Sure, you can have a younger-looking complexion with a good medical-grade skincare routine and some well-placed highlighter, but sometimes you need just a little more help in the wrinkle department. Wrinkle relaxers are used to soften lines and remain one of the most popular cosmetic treatments today. They might get a bad rap thanks to certain reality TV stars, but don’t let that mislead you! Despite their incredible popularity, there are still many myths and misconceptions out there. This makes it all the more important to be informed before you walk into our sparkly floored dream space.
Here are some popular wrinkle relaxer myths we get asked all the time…
First off, what are neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are a purified protein that temporarily softens communication between your nerves and specific muscles. So even though your brain signals for your face to make a particular repetitive expression, the treatment gently eases that contraction. This allows dynamic lines to soften while helping prevent deeper lines from etching into the skin over time.
Myth 1: Wrinkle relaxers last 6 months or more
Sadly, not true! On average, full motion of the treated muscles gradually returns about three to four months after your appointment. The upper forehead is almost always the first area to move again, and for good reason! We don't dose the upper forehead as heavily because the muscle is thinner and we want to avoid dropping the brows. That muscle is the only true elevator in your upper face, so our clinicians always treat it with care.
Myth 2: Neuromodulators are just for wrinkles
Wrinkle relaxers are fantastic for preventative care—softening muscle movement early on helps prevent deeper creases from forming in the long run. Beyond smoothing lines, these treatments are also widely used for therapeutic comfort, such as relieving jaw clenching from TMJ, easing chronic tension and migraines, and managing excess sweating (hyperhidrosis). They can even be used for lower-face contouring and subtle lip flips!
Myth 3: Treatments will leave you looking frozen and unnatural
No way—not when you come to PHI! Many people worry that treatments will take away their ability to express emotion. In reality, the treatment only targets specific, localized muscle points. With an experienced clinician, you can still laugh, frown, and look surprised—just without the deep creasing. An overdone look only happens when treatments are placed incorrectly or over-administered. Our Calgary clinicians understand facial anatomy inside and out, ensuring your expressions stay soft, natural, and completely you.
Myth 4: Your skin will look worse once the treatment wears off
When a neuromodulator gradually wears off, your skin simply returns to its natural baseline. There’s a common misconception that lines bounce back worse than before, but that isn't the case! In fact, consistently treating dynamic lines over time prevents the repetitive folding that deepens wrinkles, keeping your skin smoother and more rested over the years.
Myth 5: Wrinkle relaxers can be used on every type of wrinkle
Not quite! Depending on where the crease sits and whether it's dynamic (visible with expression) or static (visible at rest), dermal fillers or skin-quality treatments may be a much better fit. A great rule of thumb: lines of movement benefit from neuromodulators, while volume loss and lines at rest benefit from dermal fillers or deep hydration treatments. Both approaches complement each other beautifully to create balanced results.
If you have any other questions or myths you’d love debunked, our Calgary team is always happy to chat and share our passion for healthy, glowing skin!