What is Neuromodulator Treatment?
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator designed to temporarily relax muscle and is typically injected into areas on the face. Neurotoxin injections are most widely known for reducing skin wrinkles, making them one of the most popular non-invasive treatments on the market for anti-aging. They are used as a corrective treatment for stubborn fine lines and deeper wrinkles, and can also be used as a preventative measure. These days, neuromodulators are the new normal for anti-aging. With a little education, you may find it is exactly the treatment you have been looking for to look more refreshed, more awake, and with smooth and glowing skin.
What is Neuromodulator Treatment Used For?
One of the best things about this procedure is that it is used to treat so many different areas and conditions. Typically, patients receive the injections in the forehead (the area that appears when you lift your brows up), the glabella (the area between the brows, typically called "frown lines"), and crow's feet (the lines on the outer corners of the eyes). It is also useful to correct a gummy smile, relieve jaw clenching (Bruxism), migraines, and even address excess sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis.
Another common treatment is the "Lip Flip", where product is injected to enhance the upper lip, causing it to become more visible and resulting in a more natural smile for those with a smaller upper lip, or to complement filler injection done at the same visit. This incredibly versatile treatment can even be used to correct asymmetry related to facial muscle imbalance such as after Bell's Palsy or a stroke.
Can Neuromodulator Therapy Treat Sweating?
Absolutely. As mentioned above, these products are more than just cosmetic. Hyperhidrosis, or excess sweating, is a condition where the body's sweat glands produce more sweat than is necessary to regulate body temperature. Axillary Hyperhidrosis (of the underarms) is by far the most common. Neurotoxin injections have been proven widely successful to treat this condition with results lasting on average 6 months or more.
Neurotoxin can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis related to nerve damage after surgery, such as sweating on the cheek after parotid surgery, otherwise known as "Frey's Syndrome". This works to block the nerve signals responsible for sweating, paralyzing the sweat glands temporarily. Once you start to see less and less dryness, it is time for another treatment. Excessive sweating is not only annoying, but can also make most people very self conscious and impacts quality of life severely. A quick, 10 minute treatment is a reliable fix to this common obstacle.
Your Treatment Options
How Much Does It Cost?
There are two different ways neuromodulators are normally priced: per unit or per area. The benefit of paying for this treatment when it is priced per area is that you are paying for "the look". This is totally patient specific, so you will not have to worry about feeling overcharged and receiving an underwhelming result. This means you can expect great results knowing you are getting the perfect amount of product to attain the look you are going for. No guessing. No cutting corners. When it comes to neuromodulator, what matters most is the final product: your satisfaction with the appearance.
What is the Treatment Like?
The actual process of receiving a neurotoxin treatment is simple with minimal discomfort. After discussing your priorities and desires with your dermatology provider, we will come up with a plan and go over expectations. The area being treated will be cleaned, prepped, and sometimes marked to see exactly where the injections are going. We use the thinnest and most state of the art needles for our neuromodulator injections. These needles are smaller than insulin needles and deliver precise units in a painless manner.
After the injections are completed, you may notice some bumps under the skin; this is primarily noticed in areas where superficial injections are needed such as the forehead and around the eyes. Those typically disappear by the time you leave the office and can be alleviated with an ice pack. Steer clear of excessive alcohol or blood thinning medication before the treatment to prevent bruising. It is also important that after the treatment you avoid strenuous exercise and do not lay down, touch, or rub the area for at least 4 hours to avoid moving the product. Results can usually begin to be seen in 3 to 4 days, with maximum results taking place about 2 weeks after the initial treatment.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Neuromodulators will usually last around 3 months, although when used for sweating it can last closer to 6 months. Longer duration of action is a hotbed of activity for neuromodulator research. Eventually, the product will wear off gently and retreatment is required. Typically, the sign that you are due for another treatment is when full muscle activity starts to recur or sweating becomes bothersome again. Once you find that perfect look, it is smooth sailing and will result in a convenient and steady treatment plan. PS Dermatology & Surgery offers easy scheduling online, by phone, and in-person and is ready to assist with any cosmetic needs.