LIVO Treatments

Wrinkle Relaxers

Softer expression lines, with the character of the face preserved

At LIVO, Botox® and other wrinkle relaxers are used to soften forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, and other expression lines while preserving the character of your face. The aim is a more rested, open expression—not a different version of you.

Natural portrait with relaxed expression and healthy skin — Natural portrait with visible expression and relaxed, healthy skin

Why expression lines settle into the skin

Facial expression depends on a coordinated network of muscles beneath the skin. Smiling, concentrating, raising the eyebrows, and squinting repeatedly fold the skin in predictable directions.

In younger skin, these folds usually disappear when the face relaxes. Over time, collagen and elastic fibers decline, the skin becomes less resilient, and some lines remain visible even at rest. Sun exposure, smoking, genetics, sleep, general health, and individual anatomy also influence how quickly these changes appear.

Two broad types of lines are commonly described:

Dynamic lines appear mainly during movement, such as forehead lines when raising the brows, frown lines when concentrating, or crow's feet when smiling.
Static lines remain visible when the face is relaxed. They reflect a combination of repeated movement, changes in skin quality, and reduced structural support.

Wrinkle relaxers work most directly on dynamic muscle activity. As repeated folding decreases, some resting lines may also soften. If a line is influenced by skin quality, collagen loss, or reduced support, we may recommend a more layered plan.

Fine expression lines around the eye area — Relaxed skin → repeated muscle contraction → dynamic line → line visible at rest

How wrinkle relaxers work

Wrinkle relaxers are prescription medicines containing botulinum toxin type A. When placed into a selected muscle, the medicine temporarily reduces the release of acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that allows a nerve to activate a muscle.

The muscle does not switch off instantly. Its activity gradually decreases over several days, then slowly returns as nerve-to-muscle signaling recovers. This is why the effect is temporary.

Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine for decades across neurology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation, dermatology, and other specialties. In aesthetic practice, the dose and placement are tailored to the anatomy and movement pattern of the individual face.

Practitioner performing a precise wrinkle-relaxer injection — Nerve signal → acetylcholine release → muscle contraction; wrinkle relaxer temporarily reduces the signal

Different products, the same need for a tailored plan

FDA-approved cosmetic botulinum toxin type A products in the United States include BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, XEOMIN®, Jeuveau®, DAXXIFY®, and LETYBO®. They work through the same general pathway, while their formulations, dose units, and clinical characteristics differ.

At LIVO, product choice is only one part of the plan. We also consider muscle strength, brow position, facial proportions, natural asymmetry, previous injections, and how much expression you would like to retain.

Where wrinkle relaxers may be considered

Wrinkle relaxers may be considered where muscle activity contributes to visible lines or changes in contour. Common examples include:

Horizontal forehead lines
Frown lines between the eyebrows / Glabellar
Crow's feet
Nasal "bunny" lines
Chin dimpling
Downturned corners of the mouth
Selected neck bands
Masseter muscles for lower-face contouring in appropriate individuals
Excessive underarm sweating
Shoulders Pain relief / Shoulder Slimming
Calves Sculpting

Consultation and facial assessment at LIVO — Principal facial muscles and commonly assessed injection zones

A thoughtful plan begins with movement

Your consultation begins with movement, not simply with a search for lines. We will observe your face at rest and during expressions such as frowning, smiling, squinting, and raising the eyebrows.

The assessment may include:

Muscle strength and the direction of movement
Natural brow height and eyelid support
Baseline asymmetry
Skin quality and the depth of resting lines
Previous botulinum toxin treatments and response
Medical history, medications, allergies, and treatment goals

Two clients asking about the same area may need different injection points and doses. Our goal is to soften excessive contraction while keeping the face balanced, expressive, and recognizably yours.

What the appointment is like

After cleansing the skin, your provider will place small amounts of medicine into selected muscles with a fine needle. Most appointments take about 15 to 30 minutes.

The number and position of injections are designed around your anatomy rather than a fixed template. Most clients return to their usual day immediately after the appointment.

Back to daily life right after the appointment — Consultation → dynamic assessment → clinical photography → injections → return to normal activities

Preparing for your appointment

Before your appointment, tell us about your current medicines and supplements, allergies, previous botulinum toxin treatments, and any relevant health history. This helps our provider plan the appointment safely and comfortably around you.

To help minimize bruising, you may wish to avoid excessive alcohol for about 24 hours beforehand. Do not stop prescribed blood thinners or other medication unless your prescribing provider advises you to do so.

After your appointment: what to expect

Small red marks, mild tenderness, swelling, bruising, or a temporary headache can occur and usually settle quickly. Your provider may ask you to remain upright for four hours, avoid rubbing the area, and postpone vigorous exercise or prolonged heat until later that day or the following day.

Changes usually begin to appear within several days and are easier to assess at around two weeks.Frequently asked questions

Will I still be able to move my face?

Usually, yes. At LIVO, we plan the dose to soften selected muscle activity rather than remove all movement. During your consultation, we will discuss the level of expression you would like to preserve.

When will I see the result?

Early changes often appear within three to seven days. The effect is usually clearer by approximately two weeks, although timing varies by product, area, dose, and individual biology.

How long does it last?

For many facial areas, results commonly last around three to four months. Duration varies with the product, area, muscle strength, and your individual response. We will help you decide when a future appointment makes sense rather than follow a rigid calendar.

Will my wrinkles become worse if I stop?

No. Current evidence does not suggest that stopping wrinkle relaxers makes lines worse. As the effect gradually fades, your natural muscle movement simply returns.

Can wrinkle relaxers prevent lines?

Reducing repeated folding may help slow the deepening of certain expression lines. There is no single “right age” to begin; we consider your movement, skin quality, facial anatomy, and personal priorities.

Can wrinkle relaxers be combined with other services?

Book a consultation at LIVO in Lisle, serving Naperville, Oak Brook, and Chicago’s western suburbs. We will assess your movement and design a Botox® or wrinkle-relaxer plan around the expression you want to preserve.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Botulinum toxin therapy: Overview.

2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. BOTOX® / BOTOX® Cosmetic Prescribing Information.

3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Botulinum Toxin.

4. Sundaram H, et al. Global Aesthetics Consensus: Botulinum Toxin Type A—Evidence-Based Review and Consensus Recommendations.

5. Sundaram H, et al. Aesthetic Applications of Botulinum Toxin A in Asians: An International Pan-Asian Consensus.

Begin with a consultation

Every LIVO plan begins with listening and a clear understanding of what you want to preserve.

Book a Consultation