With age, fat in the chin and jaw area loses volume, clumps up, and shifts downward, so features that were formerly round may sink, and skin that was once smooth and tight gets loose and sags. Meanwhile, other parts of the face gain fat so we tend to get baggy around the chin and jowly in the neck.

A cobblestone chin is often exaggerated with certain facial expressions and becomes increasingly noticeable as a layer of fat becomes thinner and uneven as we get into our later years. The mentalis, or “pouting muscle,” controls the up-and-down movement of the chin and lips to create a pout. Most of us contract this muscle many times each day without realising it. A cobblestone chin can make the face appear asymmetrical, older, and tired. There are surgical solutions to treat the condition, but the most common treatments for cobblestone, or pebble chin, are muscle relaxant injections and dermal fillers.

Muscle Relaxants for Cobblestone Chin

To fix a cobblestone chin, a small amount of neurotoxin can be injected into the mentalis muscle. This relaxes the muscle, reducing the appearance of the bumps and creating a smoother, more even chin.  

The injection process is quick and relatively painless. A small amount of the neurotoxin is injected into the affected area using a fine needle. The treatment typically takes only a few minutes to complete, and there is usually no downtime or recovery period required.It’s important to note that the effects of muscle relaxant injections are temporary, and repeat treatments will be necessary to maintain the results. Additionally, injections may not be appropriate for everyone, and it’s important to discuss your medical history and any potential risks or side effects with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing treatment.

Dermal Fillers for Cobblestone Chin

Cobblestone chin can also be corrected with dermal fillers. Treatment with these injectables helps to soften the chin’s textural irregularities and creases while preserving the natural movement in this area.

Dermal fillers are injections of a gel-like substance that are typically made of hyaluronic acid. When injected into the skin, they can help to fill in the divots, crevices, and creases in the chin, restore volume, and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

To treat a cobblestone chin with dermal fillers, your healthcare provider will first examine your chin and discuss your specific concerns, skin type, and goals for treatment. They will then inject the filler into the affected areas of your chin, using a fine needle or cannula.

Like muscle relaxant injections, this treatment process is quick and relatively painless, with minimal downtime. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there is a risk of side effects, such as bruising, swelling, or infection.

It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced healthcare provider for dermal filler or muscle relaxant treatments. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, and ensure that you achieve the best possible results.

Home Remedies for Improving Chin Texture 

1. Add Vitamin C or Other Antioxidants to Your Skin Care Regimen
2. Apply SPF Daily
3. Stay Hydrated 
4. Don’t Smoke
5. Incorporate an exfoliating cleanser into your routine.
6. Using Retinol (or vitamin A) daily

FAQs

Q. How many sessions are required to treat a cobblestone chin?

One initial session is all it takes to treat a cobblestone chin, but sometimes a follow-up treatment is required. After the initial visit, you’ll be asked to return for a follow-up visit, at which time, we’ll determine whether a second treatment is required. 

Q. How long does the treatment take?

The treatment takes approximately ten to twenty minutes.  

Q. Is the treatment painful?

The treatment is relatively painless. Nothing more than a pinprick. 

Q. How long is the recovery time after treatment?

There is no recovery time. Results are visible after 2 weeks.

Q. How long do the results last?

The results generally last between three and six months.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, a physician-led cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-ageing aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques, dermal therapies, anti-wrinkle injections, and body contouring, we offer expert-level dermal filler injections, performed by our elite team of trained expert pros. 

By relying on cutting-edge treatments and years of training, we safely administer muscle relaxant injectables, and dermal filler treatments with the utmost precision and care in a relaxed, upscale setting. Stemming from our expertise, personalised guidance, and passion for skincare, we offer the latest treatments, technology, and skincare products.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we believe in transparency and education, first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure. 

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises other than the plump, luscious lips you’ll see when you look in the mirror!

If you’re ready to start the year off with a bang after the fireworks have become a memory, call Specialist Skin Solutions @(02) 4934 1500 today to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients feel their best by bringing out their natural beauty and loving the skin they’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

The post Stop Taking It On The Chin! Non-Surgical Solutions to Treat Cobblestone Skin appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

While you probably already know that dermal fillers are extremely safe and relatively painless, there are a few secrets of which you might not be aware. In this article,  we’re going to fill you in on the reasons we age, the effects ageing has on the skin, and the very effective treatments available today to turn back time and love the skin you’re in!

