I try RELFYDESS for the first time (and I’m impressed)


My entry into the world of neuromodulators – or Botox as many of us refer to them – was a slow and gentle one. After having my first treatment to treat fines lines and a frown, I didn’t rely on it to make me feel good, and I certainly didn’t feel like I desperately needed it. It was just something I did a couple of times a year, enjoying the results. Until almost overnight (although possibly months TBH!), it stopped working as effectively as it once had, delivering initially pleasing results but requiring frequent top-ups. Then it seemed to stop working altogether – yikes!
I eventually gave up on ‘tox altogether, allowing ever-so-slightly longer bangs to hide the frown as best they could, and using a little filler here and there to keep my structure strong. That is until now, when after months of reading about its myriad charms in international publications, Relfydess officially arrived in Aotearoa.

The Relfydess Difference
Although a relatively new name on the market to most and now approved by Medsafe, Relfydess has actually been more than ten years in the making. A purified botulinum toxin with a unique strain unlike any currently available on the market, it contains no human or animal excipients and no protein, and represents a significant advance in both formulation and performance. It has been used safely and loved in Australia, USA and parts of Europe for over a year, giving strong evidence around its safety and efficacy in real world settings.
It goes without saying that Auckland’s Clinic42 was the cosmedicine clinic leading the way as one of the first in the country to treat patients with the innovative formulation, and it was there I headed for an appointment with Clinic42 Director, Dr Ellen Selkon to see if I was a suitable patient.
Dr Ellen is part of the current Galderma trial of Relfydess and has already treated more than 10 patients with the new formulation. She calls the early results “really exciting”, adding that patients are most definitely seeing faster onset and longer-lasting results, which could be a game changer for the aesthetics industry in New Zealand.
“Relfydess has been shown to work faster and last longer than other botulinum toxins,” says Dr Ellen, “and patients typically notice results within one to three days, compared to the longer onset times of existing options. Clinical trials also show average results lasting up to six months for frown and smile lines - twice as long as many current treatments.”
Due to its extended duration, correct placement is critical. “Because of its longer-lasting effects, Relfydess needs to be injected by highly experienced clinicians,” explains Dr Selkon. “If a toxin is placed in the wrong muscle, complications can occur, and with this formulation, they may last longer.”
Lastly, a huge point of difference is that Relfydess is a ready-to-use liquid neuromodulator – until now, every brand of botulinum toxin had to be pre-mixed. This means that every day, there could be small differences in the potential for human error when an injector is having to mix a product themselves. Soni points out. “Relfydess has taken away the margin of error that could be there.”

Who It’s Especially Beneficial For
It seems that almost everyone could benefit from Relfydess, but some patients will be particularly drawn to its myriad charms. They include patients like myself whose results with existing toxins fade quickly for various reasons, and it’s an excellent option to explore for sportspeople or those with high metabolisms who metabolise toxin faster. It’s also proving to be a great option for treating low-dose areas such as when creating lip flips, where traditional treatments wear off more quickly.
Dr Ellen says its quick-acting element also makes it a fabulous option for those that may not be as organised as the usual patient, those fond of grabbing a last minute appointment days before a significant event will actually see far speedier results!

My Experience
After chatting to Dr Ellen I was more than ready to embrace Relfydess, especially for a subtle brow lift and to deal to my 11s. Some patients have spoken of the fact that Relfydess packs more of a sting than other ‘tox formulations, but honestly, it’s a lot more comfortable than the likes of Profhilo and over so quickly it barely registered on my pain scale.
After my first treatment, I noticed a difference in my forehead within just over a day, which was so damn satisfying! It settled in over a week, and I am loving the end results. Impressed? You bet – and looking forward to seeing how long it lasts. I’ll report back!

Relfydess treatments are available now from at Clinic42 and can be booked online at clinic42.co.nz or via Clinic42 reception on (09 638 4242).

Photo by Oliver Johnson on Unsplash

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