A few expression lines can add character, but when forehead creases, frown lines, or crow’s feet begin to make you look more tired or tense than you feel, you may want a subtle way to soften them. Wrinkle relaxers such as BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily reduce targeted muscle activity that contributes to dynamic wrinkles, helping create a smoother, more refreshed appearance while preserving natural facial expression. BOTOX Cosmetic is an FDA-approved cosmetic dermatology treatment to temporarily improve moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and platysma bands in adults.
At Upper West Side Dermatology, wrinkle relaxer treatments are personalized to your facial anatomy, expressions, and aesthetic goals. The practice’s board-certified dermatologists provide cosmetic care alongside medical, surgical, and pediatric dermatology, giving patients access to injectable treatments within a comprehensive dermatology setting.
What Are Wrinkle Relaxers?
Wrinkle relaxers are injectable neuromodulators that temporarily reduce the muscle contractions responsible for certain expression lines. Instead of adding volume beneath the skin like a dermal filler, they target the underlying muscle activity that causes wrinkles to form when you smile, squint, frown, or raise your eyebrows.
BOTOX Cosmetic is one of the best-known wrinkle relaxers. Its effects are temporary, allowing treatment to be adjusted over time as your facial expressions and aesthetic preferences change.
What Areas Can BOTOX Treat?
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for several common areas where repeated muscle movement creates noticeable lines. These include:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Vertical platysma bands connecting the neck and jaw
Your dermatologist will evaluate your facial movement and determine which areas may benefit from treatment while helping maintain a natural, expressive appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Wrinkle Relaxers?
Wrinkle relaxers can provide noticeable improvement without surgery or an extended recovery period. Potential benefits include:
- Softening visible expression lines
- Creating a smoother, more rested appearance
- Maintaining natural-looking facial movement
- Providing treatment that can be tailored to specific areas
- Requiring only a short office visit
- Offering temporary results that can be adjusted with future treatments
For forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, BOTOX Cosmetic treatment itself typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
What Happens During Wrinkle Relaxer Treatment?
Your appointment begins with an assessment of your facial expressions and the areas you would like to improve. Your dermatologist will determine the placement and number of injections based on the muscles involved and the degree of correction appropriate for you.
BOTOX Cosmetic is injected directly into targeted muscles using a fine needle. Most patients describe the injections as feeling similar to a quick pinch, and treatment typically requires minimal downtime.
When Will You See BOTOX Results?
Some patients may begin noticing changes within 24-48 hours after BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. Results continue to develop afterward, with full results generally available around 30 days. For approved treatment areas such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, results may last up to about four months.
Because every patient responds differently, your dermatologist can recommend when another treatment may be appropriate based on your results and preferences.
What Are the Potential Risks of Wrinkle Relaxers?
Potential risks of wrinkle relaxers include temporary side effects such as bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection sites. Rarely, complications like eyelid drooping, asymmetry, or allergic reactions may occur. To minimize risks, seek treatment from a qualified provider and follow post-injection care instructions carefully.
What Are the Potential Costs for Wrinkle Relaxers?
At Upper West Side Dermatology, BOTOX is $26 per unit used during treatment. The total number of units needed during each visit is determined by the physician and depends on your specific treatment areas, muscle activity, and individual needs.
Because the number of units varies from person to person, the total treatment cost will also vary. Upper West Side Dermatology often offers cosmetic specials that can make BOTOX treatment more affordable.
Why Choose Upper West Side Dermatology for Wrinkle Relaxers
At Upper West Side Dermatology, wrinkle relaxer treatments are designed around how your individual facial muscles move rather than using the same injection pattern for every patient. The practice’s board-certified dermatologists combine knowledge of facial anatomy with cosmetic expertise to help soften unwanted lines while maintaining balanced, natural-looking expressions.
The team includes physicians experienced with neuromodulators and other injectable treatments. Dr. Sarah Yagerman has extensive training with neuromodulators for wrinkle relaxation, while Dr. James Shea’s cosmetic interests also include BOTOX, fillers, and lasers. This experience allows Upper West Side Dermatology to provide injectable treatments within a comprehensive practice focused on personalized dermatologic care.
Soften Expression Lines With Wrinkle Relaxers in Upper West Side, NY
Wrinkle relaxers can help you look smoother and more refreshed without changing the expressions that make you look like yourself. Call Upper West Side Dermatology at (212) 769-0069 to schedule a consultation.