What causes facial ageing?

Before we talk about the solution, let’s discuss how the problem begins in the first place.

Ageing gracefully is a beautiful thing (or so they say), but, let’s face it,  there are changes that occur with age that most of us would prefer to erase or decrease dramatically. There is a great deal of wisdom, experience, and accomplishments that come with getting older. And though we might feel like we’re living our best lives on the inside, there are transformations that occur on the outside that can make you feel less confident, withdrawn, or even sad.

How Age Affects Our Skin

As the years add up, dozens of changes occur, some widely known, and some not so well-known. 

13 Sign of Ageing, Both Known and Lesser-Known

1. Red Facial Veins
2. Sagging Brows
3. Volume Loss in Temples and Cheeks
4. Uneven Texture
5. Age Spots and Hyperpigmentation
6. Expression Lines and Static Wrinkles
7. Jowls, Marionette, and Nasolabial Folds
8. Bone Loss or Thinning
9. Receding Hairline
10. Uneven Fat Distribution
11. Hyperextended Ears
12. Droopy Nose
13. Perioral Lines

Typically, as we get up there in years, the face loses volume, skin begins to sag, dark spots and hyperpigmentation develop, and lines and wrinkles begin to appear.

Aside from these obvious changes, however, there is also a structural metamorphosis happening behind the scenes. The forehead expands as the hairline  retreats; ears get longer because the cartilage in them grows, and the nose may droop due to a weakening in the connective tissue supporting nasal cartilage.

Uneven Fat Distribution

Fat distribution also shifts. The fat in the face that was evenly distributed in our youth, begins to lose volume, clump, and shift downward, so features that were formerly round may sink, and skin that was smooth and tight gets loose and saggy. To make matters worse, other parts of the face gain fat, particularly the lower half, resulting in the dreaded double chin and jowls.

Expression Lines and Wrinkles

And, of course, there are the expression lines. Those deep wrinkles in the forehead and between the eyebrows (11 lines), a result of facial muscles continually being tugged, and eventually creasing. Other folds may get deeper because of the way fat decreases and moves around. Fine wrinkles due to sun damage, smoking, and natural degeneration of elements of the skin that keep it thick and supple also greet the above 40 set.

As the same crease forms over and over from repeated facial expressions, the lines get even deeper. Over the years, these areas of skin wear down from all that movement. If you fold a piece of paper, for example, the areas along the folds lose structural integrity and get worse the more you fold the paper. Eventually, the paper becomes covered in folds and creases and the folded areas become so worn and thin to the point that it seems like it could tear apart.

While your skin won’t actually tear, the lines do become more and more pronounced. These lines are known as  static wrinkles, the lines that last even when the face is at rest. 

Changes in Bone Structure and Volume

Bone structure changes a lot with age, and menopause-related changes can speed this up. While bone thinning happens to everyone at some point, facial bone tissue tends to degrade much faster in women than men. The entire face is affected by bone thinning. The eye sockets become longer and wider; the bones at the tip of the nose recede; cheekbones project less;  and the lower jaw shrinks in  height and length. 

As facial bones lose volume, it affects how muscle and skin sits on the bones. These changes cause an aged look, making the face appear hollow, causing skin to sag. As the bones around the eye socket change, it can cause crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles to form as well. These changes start to become most obvious after age 40 and become even more prominent after 50. 

An easy way to observe these changes is to take a look at a photo of your grandmother in her 70s or 80s compared to what she looked like on her wedding day. Not only does her skin appear wrinkled, but the structure of her face itself has likely changed. Sunken cheekbones and temples, drooping brows and nose, elongated ears, and the loss of a contoured jawline are all apparent.

Gravity also plays a role.  Aside from bedtime, most of our lives are spent upright, with gravity pulling downward. This pull drags down the skin causing age-related changes.

What You Can Do About It

Now that we’ve discussed the many problems that come with ageing, let’s discuss the solutions. And, thankfully, there are many! 

