25/06/2026
In this clear and objective article, we explain what Relfydess is, how it works, its benefits, indications, course and safety profile, so that you can discuss calmly with your practitioner.
Relfydessis a **purified botulinum toxin type A** (150 kDa, no complex proteins)developed with Galderma's proprietary **PEARL*™* technology.
Unlike mosttraditional botulinum toxins that come in the form of a powder to bereconstituted, Relfydess is a ready-to-use liquid solution (concentration 100units/mL). It does not require any dilution, allowing for increased dosingaccuracy and optimal reproducibility.
Each vial contains 150 units in 1.5 mL. It is **free of complex proteins** and does notcontain added animal or human proteins.
Like allbotulinum toxin type A, Relfydess works by temporarily blocking the release ofacetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This causes a **targeted relaxation of the muscles** responsible for expression lines (dynamic wrinkles).
Wrinkles gradually fade while preserving a natural appearance when the treatment is done well.
-**Ready-to-use formulation**: time saving, accuracy and consistency of dosing(no more risk related to reconstitution).
- **Rapidonset of action**: visible effect from the 1st day in some patients (up to 39%for frown lines and 34% for crow's feet according to phase 3 studies). Mediantime: 2 to 3 days.
-**Prolonged duration of action**: up to **6 months** in a majority of patients(up to 75% maintain significant improvement at 6 months according to clinicaldata).
- **Highpurity**: formulation without complex proteins, which can contribute toexcellent tolerability and a low risk of neutralizing antibodies.
- **Doubleindication as soon as authorisation**: first toxin in Europe approvedsimultaneously for glabellar wrinkles and lateral canthal wrinkles.
Relfydessis indicated in adults **less than 65 years of age** for the temporary improvement of the appearance of:
-**Moderate to severe glabellar wrinkles** (frown lines)
- Moderateto severe lateral canthal wrinkles (crow's feet wrinkles / external corners ofthe eyes with a smile).
It is particularly suitable when these wrinkles have a significant psychological impact.
**Note**: it is not indicated for the horizontal forehead, perioral wrinkles or other areas (off-label).
The procedure is similar to that of a classic botulinum toxin:
1.Preliminary consultation with evaluation of your face, your expressions andyour expectations.
2. Preciseintramuscular injections with very fine needles.
-Frownlines: usually 50 units (5 injection sites).
-Crow'sfeet: usually 60 units (6 injection points).
-Combinedtreatment possible (110 units in total).
3. Durationof the session: 10 minutes.
Your practitioner will give you the usual post-treatment instructions (do notmassage the area or compress it, avoid intense sport, sauna and alcohol for 24hours, remain in an upright position for a few hours, etc.). Arnica may berecommended to limit bruising.
-**Rapidity**: visible improvement often within 24-72 hours, with an optimaleffect around 1 month.
-**Appearance**: smoothed wrinkles, more relaxed and rejuvenated eyes andexpression, while maintaining the natural mobility of the face.
-**Duration**: up to 6 months depending on the patient and the area (phase 3studies show a maintenance of improvement in a large proportion of patients at 6 months).
-**Satisfaction**: Patients often report an improvement in their psychological well-being.
**Important**:Results vary depending on age, wrinkle depth, muscle strength, lifestyle andinjection technique. A touch-up is generally not necessary before at least 3months (recommended interval: 12 weeks).
Relfydesshas a good safety profile in clinical studies (READY-1, READY-2, READY-3 andextension).
Mostcommon side effects** (usually mild and transient):
- Injectionsite reactions (redness, swelling, bruising, pain).
-Headaches.
- Ptosis(drooping of the eyelid) or eyebrow ptosis (rare and often related to thetechnique).
As withall botulinum toxins, there is a rare risk of diffusion of the effect (visualdisturbances, muscle weakness at a distance, etc.), especially in the event ofan overdose or poorly targeted injection.
-Hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin type A or excipients.
- Infectionat the injection site.
-Neuromuscular diseases (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS).
- Pregnancyand breastfeeding.
- Under 18years of age (and limited data after age 65).
The treatment must be carried out exclusively by a **qualified and experienced doctor** in aesthetic medicine.
Relfydess can be a great option if:
- You want visible results faster.
- Youprefer to space out your sessions (up to 6 months).
- Youalready have good experience with botulinum toxins and want to test a newgeneration formulation.
- Yourpractitioner recommends it after evaluating your face.
Apersonalized consultation remains essential to determine if it corresponds toyour expectations and your anatomy.
In conclusion
Relfydessrepresents an interesting advance in the arsenal of anti-wrinkle treatments:**ready-to-use liquid formulation, fast acting, prolonged duration and high purity**. Like any aesthetic medical procedure, the result depends above all on the quality of the indication, the practitioner's technique and the follow-up.
**This article is informative and does not constitute personalized medical advice.**Relfydess is a prescription drug. Only trained and authorized doctors can prescribe and inject it.
Do you haveany questions about Relfydess or treatments for expression lines? Don'thesitate to ask them in consultation – it's the best way to get answers adaptedto your case.
*Mainsources: Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Relfydess(base-donnees-publique.medicaments.gouv.fr), Phase 3 READY(Galderma)clinical studies, European authorization (July 2024) and information fromqualified laboratories and practitioners.*
Take careand stay informed! ✨
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