Wrinkle blockers provide local muscle relaxation that prolongs the life of the hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers by reducing muscle activity in the treated area, according to early evidence in the January issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®.
HA fillers break down over time thereby limiting the duration of cosmetic benefit. The duration of effect is reduced by the contraction of nearby muscles. To prolong the effect, plastic surgeons inject wrinkle blocker into the nearby muscles to reduce their action on the dermal filler, so that it lasts longer.Studies using MRI’s have shown that this indeed does prolong the visible cosmetic improvement. The HA fillers were broken down 42% slower, and had a 50% greater remaining volume at 3 months when wrinkle blocker had been simultaneously injected.
Dr. Burroughs has experienced this over the last 12 years he has been injecting dermal fillers as most of these patients also receive wrinkle blocker injections. Dr. Burroughs has also noted that a better cosmetic improvement occurs when both wrinkle blocker and dermal filler are injected together particularly for the frown lines, lip lines, and chin areas. Wrinkle blockers last about 3-4 months in most areas of the face, so they need to be injected 3-4 times a year, but because they improve both the cosmetic result and duration his patients have found it to be a worthwhile investment.