Even if you have great genes and look much younger than you are, age-related changes in our facial appearance are unavoidable. Those changes reflect our joys and challenges in life. One approach is to simply celebrate our age and appearance for what they are.

Not everyone is comfortable with that, and some might like to postpone embracing those changes. The age-defying facelift, which surgically removes excess tissue and lifts sagging skin in the lower part of the face, is one way to try to stem the tides of time. Facelifts have improved, so the results tend to look more natural. But the surgery is expensive, and other procedures may be needed to achieve the desired results. The facelift procedure is just one of the more popular cosmetic procedures; there are plenty of alternatives for altering the ageing face.

Skin tightening procedures such as face lifts can help, but it won’t change the underlying bone structure. The best non-invasive approach is to restore volume with facial fillers. Injectable fillers plump the areas that have deflated due to bone loss, tricking the eye into seeing a more youthful face.

While the underlying bone structure has changed permanently, it’s unlikely you will look like your 20 year old self again. However, dermal fillers can make a dramatic improvement to help you look years younger.

Dermal Fillers 

Dermal fillers go beyond just the cheeks. They can restore fat pad volume in many areas of the face for a more attractive, youthful appearance.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers contain hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally produced by the body. HA fillers can add volume to the lips and enhance their shape and structure by not only plumping the lips but also by trapping water within the lips for a more naturalistic, full pout.

There are muscle-relaxant injections that stop dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers are designed to address volume loss and sagging skin. The takeaway is that wrinkles often accompany facial volume loss. If you can’t pinpoint exactly why your face looks tyred and old, it is likely a combination of volume loss and sagging skin. Wrinkles are obvious. But the subtle changes seen with facial volume loss are harder to pinpoint.

Here’s a good way to determine if you can benefit from anti-ageing injectables like dermal fillers. Take a look at an old photograph of yourself. Do you notice how as you smiled in the photo, there were few (if any) lines under your eyes? See how the tear trough area, lips, cheeks and skin look plump and full compared to what you see in the mirror today? That’s volume loss. Dermal fillers can help correct that.

Dermal fillers are designed to treat patients between the ages of 30 to 50 years old and beyond with mild to moderate volume loss in the face and sagging skin. Using facial fillers not only improves facial volume, but it can also give the skin a smoother appearance and even reduce wrinkles in the injected area.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, a physician-led cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-ageing aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques, dermal therapies, anti-wrinkle injections, and body contouring, we offer expert-level dermal filler injections, performed by our elite team of trained expert pros. 

By relying on cutting-edge treatments and years of training, we safely administer fillers, injectables, and dermal treatments with the utmost precision and care in a relaxed, upscale setting. Stemming from our expertise, personalised guidance, and passion for skincare, we offer the latest treatments, technology, and skincare products.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we believe in transparency and education, first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure. 

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises other than the plump, luscious lips you’ll see when you look in the mirror!

If you’re ready to start the year off with a bang after the fireworks have become a memory, call Specialist Skin Solutions @(02) 4934 1700 today to book an appointment. We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients feel their best by bringing out their natural beauty and loving the skin they’re in. We look forward to speaking with you!

The post Injecting Beauty into the New Year: 13 Reasons Why Your Faces Ages and What You Can Do About It appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

With a new eyebrow trend seemingly cropping up on social media every week, it’s easy to forget that we’ve been tampering with our brows for years. In ancient Egypt, both men and women darkened their brows with powdered minerals, achieving a strong look that offset their heavily-lined eyes.

The transition from plucking the life out of our brows to letting them grow as full as humanly possible has been interesting, with ebbs and flows changing with the times.  Whether plucked and pencil-thin, bold and bushy, arched and dramatic,  or au naturel, there’s a distinctive brow for every decade.

Brows Through the Years

1920s Hollywood Glam

As the film industry was beginning to flourish in Hollywood, the 1920s was an era of sophisticated thin, yet rounded brows that emoted a whimsical and childlike awe to the face. Harnessing  a look that would come to define the decade, Clara Bow, the original “it girl,” with her cupid’s bow lips, dark eye makeup, and thin, downward-arching brows, was the quintessential flapper, brows and all.

