Expression lines are a natural effect of the passage of time. The rate at which they appear varies from one patient to another. This is influenced by lifestyle, facial expressions, skincare habits, and individual genetic predispositions. Some people consider wrinkles an important feature that reflects character, temperament and life experience. Not everyone, however, sees them as a source of pride, which is why those who wish to maintain smooth skin and a youthful appearance may benefit from treatments offered by aesthetic medicine. Among the least invasive methods that deliver an almost immediate effect is the relaxation of facial and neck muscles with a neurotoxin.
The correction of expression lines using a neurotoxin is a procedure that is usually painless and does not require anaesthesia. This substance causes a temporary blockade at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle relaxation and preventing the muscles from contracting. As a result, the skin in the treated area does not crease. Existing wrinkles are smoothed out, including very deep ones such as frown lines (between the eyebrows). With the help of a neurotoxin, it is also possible to eliminate "crow’s feet", horizontal forehead lines, or "bunny lines" on the nose.
Many patients fear that neurotoxin injections may cause the so-called mask effect, meaning a face deprived of emotional expression. It is therefore worth explaining that the neurotoxin acts only within the muscles into which it has been injected. The remaining muscles continue to function normally, allowing for natural facial expression.
The first effects of the treatment are visible after just a few days. The neurotoxin works for approximately 3–6 months, depending on the individual patient. After that time, the skin usually remains smooth for some time, and the wrinkles are still shallower than before the treatment. With subsequent injections, the effect usually lasts slightly longer.