Botox

Along with dermal fillers, neuromodulators are a type of injection that is effective in treating frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and other unwanted wrinkles. If the monetary and time cost of a face, forehead, or neck lift is too much, a neuromodulator can help rewind wrinkle damage to the skin.

What are Neuromodulators?

Most people who don’t know anything about cosmetic procedures have heard of botulinum toxin, or its most popular brand name, Botox. Botulinum toxin type A is derived from the bacteria that causes botulism, and it works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles in which it’s injected. Over time, every facial movement causes creases in the skin that can worsen with age. Neuromodulators temporarily halt muscle movement— aside from being cosmetic, neuromodulators can also be used to treat migraines, muscle spasms in the neck and face or associated with cerebral palsy, excessive sweating, lazy eyes, overactive bladders, facial asymmetry, and other conditions caused by unwanted muscle movement.

What kinds are there?

The most popular and widely-used is Botox, which can treat primarily frown lines and crow’s feet, as well as other lines and creases around the mouth, nose, and forehead. Due to genetics, these lines may appear in some patients in their early life and Botox can be a good preventative measure for aging.

Xeomin is another brand of botulinum toxin, most effective in treating frown lines or folds between the eyebrows. Unlike Botox, this injectable has no other additives, meaning it works faster and often has a more natural-looking result, since the face retains some of its muscle movement.

It’s important that your administrator be a board certified plastic surgeon, as your best results will come from someone with the proper experience and expertise of facial muscles. Any physician can administer these injections, and many offer lower prices and less-effective units.

Am I a good candidate for Neuromodulator injections?

Any adult that feels that age has made them look tired or angry because of folds or wrinkles can benefit from these injections. This quick and easy procedure can easily be combined with other topical skin treatments like chemical peels, laser treatments, or even dermal fillers. When combined with neuromodulators, the results can often be compounded due to the prevention of new wrinkles and lines being formed.

What about the Results and Recovery?

Since neuromodulators are an injection, there is no downtime required, and any pain or discomfort is minimal. Your surgeon can often provide a topical numbing cream if needed. It’s important not to touch, rub, or massage the injection site afterward, because this can cause the botulinum toxin to spread into unwanted areas of the face.

Neuromodulators usually last for a few months before it begins to fade, and the wrinkles and control of the muscles will return.

If you would like to try or ask questions about a neuromodulator injection, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richardson.