1930s Decade of the Arch

As makeup became more affordable, the pencilled-on look remained in vogue, as women were shaving and plucking their natural brows into near or total extinction—then drawing them back on again. Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich reportedly shaved off her eyebrows and drew them back on – in a perfectly rounded arch.

1940s Natural Beauty

Fuller and more natural brows reigned during this wartime era with thin brows being a thing of the past. Joan Crawford,  one of the stars who sported the original power brow, left thin and over-plucked brows in the past, opting for a big, bold, and more dramatic look.

1950s Bombshell Brows

Marilyn’s red lips and blonde curls weren’t the only things that helped to create the star’s iconic bombshell style, as her dramatic brows typified 50s femininity. Perfectly groomed with a high arch, the squared-out shape of Marilyn’s eyebrows added to her sultry look. Darker eyebrows were the look of the era, with women pencilling over their natural brows. With Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe all leading the way with full, strong, dramatic brows, women everywhere started experimenting with makeup using eyeshadow on their brows to achieve full, striking brows like their Hollywood idols.

1960s​ Taking a Backseat

A decade later, during the mod ’60s,  it was all about bold eye makeup, and neat and understated brows took a backseat. Twiggy’s rounded arches worked to offset (and not compete with) her graphic eye makeup. With the focus being more on bold eyes, thick eyeliner, and spiky lashes, the eyebrows were seen as a frame to the face instead of the focal point.

When it came to her brows, actress Sophia Loren forged her own path. As one of the most in-demand stars of the decade, her look was distinctly different from the Twiggy mod. Her unique approach to brow grooming involved shaving them off completely and drawing them back on. She would apply short, thread-thin strokes to make her eyebrows appear more natural. (Think brow pens of today — the woman was ahead of her time!)

1970s Hippies vs. Disco

When it came to brows in the 70s, there were two camps; ultra-thin or naturally full. The former came with the birth of disco fever; preened and plucked into a high arch. Donna Summer’s groomed brows matched the spirit of the disco decade.  

At the same time, however, the rise of the hippie movement led some women to forego brow grooming altogether. The sub-culture tended towards a freer aesthetic, so there were just as many women putting down their tweezers as there were fans of disco taking theirs up a notch.

1980s Brooke Brows

By the 80s, everything had gotten bigger and bolder, with hairstyles and shoulder pads being just the start. With her full, natural-looking caterpillar  brows, actress Brooke Shields became the brow icon of the decade. This decade saw women step away from the tweezers and overplucking, opting for a more natural look. 

While Brooke’s brows were “endlessly loved,” Whitney Houston and Madonna each rocked bushy ‘brushed up’ brows of their own. The less-preened-is-more trend of the 80s sent the au natural look into the stratosphere.

1990s Thin Was Back In

And just like that, the bushy brow trend was over. In the 90s, thin, low-arched eyebrows graced the pages of Vogue once again, as Kate Moss made waves across magazine covers. This led to a generation of women plucking their brows with abandon once again.

2000’s Return of the Skinny

Just when we thought the 90s brows were the thinnest we could go, brows in the aught era got even thinner! With Y2K, we saw women plucking their brows down to almost nothing with women drawing a line for their brows to create looks like music icons Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefan.

Brows stayed ultra-thin well into the first decade of the 21st century, though the arch had raised to become almost angular in shape. Towards the end of the decade, however, a more natural shape began surfacing once again, as brows started filling out—a sign of things to come.

2010 Bold Reemergence  

As Cara Delevingne’s modelling career took off around 2012, so too did the bold brow trend. Showcasing her ample, though groomed, arches, Delevingne inspired women and girls everywhere  to let their brows grow back (or learn how to use brow pencils, powders, and pomades on YouTube with precision.) 

With megastars like Kim Kardashian and Natalie Portman sporting full bold brows, women now have the opportunity to create perfect brows just like their favourite celebrities at home. With endless online tutorials being all the rage, women of all ages are becoming eyebrow stylist experts in their own right, learning to create definition and shape at home.

2020s Moed-Revolution

We’ve come quite a long way since the Sophia Loren shaving-it-off and drawing-it-back-on method. Any scroll through Insta or Tik Tok will show a growing group of influencers and models embracing a wide-eyed, surprised look.

