Neuromodulators are some of today’s modern approaches to skin rejuvenation. These injectables are wrinkle-relaxing injections of botulinum toxin that treat wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Minute amounts injected directly into the underlying muscles can cause them to relax and gradually smooth out the appearance of the overlying skin. Their application for these purposes is called “off-label” use, which means they are being used in a way that was not part of their FDA clinical approval. A physician must inform you if any neuromodulator is being used “off-label.”
Today, let us get to know more about some examples of neuromodulators. Read until the end and discover if these popular treatments suit your skin concerns.
Examples of Neuromodulators
Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau are neuromodulator treatments that work beneath the skin’s surface. They can temporarily reduce underlying muscle activity that results in unwanted crow’s feet, moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, and more.
The advantages of this treatment include the following:
- Erases fine lines and wrinkles
- Non-invasive and no recovery period
- FDA approved to treat of frown lines
- Long-lasting natural results
- Revitalizes the skin
Botox
Botox is a wrinkle muscle relaxer. Its main component is botulinum toxin type A, specifically OnabotulinumtoxinA, which helps paralyze muscle temporarily. This neuromodulator helps reduce facial wrinkles.
Botox treatments are minimally invasive and considered a safe, effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Experts can also use Botox on the forehead between the eyes.
How Does Botox Work?
Botox works by temporarily blocking nerve signals and muscle contractions. This step improves unwanted wrinkle appearance around the eyes and areas between the eyebrows. In addition, this neuromodulator can also slow the formation of new lines by preventing the contraction of facial muscles.
During the procedure, practitioners use thin needles to administer 3-5 injections of botulinum toxin type A. They will inject the targeted area between the eyebrows. You will usually need three injections on the side of each eye to smooth out crow’s feet.
The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Dysport
Also called abobotulinumtoxin A, Dysport is an injection for wrinkle treatment. These non-invasive neuromodulators temporarily decrease muscle movement in the target areas. This neuromodulator softens the glabellar line appearance or the vertical wrinkles most prominent on your forehead between your eyebrows. It’s also sometimes used for specific medical conditions.
How Does Dysport Work?
Dysport works by reducing the appearance of lines by relaxing and limiting the movement of muscles around the injection site. Your doctor injects a small amount of the substance directly into your muscle. As your muscles relax, the skin above them becomes smoother, reducing wrinkles. It’s important to note that the effects of these neuromodulators are only temporary.
Decreasing movement is meant to prevent the formation or deepening of wrinkles caused by repetitive motion over time, along with heredity and aging.
Jeuveau
Jeuveau utilizes purified botulinum toxins to relax the small muscle groups that cause dynamic wrinkles temporarily. When these neuromodulators are injected into muscle tissues, nerve signals are blocked so that the brain no longer gives instructions for movement to already treated muscles.
How Does Jeuveau Work?
Jeuveau impedes communication from the nervous system to the treated muscle by binding to some of the receptors. This procedure results in the relaxation of the treated muscles. It prevents the muscles from contracting excessively, relaxing away the lines and wrinkles in the treated area and stopping the form
ation of new wrinkles and lines for several months.
Generally, the results of this neuromodulator and injectable muscle relaxant last four months, but it is possible to enjoy ideal results for up to six months. Since the results of this treatment are temporary, one to three annual follow-up sessions are necessary to maintain the desired appearance.
How Soon WILL tHE Results Manifest?
In general, results from neuromodulators are typically seen within 10-14 days. Practitioners can assess follow-up treatment after two (2) weeks, and additional treatments can be administered if there are still lines or wrinkles patients want to treat. The cost is the same.
Neuromodulator Treatment Recommendations
Pre-Treatment
- Minimize possible bruising by discontinuing non‐essential blood‐thinning medications or supplements for 10-14 days before treatment. These include:
- Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Midol, or Motrin
- Alka-Seltzer
- Garlic
- ginkgo biloba
- ginseng
- green tea
- vitamin E
- St. John’s wort
If you have been prescribed aspirin or another blood-thinning medication such as Plavix or Coumadin for medical reasons, do not discontinue these medications unless okayed by your prescribing provider. Please be advised the bruising does not affect the success of neuromodulator treatments.
Botulinum toxin neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau) injections are generally well tolerated with minimal discomfort. The use of a topical anesthetic is optional and generally not required. If you wish to apply a topical anesthetic at home, please notify your provider for a prescription.
Please alert your provider for pregnant women, breastfeeding, or trying or expecting to become pregnant, as you are not a candidate for treatment.
Post Treatment
- Do not lie flat for at least four hours after your neuromodulator treatment. After four hours, you may resume your normal activities.
- Do not touch, massage, or manipulate the injection sites. Avoid anything that will flush your face or body, such as direct sunlight, exercise, alcohol, hot showers or baths, hot tubs, or spicy foods for 24 hours to minimize redness and bruising. If bruising does occur, it will go away in several days.
- You may apply cool water compresses to the treatment sites if they are uncomfortable or red.
- If you develop a headache, Tylenol is permissible. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as these agents may increase the risk of bruising.
- To enhance the uptake of botulinum toxin, contract the muscles in the treated area frequently for 2-3 hours after your neuromodulator treatment.
- As every patient has different facial anatomy, asymmetry of the treatment result can occur with botulinum toxin injections. Sometimes the correction is less than what you had expected or wanes quicker than expected. Doctors or healthcare providers may require additional treatments to meet your expectations. Please call your provider’s number to be seen for a follow-up should any of these concerns arise.
In addition, if you develop a droopy eyebrow or eyelid, do not be alarmed. This uncommon side effect is not severe. You should call your provider as there are eye drops that experts can prescribe to alleviate this problem. This problem generally resolves in several weeks to several months after receiving your neuromodulator treatment.
Final Thoughts on Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau can help you with your particular skin concerns. Ask your trusted skin expert how you can experience these injectables toward skin rejuvenation.
Do you want to experience neuromodulators? Our great friends at Elle Aesthetics Utah can help you today. Visit them now!
