Neuromodulators work by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for sending signals from nerves to muscles. When these signals are inhibited, the affected muscles temporarily lose their ability to contract, leading to muscle relaxation.
In the context of cosmetic treatments, neuromodulators are often used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the underlying muscles. The most common neuromodulators used for cosmetic purposes are botulinum toxin types A, which include Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.
Key Differences Between Neuromodulators
Composition: Botox and Dysport contain additional proteins, while Xeomin is a “naked” toxin (lacking these proteins). This difference may affect how the body responds to each treatment and the potential for building resistance.
Diffusion: Dysport generally has a wider diffusion area compared to Botox, making it potentially more effective for larger treatment areas but also increasing the risk of affecting nearby muscles.
Onset and Duration: While the onset time and duration of effects can vary slightly between the three, they are relatively similar, often showing results within a few days, fully settling in at 2 weeks and lasting 3-6 months.
Lip Flip: A lip flip is a procedure that uses strategically injected neuromodulators into areas of the upper lip (the orbicularis oris muscle) to achieve a subtle pout or fuller-looking lips without adding additional volume through fillers. Here’s how it works and what to expect:
- Muscle Relaxation:
- The injected neuromodulator temporarily relaxes the muscles around the upper lip, causing the lip to flip outward slightly. This creates the appearance of a fuller lip and enhances the lip’s shape.
- Natural Results:
- Because the lip flip is focused on relaxing the lip muscles rather than adding volume, the result is a subtle enhancement that maintains a natural look. It’s ideal for individuals who want a slight boost in lip appearance without noticeable fillers.
- Quick Procedure: The lip flip can be completed in about 10 to 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for individuals looking for a quick aesthetic refresh.
- Minimal Downtime: Patients typically experience little to no downtime and can return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. There may be mild swelling or bruising at the injection site that resolves quickly.
Botox can also be microneedled or microchanneled subdermally as opposed to injected IM.
Microchanneling/needling with Botox:
A device equipped with fine needles will create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the natural healing response and promotes collagen production. Botox is added topically throughout the treatment, allowing for a more effective and even distribution of the product into the skin. This can enhance the diffusion of Botox into the targeted areas, potentially leading to improved results.
- Targeted Concerns:
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: More superficial relaxation as this treatment is transdermal as opposed to going directly into the muscle of concern.
- Skin Texture: Improves overall skin texture and smoothness.
- Prevention of Wrinkles: May serve a preventive role in younger patients by targeting early signs of aging.
- Skin Tightening and Firmness: Enhances skin elasticity and firmness in conjunction with Botox’s muscle-relaxing effects.
- Downtime:
- After the treatment, patients may experience mild redness, swelling, and tenderness similar to a sunburn, which usually resolves within a few hours to a day.
- Most individuals can return to their usual activities within 24 hours. However, it’s advisable to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sun exposure, and activities that may irritate the skin for at least a couple of days post-treatment.
Recommended enhancing services:
- LED light – can be done in office or we have Omnilux red light masks available for purchase
- Sheet mask to apply the evening of treatment
- Skincare products to enhance results and skin health
- Immune boost IM injection (has zinc in it which may enhance botox)
- VI PEEL – can be performed directly before botox injections, studies show that this helps to improve results!
- CO2 Lift Mask
NEUROMODULATOR PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
● To help the neuromodulator last longer, studies show that taking oral supplementation of zinc 100 mg daily for 7 days before appt may be helpful.
● Patient must be in good health with no active skin infections in the treatment area
● Avoid alcoholic at least 24 hours prior to treatment. Alcohol may thin the blood which will increase the risk of bruising.
● Avoid anti-inflammatory / blood thinning medications ideally, for a period of two (2) weeks before treatment and for a few days following treatment. Medications and supplements such as Aspirin, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John’s Wort, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, and other NSAIDS all cause thinning of the blood and can increase the risk of bruising/swelling after injections.
● Schedule botulinum toxin appointments at least 2-4 weeks prior to a special event to avoid having bruising on the day of your event.
NEUROMODULATOR POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please review and adhere to the following post-treatment guidelines in preparation for your botulinum toxin appointment. The following instructions are in place to minimize the risk of any potential complications.
● Do not raise your body temperature for 4 hours following treatment (no exercise, hot tubs, saunas, being out in the sun, etc.). It takes about 2-4 hours for the neurotoxin to bind to the nerve in order to start working and an increase in internal body temperature or sweating can make the neurotoxin treatment ineffective.
● Avoid touching or manipulating the treated areas for 4 hours. In addition, do not lie down within this timeframe. We want the neurotoxin to stay in the muscles that it was specifically placed to avoid poor outcomes like a dropped eyebrow or eyelid. This also includes no facials, chemical peels, or massages after treatment.
● Avoid wearing hats, visors, headbands or anything on the head that has the potential to move the neurotoxin
● It will take about 24 hours for all of the injection sites to heal. To avoid infection, avoid wearing makeup on the day of the treatment. The face can be washed like normal at night (at least 4 hours post-treatment).
● Neurotoxin treatments typically start to take effect around 2-10 days, but everyone is different. Please give the neurotoxin a full 2 weeks to take effect before deciding if you need more. Don’t love it or hate it for 2 weeks!
● Your provider will check in with you around the 2-week mark to assess your results . If enhancements are needed, they are best when scheduled right around two weeks after the initial treatment. If your provider has not reached out to you, or you have any concerns prior to this, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
● Neurotoxin appointments should be scheduled every 3-4 months to maintain the best results