Supermodels like Bella Hadid, sporting heightened, exaggerated brows, are setting the stage for this new brow-raising aesthetic.

Today, face shape plays an integral part when deciding the shape of the brow. And whether it’s salon-based techniques like threading, waxing, or laminating, using brow-specific products at home, or turning to revolutionary cosmetic procedures, today’s women have thousands of options, and the one that’s gaining the greatest traction has nothing to do with makeup at all.

Whereas the makeup counter and salon were once the only venues for creative beauty products and techniques, today’s women are turning to the medical profession to reimagine their looks, turn back the years, and inject beauty into their lives on a regular basis. The latest trend of brow injectables is here— and it’s certainly raising quite a few eyebrows.

Brow Lift Techniques

As with everything in aesthetic medicine, there is no such thing as one size fits all. In the case of brow lifts, there are several techniques for patients to consider depending on their needs and desired results. The three most common techniques are muscle relaxant injections, thread lifts, and surgical lifts. 

Muscle Relaxant injections

The latest trend in cosmetic injectables is raising more than a few eyebrows.  Brow lifts are used to tighten the skin of your forehead, removing  “frown lines” and wrinkles, and restoring vibrancy to the face. Natural-looking results can virtually reverse the unwanted effects of ageing. 

Muscle relaxants injected into the muscles that pull the tail of the eyebrow down are a simple, safe, and highly effective way to add lift to the brow.  Neurotoxin injections work best for a patient who experiences brow drooping and crow’s feet around the eyes when they smile. 

Like most muscle relaxant treatments, the results take about five to seven days to kick in and last three to four months. Though they do require maintenance,  injections are the most budget-friendly brow lift option available today. And the best news is—they can be performed in an office setting during a patient’s lunch hour.

Thread Brow Lifts 

Given the recent rise of minimally invasive thread lifts for the face, it should come as no surprise that the technique is being considered for eyebrows, too.  A dissolvable thread is used to elevate the tail of the brow to achieve an exaggerated brow look. 

While the procedure delivers a more pronounced lift than can be achieved with muscle relaxant injections alone, threading does not last very long and can yield an unnatural result.  The results last  about a month. 

Because the tissue in the area is quite thin, threads are very thin and can be painful.  The price of a thread lift depends on the provider, but can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Surgical Brow Lifts 

For those seeking longer-lasting results, a surgical brow lift represents the most permanent option. 

Pretrichial Brow Lift 

A pretrichial brow lift is a surgical procedure to correct the loss of soft tissue elasticity in the upper third of the face. The pretrichial brow lift is performed by a plastic surgeon. Excess sagging skin around the forehead causing drooping of the brows and wrinkling of the forehead is removed. Underlying muscle and tissue are repositioned, creating a more refreshed, youthful appearance in the upper third of the face. A pretrichial brow lift can also be combined with a facelift.

The Procedure

• Performed under general anaesthesia 
• The incision follows 2 mm behind the hairline, helping induce hair growth through the incision.
• The entire flap is advanced toward the back of the head and the excess is trimmed to close without tension.
• The incision in the scalp skin is closed with sutures and staples 
• A light pressure dressing is applied.

Risk Factors of Pretrichial Brow Lift Surgery 

• Blood clot (haematoma) formation
• Swelling
• Infection
• Facial nerve impairment
• Sensory nerve impairment
• Numbness 
• Loss of hair  
• Inability to close the eyelids completely
• Scarring
• Contour irregularities

Another surgical option is the temporal brow lift, which involves making an incision hidden in the hairline and raising the underlying tissues to restore a more youthful appearance.

Though surgical solutions are much longer lasting and can be less risky than repeated thread lifts, which can cause infection, pain, and scar tissue buildup, they involve sufficient downtime, are painful, and can be extremely costly, with the average cost of a surgical brow lift ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Confused? It goes without saying that beauty trends come and go. Even the great Kate Moss, who has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines, including 46 (and counting) on Vogue, has changed her eyebrow looks over the years.  Exaggerated arches that are ‘in’ today can be ‘out’ tomorrow. And just like the trends have changed and will continue to change with every passing year (or day, these days) it might be hard to decide which solution is best for you.  If you’re considering going “high brow,” the best place to start is a consultation with one of our friendly, knowledgable, and experienced professionals. 

