For those who want the same results as a neuromodulator such as Botox Cosmetic, Dysport or Xeomin, but can’t tolerate the injections, a new FDA-approved procedure called ThermiRase could be the answer to a fighting your frown lines and forehead wrinkles. “ThermiRase is perfect for patients who want a longer-lasting alternative to Botox and who don’t want to have injections on a regular basis,” says New York plastic surgeon Kevin Tehrani, MD. “You can treat any areas where you would normally have injections to relax the muscle. This typically involves the forehead, however, other areas of the face like the lower lip lines can also be treated.”
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What makes this procedure different from getting regular injections is that it uses a small probe to deliver radio-frequency heat to relax the muscles in your face. First, the doctor performing the procedure will map out the nerves in the treated area that cause unwanted muscle movement. Then, a very small probe is inserted under the skin to confirm the nerve location before the radio-frequency energy is delivered. “During this procedure, nerve branches are selectively blocked using a radio-frequency probe, which then relaxes the muscle that causes the movements that create frown lines and forehead wrinkles,” adds Dr. Tehrani.
Another benefit to this treatment, besides minimizing the number of injections you need in order to get a smoother-looking forehead, is that results typically last up to six times longer than Botox Cosmetic (which can last 3-6 months). It can take about an hour to perform and is done under local anesthesia, but Dr. Tehrani says results can last anywhere from two to three years and possibly longer.
