typical areas treated are forehead lines, frown lines and smile lines (‘crows feet’).
For fine wrinkles from sun induced ageing, dry skin or other ageing processes rather than muscle movement, this treatment is not likely to be beneficial.
How many injections are required for masseter injection or facial slimming?
We usually recommend 2-3 injections over a period of a few months to achieve optimal facial slimming. Some patients would only require 1 injection to achieve good improvement. The amount of injection required is highly dependant on the size of the underlying muscle belly of masseter.
This then may need to be repeated on a yearly basis.
How many injections are required for hyperhidrosis?
One injection and the effect can be noticed within a week or so. The effect usually lasts between 2 to 9 months, sometimes even longer with repeat injection.
This treatment is under PBS subsidy if performed by specialist dermatologists or neurologists. Under PBS ruling, a patient can have 3 injections per year, spaced out every 4 months.
Can I have muscle relaxant injection?
These conditions do not suit treatment with muscle relaxant injection: Pregnancy, breast-feeding, previous allergy to muscle relaxant neurotoxin, neuromuscular diseases and certain medications.
We do not treat anyone with cosmetic procedures below the age of 18 , as a general rule.
Is muscle relaxant injection dangerous?
Generally speaking, because the effect of neurotoxin injection only lasts 3-4 months, this is considered one of the safer cosmetic injections. Common side effects include short term bruising on injection sites, headaches (within the week of injection); Uncommon side effects include droopy or raised eyebrows. droopy eyelids, weakened surrounding muscles and allergic reaction.
Can I return to normal activities after treatment?
Yes. There is no need to take time off work after treatment.
Where can I have muscle relaxant injection in Melbourne?
We provide cosmetic injectable services , at this stage 2020, in our practice in Blackburn South rooms. Treatment is performed by specialist dermatologist or cosmetic nurse practitioner with Masters degree.
We are within the vicinity of Knox, Wantirna, Mitcham, Ringwood, Burwood, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Kew, Camberwell, Balwyn, Doncaster, Donvale, Templestowe, Box Hill, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills, and we serve a large referral base up to Croydon, Mooroolbark, Lilydale, Boronia and Yarra Valley / Yarra Ranges wineries.