Unlike surgical eyebrow lifts that require going under the knife or threading that doesn’t last very long and can yield less-than-desirable results, brow injections can achieve similar results with just a few strategic jabs of the needle.

It’s becoming an increasingly popular approach, one that works to lift and lengthen the skin above the brow and forehead for a more open and feline-esque eye area and defined brow bone. The difference is subtle but significant – and not as painful (on both your face and your wallet) as the alternatives.

If you’re longing for a look that is sure to raise a few eyebrows, without going under the knife, then muscle relaxant brow injections just might be the answer. Our lovely team of experts is immensely knowledgeable and trained on the latest techniques, highly experienced, and incredibly dedicated to providing the best results possible. And they’re here to meet with you. Just book a consultation today!

At Specialist Skin Solutions, a physician-led cosmetic clinic specialising in non-surgical, anti-ageing aesthetic procedures, including the latest laser techniques, dermal therapies, anti-wrinkle injections, and body contouring, we offer expert-level brow-lifting injections, performed by our elite team of trained expert pros. 

By relying on cutting-edge treatments and years of training, we safely administer injectables with the utmost precision and care in a relaxed, upscale setting. Stemming from our expertise, personalised guidance, and passion for skincare, we offer the latest treatments, technology, and skincare products in Australia.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we believe in transparency and education, first and foremost, providing every client with information, explanations, and treatment options before performing any procedure. 

Offering a thorough consultation prior to treatment, we’ll discuss the areas of concern and the range of treatment options suggested to produce optimal results. The amount and type of product, as well as our pricing structure, will also be discussed during the consultation process so there are no surprises other than eye-opening results.
If you’re ready to raise a few eyebrows at your next interview, meeting, or class reunion, look no more!  Book online now. We’re dedicated to helping each one of our clients love the skin they’re in.

For more information on injectables for the face, neck, and body, see these related blog posts, and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you never miss another article!

The post Latest Trend in Injectables That’s Raising A Few Eyebrows appeared first on Specialist Skin Solutions.

In addition to reducing the cosmetic appearance of wrinkles, muscle relaxant injections are also used to treat a multitude of medical disorders, including strabismus (cross eyes), blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking), muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, migraine headaches, and movement disorders such as cervical dystonia, torticollis. Muscle relaxant injections use a toxin called onobotulinumtoxinA, which temporarily prevents a muscle from moving. This toxin is produced by the microbe that causes botulism, a type of food poisoning. When used correctly by a trained medical professional,  muscle relaxant injections are completely safe.

Muscle relaxant injections are commonly used as a cosmetic treatment to smooth facial wrinkles by paralyzing muscles, but the TGA has also approved muscle relaxant injections as an effective treatment for excessive sweating in the axilla, the space below the shoulder through which vessels and nerves enter and leave the upper arm; commonly known as the armpit.

This muscle relaxant treatment works by blocking the nerves that cause excessive sweating under the arms. This form of treatment can last anywhere from 4 months to a year, with most patients seeing results for about nine months.

For individuals that have tried antiperspirants with little or no success, muscle relaxant injections just might be the answer for you! Muscle relaxant injections may also be used “off-label” to reduce sweating in other areas, such as the hands, feet, and face.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating caused by overactive sweat glands.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. 

Primary focal hyperhidrosis

Primary focal hyperhidrosis (PFH) is excessive sweating not caused by another medical condition or a side effect of medication. 

A person with PFH typically experiences symmetrical sweating on specific areas of the body. For example, they may experience excessive sweating on both hands or both feet. 

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis (SGH) is when a medical condition or side effect of medication causes excessive sweating. People with SGH tend to sweat across large sections of the body. They may also experience night sweats (sweating while sleeping.)  A person with SGH symptoms should consult a doctor to determine the cause.

When to see a doctor about excessive sweating

In some cases, it may be possible to control sweating with a strong antiperspirant. A person can ask a pharmacist for advice on the best products to use.

