According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, procedures using neuromodulators like Botox were the top non-surgical cosmetic treatments last year. It’s not difficult to see why. Neuromodulators can help with signs of aging like fine lines and even prevent additional wrinkles from forming.
If you want effective wrinkle treatments, learn more about neuromodulators and how they can help.
What Are Neuromodulators?
When you smile, frown, or make any other facial expression, your brain sends signals to your muscles, causing them to contract.
When you’re young, your body produces enough collagen and elastin to allow your skin to bounce back after each of these muscle contractions.
But as the production of these proteins decreases with age, your skin becomes less flexible. That’s when fine lines and wrinkles begin to form.
Neuromodulators are injectables made from botulinum toxin that interrupt the signals your brain sends to the muscles in the targeted areas. The most popular options available are Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.
Neuromodulators like Botox can treat various signs of aging, including:
1. Crow’s feet
2. Frown lines
3. Forehead lines
4. Bunny lines
5. Neck lines
By interrupting the signals that make your muscles tense up, Botox can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you receive neuromodulator injections in a regular manner, they can even prevent new ones from forming because they teach the muscles to stay softer.
Dysport and Xeomin are alternatives to Botox. The main difference lies in their potency. Botox injections tend to last longer.
The best candidates for Botox and other neuromodulators are those who are in overall good physical health, who have dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by facial expressions), and who have moderate skin elasticity.
If you are pregnant, nursing, have an infection in the treatment area, have blood clotting issues, or have a history of neuromuscular illnesses like multiple sclerosis, we will recommend other treatments.
Benefits of Neuromodulators for Wrinkle Treatments
Botox and other neuromodulators are non-invasive, so you don’t have to worry about interrupting your regular activities. Getting these injections is also fast, and many of our clients come in over their lunch breaks and return to work.
Neuromodulators work quickly, allowing you to get almost immediate results that last for a few months. By teaching your muscles to be softer, these injections can also prevent more wrinkles and fine lines from forming.
The injections are appropriate for most skin types, though we will always examine your skin before making a recommendation.
Preparing for Neuromodulator Injections
If you want to get Botox, the first step to take is to schedule a consultation with us. We will review your medical history and assess the area you would like treated to see if Botox or other neuromodulators are the best options.
During the consultation, let us know about any medications you take or if you have ever received injectables or fillers before.
We will discuss your expectations and the potential outcomes of the procedure. To prepare for the injections, we recommend you do not drink wine for at least a week and that you stop any medications that thin your blood, like ibuprofen or aspirin. Avoid supplements like fish oil, St. John’s Wort, and vitamin E as well.
If you smoke, we also recommend you stop for at least a few days before the injections.
Neuromodulator Injections and Recovery
On the day of the injections, come to your appointment with a clean face. This means no makeup, lotions, or creams on the treatment area. We will wash your face with antiseptic before the injections.
We can apply an ice pack or a numbing topical cream, if you prefer, before starting. The needles are very thin, allowing for precise treatment.
The entire procedure typically lasts just a few minutes, depending on the number of injections needed to get the results you want. Then, you’re free to return to your day. If it’s your first time getting Botox or other neuromodulator injections, we recommend you take it easy on the day of the injections.
You can apply an ice pack to the injection area, and we recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as well as direct sun, hot baths, and saunas. The heat can break down the toxins, making them less effective.
You also want to avoid rubbing, scratching, or massaging the treatment area so that the toxin does not spread. The first night after the injections, we also recommend you sleep propped slightly up. Don’t schedule other facial treatments for a few days, especially any treatments that use hyaluronic acid.
You can start seeing results anywhere from one to three days after the injections. Full results are usually visible within 10 to 14 days. You can expect to enjoy the results for at least three months, though it depends on the treated area and your own metabolism. To maintain the results, you will want to schedule regular injections.
During your consultation, we will come up with a treatment plan that suits your needs and your schedule.
Get Wrinkle Treatments in Hendersonville, TN
If you have fine lines and wrinkles that expressions like smiling and frowning have created, neuromodulators like Botox can be the solution. They offer the chance to soften the muscles that cause those dynamic wrinkles in a non-invasive manner and with virtually no downtime.
At Impressions Skin Solutions in Hendersonville, TN, we offer Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin injections to enhance your natural beauty. At our clinic, we can help you fight the signs of aging by using the latest technology and most popular treatment options.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today.