Excessive facial blushing can be emotionally challenging as well as socially and professionally disruptive. Facial blushing can give the impression of nervousness. The pathophysiology of facial blushing is complex. The facial capillaries play an important role in thermoregulation and show an exaggerated response to mental stimuli. Facial blushing can be associated with specific foods, temperature, emotional and physical stress. However, it is important to exclude secondary facial blushing which can be associated with endocrinological disorders and neurological conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Muscle Relaxing Toxins and how do they work?
Why use Muscle Relaxing Toxins instead of other methods?
Do we have any alternative treatments for excessive blushing?
How effective is it?
How long does it last?
Possible complications or side effects?
How long will I need off work?
How long does it take?
Does it hurt?
How much does it cost?
Can I have my first treatment at the same time as the consultation?
Are Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections rebatable through Medicare or any health fund?

Why use Muscle Relaxing Toxins instead of other methods?

Blockage of the neurological stimulation with Muscle Relaxing Toxins appears to offer a safe alternative to tablets, or ongoing topical applications to reduce blushing, with no specific complications or side effects.

Do we have any alternative treatments for excessive blushing?

Many treatments for excessive blushing have been described, but few are effective and acceptable, and none have been without possible side effects.
Topical agents have to be reapplied several times a day and may cause irritation and more blushing.
Iontophoresis may provide relief, but is time consuming and requires frequent and numerous treatments.
Tablets frequently have unacceptable side effects.
Laser treatment has to be repeated several times and is effective only for broken capillaries.

How effective is it?

The majority of patients get results. Most people can expect an improvement of 75-85% or more in blushing.

How long does it last?

The injections will remain effective anywhere from 2-12 months or longer, depending on the patient.

Possible complications or side effects?

Only 3% of patients have minor side effects, which may include temporary numbness or temporary partial loss of function of muscles in the area of injection.

How long will I need off work?

It is unlikely that you will need any time off work. Straight after the procedure you can have slight soreness of the area for a few hours.

How long does it take?

Your treatment will generally take around 45-60 minutes. We have to apply numbing agents to your skin and perform superficial injections.

Does it hurt?

Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections do sting however, like everything, the amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient and depends on the area treated. Some patients prefer the treatment done under local anaesthetic. Usually an anaesthetic cream will be helpful.

How much does it cost?

Treatment costs will vary between patients according to the areas treated. The cost is based on the amount of units of Muscle Relaxing Toxin it takes to do the treatment. During one session, a series of injections are placed into the skin, and usually 20-150 units are required. Cost will vary between $200 and $1500 per session.

Can I have my first treatment at the same time as the consultation?

You can have a consultation to gather all the information necessary to consider Muscle Relaxing Toxin treatment for facial blushing or you can have a consultation with the Doctor immediately followed by your first treatment. This option would take 1-2 hours.

Are Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections rebatable through Medicare or any health fund?

Muscle Relaxing Toxin injections for facial blushing are a new procedure, so they are not rebateable at this stage through Medicare or private health funds.