Because many over-the-counter treatments may not be effective, individuals with the following conditions are encouraged to seek medical advice:  

• Symptoms of SGH
• Excessive sweating around the groin or feet 
• Excessive sweating that causes avoidance of regular activities and daily life interactions

Pros and Cons of muscle relaxant injections for excessive sweating 

Pros

• Less invasive than surgical treatment
• Minimal pain when used in the armpit area
• Safe
• Effective 
• TGA-approved
• Decrease in sweat production after two weeks 

Cons 

• May be more costly than other treatments
• Painful when injected in hands and feet 
• Follow-up injections are needed every 7 to 16 months
• Only FDA-approved to treat armpits
• Side effects are possible  

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved muscle relaxant injections as a treatment for excessive sweating in the armpit area. The treatment works by blocking a chemical in the body that activates the sweat glands. According to a recent study, underarm muscle relaxant injections can reduce underarm sweating by 82–87%, and the effects can last 4–12 months.

People who receive underarm muscle relaxant injections tend to see results just 2–4 days after treatment, with full effects noticeable within the first two weeks.

While muscle relaxant injections are not a permanent solution for excessive underarm sweating, a single treatment can last up to a year, making this a highly effective solution for excessive sweating that interferes with one’s daily life. To date, the FDA has approved muscle relaxant injections for underarm use only, however, a doctor may prescribe the treatment for excessive sweating on other parts of the body, including hands and feet.

How do muscle relaxant injections work?

Muscle relaxant injections alter the function of certain neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the body that instruct the body to react in a certain way. Muscle relaxant injections block the neurotransmitter that tells the sweat glands to activate to control sweating in the injection area. 

Procedure

A dermatologist, or a medical professional certified in the use of muscle relaxant injection toxins, can perform the injections in their office. Experienced medical professionals can inject both underarms in 10 minutes or less.

For the procedure, a medical professional injects very small amounts of muscle relaxant injections beneath the skin. They usually inject it in a grid-like pattern, with injection sites approximately 1–2 centimeters apart. 

Though generally painless, before injecting the skin, a doctor may use a numbing agent such as ice or a local anesthetic to help ease any discomfort.

Preparation and aftercare

Below are some tips to follow before and after treatment.

Before the procedure

DO  tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and the medications you currently take to reduce the risk of side effects and complications.

DO NOT shave your underarms for 3–4 days prior to the treatment. 

After the treatment

DO go home immediately after the procedure. 

DO NOT exercise on the day of the procedure.

DO NOT take hot baths or showers for the rest of the day. 

Most healthcare providers recommend a follow-up appointment 1–2 weeks after the procedure. This is to touch up any missed areas and check for side effects.

Side effects

Muscle relaxant injections are generally safe. Serious side effects are rare but possible. They include:

• Severe muscle weakness or asymmetry
• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
• Toxicity
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
• Skin rash or hives
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Loss of bladder control

A person who has any of the side effects above after muscle relaxant injections should seek immediate medical attention.

Less severe side effects may include:

• dry mouth
• headache
• fatigue
• Minor discomfort or pain in the  injection sites

Other muscle relaxant injections uses

Other potential uses for muscle relaxant injections include:

• Muscle disorders: muscle relaxant injections can help relax clenched muscles and control overactive muscle movements, such as muscle twitches.
• Chronic migraine: muscle relaxant injections can help prevent chronic migraines in some people.
• Facial wrinkles: Drmatologists commonly provide muscle relaxant injections to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face.

[H2] Take Away

Muscle relaxant injections are an effective way to control excessive sweating. The FDA has approved this treatment for underarm use only, but a doctor may prescribe the injections to control excessive sweating in other areas of the body.

Though muscle relaxant injections are relatively costly compared with other treatments for excessive sweating, because each treatment lasts 4–12 months, the cost can be comparable.  Some health insurance providers can cover the expense when other treatments are not successful. Please check with your healthcare insurance provider. 

Because excessive sweating can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition or a side effect from a medication, a person should see a doctor if they have concerns about excessive sweating.

At Specialist Skin Solutions, we offer muscle relaxant injections to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, hands, and feet,  as well as other areas of the body.  You will experience a highly professional and advanced level of care when you visit our clinic. Our team of highly skilled professionals is here to answer your questions.

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