At Dr Hennessy Clinics, we offer Relfydess treatment for suitable patients who want to soften moderate to severe frown lines or crow’s feet.
Relfydess is a prescription-only botulinum toxin type A treatment, so every appointment starts with a proper clinical assessment. We look at how your face moves, the strength of the muscles involved and what you would actually like to change before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
What Is Relfydess?
Relfydess is a botulinum toxin type A treatment developed by Galderma.
It is licensed for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines, commonly known as frown lines between the eyebrows, and lateral canthal lines, or crow’s feet around the eyes, in adults under 65.
It works by temporarily reducing the nerve signals sent to selected facial muscles. As those muscles contract less strongly, the expression lines they create can become less noticeable.
Unlike some other botulinum toxin products, Relfydess is supplied as a ready-to-use liquid rather than a powder that needs to be reconstituted before use.
For patients, however, the most important factor is still the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the injections.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
Its licensed cosmetic uses are:
- Moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows
- Moderate to severe crow’s feet around the outer corners of the eyes
These areas may seem straightforward, but muscle strength and facial movement can vary considerably from one patient to another.
Some people have particularly strong frown muscles. Others may naturally have one eyebrow sitting slightly higher than the other or may use one side of the face more strongly when they smile.
This is why the treatment plan needs to be based on the individual rather than using the same injection pattern for everyone.
Not every line is caused mainly by muscle movement. If skin quality, hydration or fine surface lines are the bigger concern, treatments such as skin boosters may sometimes be more appropriate.
How Quickly Does Relfydess Work?
Relfydess has been studied through Galderma’s Phase III READY clinical trial programme.
Some patients in the studies reported an effect from the first day after treatment, while the median time to onset was around two to three days.
The result then continues to develop over the following days.
The READY programme also demonstrated treatment effects lasting for up to six months in some patients.
That does not mean every patient will get exactly six months from treatment. Muscle strength, metabolism and individual response can all affect how long the result lasts.
What Happens at Your Appointment?
Your appointment begins with a consultation and assessment.
Your practitioner will ask what is bothering you and look at the area both at rest and while you are making expressions. You may be asked to frown, smile or squint so they can see how the relevant muscles are working.
They will also ask about your health, current medication and any previous botulinum toxin treatment.
If treatment is appropriate, small injections are placed into the selected muscles using a fine needle. The procedure itself is usually quick, and most patients can continue with their normal day afterwards.
You will also be given clear aftercare advice before leaving the clinic.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
As with any prescription medicine, there are possible side effects.
Commonly reported effects can include:
- Bruising, swelling, redness, discomfort or pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Temporary drooping of the upper eyelid
Less common effects can include brow drooping, dry eyes, visual disturbance, dizziness, swelling around the eyelid or temporary weakness in nearby muscles.
Most side effects are temporary.
There are also rare but potentially serious reactions associated with botulinum toxin. You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking after treatment, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or throat, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Your practitioner will explain the potential risks before treatment and answer any questions you have.
Who Should Not Have Relfydess?
Relfydess will not be suitable for everyone.
It should not be injected where there is an active infection and is unsuitable for patients with certain neuromuscular disorders, including myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Other medicines and medical conditions may also affect whether treatment is suitable.
This is why a proper medical assessment is required before treatment.
Please tell your practitioner about any health conditions, medication, supplements or previous reactions to botulinum toxin products.
Our Approach to Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
At Dr Hennessy Clinics, we do not believe every patient should be treated in exactly the same way.
Muscle strength matters. So does the position of the eyebrows and the way the face moves when you frown or smile.
One patient may mainly be bothered by a strong frown, while another may be more concerned about lines beside the eyes. Those two patients do not necessarily need the same treatment plan.
Our approach has been shaped by more than 25 years of experience in aesthetics under Dr Hennessy’s leadership.
The product used matters, but so do the assessment, dose and injection placement. Knowing where not to inject can be just as important as knowing where to inject.
How Does Relfydess Compare With Other Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?
There are several botulinum toxin type A products used in aesthetic medicine.
They work on the same broad principle, but they are not interchangeable. Their formulations and dosing units differ, so the dose used for one product cannot simply be transferred to another.
Relfydess differs in being supplied as a ready-to-use liquid and has clinical data supporting a relatively quick onset and effects lasting for up to six months.
That does not make it the right option for every patient.
Your practitioner will consider your facial movement, previous treatment history and the result you want to achieve before recommending the most appropriate option.
Book a Consultation
If frown lines or crow’s feet are becoming more noticeable, the best place to start is with a consultation.
Our clinical team can assess the area, explain the anti-wrinkle options available and advise whether Relfydess treatment is suitable for you.
Appointments are available at our Preston and Southport clinics.
Complete our contact form or call:
Preston: 01772 707027
Southport: 01704 264 642
Frequently Asked Questions
Some patients in clinical studies reported an effect from the first day, while the median onset was around two to three days. The result usually continues to develop after this point.
Clinical studies have demonstrated effects lasting for up to six months in some patients. Individual results and treatment duration vary.
It is licensed for moderate to severe glabellar frown lines and lateral canthal crow’s feet in adults under 65.
No. Both are botulinum toxin type A prescription medicines, but they are different products with different formulations and dosing units.
Yes. Temporary upper-eyelid drooping is a recognised possible side effect. Accurate assessment, dosing and injection placement are important in reducing this risk.