Treatment of frown lines using muscle relaxant therapy (Vistabel®)

What is Vistabel?

Vistabel^® is a specially prepared naturally occurring protein that is derived from bacteria. When injected into a muscle it causes it to become weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission i.e. stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle.

How long has it been used?

Vistabel^® has been used for a number of different clinical indications for many years now. Its effect on dynamic forhead lines and crows feet were discovered about twenty years ago by accident. An ocular specialist was injecting Muscle Relaxant Treatment into the orbital, eye region, when her patients remarked upon a significant reduction in age lines in this area. New breakthroughs regarding conditions aided by the use of Muscle Relaxant Treatment are happening all the time.

How is Vistabel^® used for lines and wrinkles?

By using facial muscles repeatedly throughout our lifetime, the skin is creased in areas of greatest use. The aging process causes the slow down of collagen and elastin production in the skin so that as we get older these areas of over use become damaged and the lines become permanent. By reducing movement of muscles in these areas, the skin stops being creased and is allowed to recover causing the lines to soften or even fade away.

What happens during treatment?

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The practitioner will ask you to use certain muscles of the face to observe how they work. An extremely fine needle is used to inject the Muscle Relaxant Treatment into the appropriate area. The injections may cause some swelling and redness, which will resolve itself in 2 to 4 hours.

Are the results immediate?

The treatment will take effect after 7 to 14 days.

How long will the results last?

The treatment will last for approximately three to four months on most individuals.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of this treatment are rare.Very occasionally, patients may experience a temporary drooping of the eyelid. This result is very rare and will resolve itself within a few weeks. In extremely rare cases, patients can develop an allergy to the treatment or some patients may not respond to the treatment. As with any injections there is a risk of bruising.