12 Dec What Are Neuromodulators & How Long Do Treatment Results Last?
Wondering what neuromodulators are or how long results last? This article provides an overview of neuromodulators, what skin aging concerns neuromodulator injections can improve and factors that influence the duration of treatment results.
What is a Neuromodulator?
Neuromodulators are made from Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin synthesized most commonly from bacterium called Clostridium botulinum.
In skin aesthetics, neuromodulators are used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines. There are several neuromodulators on the market today. Neuromodulators block nerve signals that control muscles, preventing or inhibiting contractions that make the appearance of wrinkles and lines more noticeable. The reduction of contractions may also help slow the further deepening of lines and wrinkles. Neuromodulator injections are targeted, relaxing specific muscles at the treatment site resulting in a smoothening effect.
Neuromodulator treatments are arguably the most common non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Each year, several million patients worldwide have Botulinum toxin treatments. Neuromodulators are generally considered safe when administered by an experienced doctor, though some side effects can occur.
Neuromodulators Injections Treat Many Common Skin Aging Concerns
Neuromodulators are used to treat many common facial skin aging concerns, including:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows (“glabellar lines”)
- Crow’s feet
- Vertical lip lines (“smoker’s lines”)
- Nose lines at top of nose (“bunny lines”).
- Chin dimples
How Long Do Neuromodulator Results Last?
In general, neuromodulator treatment results last 3-4 months, though there are many factors that influence the duration:
Dosage
The amount of neuromodulator injected influences result duration. Though doctors must administer the neuromodulator within a limit recommended by the manufacturer, experienced doctors know how much to use to treat different facial areas and varying severity of lines and wrinkles.
The Patient
Results vary from patient to patient. Each patient’s facial wrinkles are different (i.e. location, depth, length, width, severity). The rate that the neuromodulator is broken down by the body also varies from person to person.
Treatment Area
Each area of the face may respond slightly differently to neuromodulator injections.
Consistency of Treatment
Regular treatments spaced at intervals recommended by the doctor-injector can maximize the duration of results. Regular preventative treatments, sometimes referred to as “prejuvination”, are also thought to slow the wrinkle and line formation process.
Why Choosing an Experienced Doctor-Injector Matters
Choosing a doctor with experience administering neuromodulator injections is important for achieving the best possible results. A skilled doctor understand the facial structure, the amount of neuromodulator to inject, risks and how to avoid or minimize side effects. A skilled injector also knows how to tailor treatments for individual need.
References for Further Reading
“Comparison and Overview of Currently Available Neurotoxins”, PubMed Central,
Thomas J. Walker, MD and Steven H. Dayan, MD, February 2014.
“Botulinum toxin”, Wikipedia.
“Neuromodulators”, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
“Office-based facial plastics procedures: Neuromodulators”, PubMed Central,
Andrew J. Johnson and David S. Chen, September 2023.
“Preventative Botox: Does It Ward Off Wrinkles”, Healthline
Kathryn Watson, March 28, 2019.
Book a Neuromodulator Treatment
Halcyon Cosmetic & Skin Clinic provides aesthetic neuromodulator treatments that address common signs of facial skin aging. Our doctor also uses neuromodulator injections to treat migraine headaches and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Our skin clinic is located in Port Moody and is convenient to residents of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, New Westminster and Burnaby.
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