Neuromodulators are injected into the skin to treat wrinkles and fine lines. They work by relaxing muscles in the treated area, softening fine lines and giving you a more youthful appearance as they smooth out your skin! Don’t worry – there’s no down time after the treatment, and no needles are required. These injectables are safe, effective, and affordable! Neuromodulators include Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, and here’s how each of them works to get rid of wrinkles.
What are neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are injectable treatments for hyperactive muscles that cause a variety of conditions such as migraine headaches, lines between the eyebrows (frown lines), forehead wrinkles (brow wrinkles), pain in the upper back or neck (cervical dystonia), and tightness in the chest or throat. This family of drugs is primarily used to treat adults who have moderate to severe cases of these muscular problems.
Where do they work?
When injected into a muscle or around a nerve, neuromodulators block signals from being sent to the brain. This provides temporary relief of unwanted body movements or muscle contractions that can result from diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Dysport has an additional use as an alternative to wrinkle injections such as Botox; it prevents wrinkles by improving forehead frown lines, crows feet near the eyes, and vertical creases in between the eyebrows.
What results can I expect?
Botox relaxes muscles that cause wrinkles by paralyzing them for a period of three to six months. It can reduce lines from the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet), at the corners of your mouth (smile lines), as well as from other places on your face. You will see results within days but full effects are visible in about two weeks. Over time some muscle activity may start to return which can cause wrinkle formation again so it is important to maintain treatment.
How do they differ from each other?
Neuromodulators target different muscles. Botox is used to smooth frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), crow’s feet at the corners of eyes, and vertical bands of wrinkles that form when we make a smile or laugh. Dysport treats forehead wrinkles (frown lines) from our eyebrows to our hairline. Xeomin treats horizontal forehead wrinkles from our hairline across our brow bone. It also treats crow’s feet at the corner of our eyes.
Are there any side effects?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for lines between the eyebrows. It is injected with a small needle into one or two places in between your eyebrows to help relax the muscles that may be causing these lines. The injections typically take a few minutes to give you immediate results. There are no side effects to receiving this treatment.
How do they interact with treatments like fillers?
Fillers such as Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvederm®, and Radiesse® are often used in conjunction with neuromodulators. This is because they can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, plus they add volume to create a fuller appearance. Fillers can be used around the nose and mouth area to reduce wrinkles.
How should I prepare for treatment?
It’s important to know what to expect before treatment day. Here are a few tips:
-Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water in the days leading up to your treatment
-Avoid skin irritants such as sun exposure, abrasive cleansers, astringents (toners), drying agents such as alcohol or retinol products. This includes tanning beds as well.
Who should I see for this procedure?
If you’re considering neuromodulator treatments like Botox or Dysport injections to reduce wrinkles, treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), or prevent migraine headaches, your doctor will do a thorough exam to ensure it’s safe for you. The doctor should take into account your medical history of migraines, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and thyroid conditions when deciding if you are a good candidate for these therapies.
Can you recommend someone in my area?
Botox, dysport, and xeomin are all FDA approved neuromodulators that can be used to reduce wrinkles and unwanted facial lines. They work by blocking signals from nerve endings in order to prevent muscle contractions from happening which is what gives you those lines when you make a certain face. These injections are great for people with limited movement due to arthritis or even someone who wants to get rid of those deep lines around their mouth or between their eyebrows for cosmetic reasons.
