Neuromodulators

How Do Neuromodulators Work? 

Neuromodulators interact directly with the nervous system to temporarily reduce muscle activity. The purified neurotoxin binds to specific receptor sites on the nerve endings at the injection site. Once attached, it blocks the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for triggering muscle contractions.

Without acetylcholine, the signal between the nerve and the muscle is disrupted, preventing the muscle from contracting fully. This relaxation allows the overlying skin to recover from repetitive movements that cause wrinkles. The effect is localized so it leaves the surrounding areas unaffected when injected by trained professionals. Over time, the nerve endings regenerate their ability to release acetylcholine, and the effects naturally wear off.

What Can Neuromodulators Treat? 

Cosmetic Concerns

• Crow’s Feet: Crow’s feet are caused by repetitive squinting and smiling, which create fine lines radiating outward from the corners of your eyes. Neuromodulators provide wrinkle reduction by targeting the small muscles around your eyes. The treatment can be adjusted to balance smoothness with movement for a refreshed look.
• Forehead Wrinkles: Forehead wrinkles form due to repetitive muscle activity when raising your eyebrows. Neuromodulators relax the frontalis muscle to reduce horizontal lines across the forehead.
• Frown Lines: Frown lines, also called glabellar lines or “11s,” appear between your eyebrows from repeated furrowing or scowling. Anti-aging injections reduce the intensity of the muscles responsible for these deep vertical creases. Regular treatments can also help prevent these lines from deepening over time.
• Vertical Neck Bands: Vertical neck bands, caused by an overactive platysma muscle, can make the neck look tense or aged. Neuromodulators reduce the prominence of these bands. Often called a “Nefertiti lift,” this technique enhances the neck’s overall smoothness while maintaining functionality.

Medical Concerns

• TMJ Disorder: Neuromodulators can be used to reduce temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort. This pain and tension often involve overactive muscles in the jaw. Neuromodulators can relieve symptoms such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and tension headaches.
• Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. It happens when the sweat glands are overactive, and can be present in areas like the armpits, hands, and feet. Neuromodulators can be used to temporarily block the nerve signals that stimulate sweat production.  Patients may see a reduction in sweating within a few days of treatment, with results lasting several months.
• Migraines: Neuromodulators are FDA-approved for the prevention of chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more headache days per month. By injecting neuromodulators into the forehead, temples, or neck, it can help block pain signals and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Why Choose Cosmetic Injectables? 

They Are Long-Lasting, But Not Permanent

Cosmetic injectables provide the perfect balance between longevity and flexibility. The results last for several months and allow you to enjoy fewer wrinkles during this time. If you want a treatment that gives you results without the permanence of surgery, injectables could be right for you. 

They Are Suitable for a Wide Range of Skin Types

Anti-aging injections can be used on all skin types. Whether you’re addressing early signs of aging, like crow’s feet and fine lines, or seeking preventative care, these treatments are gentle on the skin and adaptable to your situation. They are also suitable treatments for patients of all skin tones. 

Treatments Are Fast and Comfortable

Cosmetic injectables are ideal for busy schedules. In as little as 15 to 30 minutes—often shorter than a lunch break—you can address concerns like forehead wrinkles or frown lines. The process is straightforward and minimally uncomfortable, and because there’s no downtime, you can walk out of our office and continue your day.

Treatments Are Customizable

No two faces are the same, and cosmetic injectables embrace that individuality. With each treatment, we take into account your muscle structure, the depth of your wrinkles, the location of your wrinkles, and the goals you have for your results. With neuromodulators, it is easy to adjust dosage and injection location to account for all of these differences.

The Treatment Process

Before Your Treatment

During your initial visit, we’ll go over your medical history, discuss any medications or supplements you’re taking, and assess the areas you’d like to address. We may advise you to avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, or certain supplements for a few days before your appointment to reduce the likelihood of bruising. If this is your first time receiving treatment, we’ll answer any additional questions you may have to make sure you feel at ease.

Cleaning and Preparing the Treatment Area

When you arrive, we’ll clean the skin to remove makeup, oils, or any residue that could interfere with the process. If desired, a topical numbing cream can be applied to ensure maximum comfort during the injections. We’ll also map out precise injection sites based on the areas being treated.

Administering Injections

Using a fine needle, we’ll administer small amounts of the neuromodulator into the targeted muscles. Each injection lasts just a few seconds, and the number of injections will depend on your treatment plan. We’ll ensure that the placement and dosage balance muscle relaxation with natural movement.

What to Expect Right After Treatment

Immediately following your session, you may notice slight redness, swelling, or pinpoint marks in the treated areas. You can expect this to return to normal within a few hours to a day. While wrinkle reduction results develop over the following days, you’ll be able to resume your normal activities almost immediately. We’ll remind you to avoid rubbing the treated areas for the first 24 hours to allow the product to settle properly.

Aftercare Guidance

Post-treatment care is simple with neuromodulators. We recommend avoiding intense physical activity, saunas, or other activities that may increase blood flow to the area for at least 24 hours. Stay upright for the first few hours after your injections to help the results stay right where you want them. 

Our Neuromodulator Options

XEOMIN®

XEOMIN, a staff favorite, is a unique injectable made with a specialized manufacturing process resulting in a double-filtered formula. One of the key advantages of XEOMIN is its purity, as it lacks complex proteins, reducing the risk of antibody formation and potential resistance. With its proven track record of safety and efficacy, XEOMIN continues to be a trusted option for aesthetic purposes, offering patients the opportunity to achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

Patients who begin a wrinkle removal treatment with XEOMIN can live free of frown lines for up to five months post-treatment. After we administer the injections, your results will begin to be visible in 2-3 days, with full results by 2 weeks.

DAXXIFY®

DAXXIFY is an anti-aging cosmetic injectable that can smooth frown lines for up to nine months. Results begin to appear within one day, with full results by 2 weeks.

DAXXIFY contains a peptide for results that can last 1-3 months longer than other brands of neuromodulators. Those who want a solution for frown lines that also contains a peptide for long-lasting results can benefit from this anti-aging treatment.

BOTOX®

BOTOX is a popular anti-aging injectable that is FDA-approved to treat most areas of the face: the forehead, the outer corners of the eyes, and the area between the eyebrows. Patients who choose BOTOX to erase expression lines can expect an improvement in the appearance of the treatment area within the first 24 hours and even better results within the first week.

The best results are visible 30 days post-treatment, and regular injections can help patients maintain smoother skin. After treatment, results, on average, last three to four months.

Treating Medical Conditions

We use BOTOX for wrinkle removal but also for medical purposes and design treatment plans for hyperhidrosis, trap muscle reduction, and TMJ. Hyperhidrosis is when a person experiences excessive sweating, typically from the armpits. Injections into specific areas of the armpit can significantly reduce sweat output to promote patient confidence and quality of life.

We can design a treatment plan with BOTOX for TMJ to relax tense jaw muscles and relieve patients from the discomfort associated with this condition.

Dysport®

Dysport is a neuromodulator designed to smooth frown lines between the eyebrows. After an initial treatment, the results are evident within the first two to three days and will continue to improve for the following 30. Results typically last three to four months before a repeat treatment is needed.