Neuromodulators remain one of the biggest treatments in the anti-aging cosmetic industry, and millions of men and women around the world have benefitted from the wrinkle-reducing properties. It has become a popular treatment for softening facial wrinkles, and restoring a youthful appearance.
About This Procedure
Neuromodulators are administered by our professionally trained clinicians and help to reduce frown lines, forehead lines, lines around the mouth and crow’s feet. During treatment, very small doses of the neuromodulator are injected into facial muscles, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and softening the skin. The treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed, meaning you can literally have a treatment during your lunchtime, if you wish, and return to work in the afternoon.
Neuromodulators work by blocking the normal nerve impulses to the muscles that cause them to contract. The muscles then relax, and this gives the dynamic wrinkles a chance to soften, giving the skin a smoother, younger appearance.
What To Expect
Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. Please keep in mind that results may vary.
Before Treatment
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol may thin the blood, increasing your risk for bruising.
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) and blood-thinning medications for 2 weeks before your injections for the same reason.
- The following medications and supplements have a blood-thinning effect and should be avoided to reduce your risk of bruising and swelling: Aspirin®, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, Ibuprofen/Motrin®/Advil®, Alev®e, and other NSAIDS.
- You will also need to notify us if you are prone to cold sores as we may need to prescribe an anti-viral medication before treatment to ward off any flare-ups.
During Treatment
- You may be relieved to learn that this treatment is, for a large majority of users, uncomfortable rather than painful. Any discomfort felt is usually minimal and brief.
- The entire procedure will not take longer than 10-15 minutes.
After Treatment
- DO NOT lie down for at least 4 hours after the injection.
- DO NOT massage or touch the areas injected for at least 4 hours.
- For the remainder of the day, use the muscles injected as this will help the treatment work. For example, frown a lot, smile a lot, and raise your eyebrows as much as you can.
- After treatment, there may be some minor pain and swelling, but this should resolve quickly. Most patients are able to resume regular activities right away, but strenuous activity should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
- Bruising sometimes occurs and is normal. Ice on the area immediately after the procedure is generally helpful if a bruise begins to appear.
- For women, you may apply any cosmetics as you normally would.
Result & Recovery Notes
- Results may vary with each client
- The treatment begins to have an effect within 3 to 7 days, but it takes a total of 14 days before the effect is complete.
- For patients being treated for the first time, the effect may begin to diminish in as early as 2 months, whereas the effect typically lasts longer (3 to 6 months) with repeated treatments.
Results
Although the results are visible, contrary to popular belief, neuromodulators will not make you look permanently surprised, or as if you have had too much plastic surgery. It will not radically alter your appearance, but rather simply reduce muscle activity. You will still be able to frown or smile as you used to. The treatment works equally well for both men and women.
More Info
Ideal Candidate
Good candidates for this treatment includes mature adults who are physically healthy with no history of neuromuscular diseases.
Not Recommended For
People should avoid using neuromodulators during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if they have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients. The treatment should also not be used in people who are allergic to cow’s milk protein. We recommend that you don’t undergo any treatments whilst you are unwell or have any form of infection.
Side Effects
The most common side effects include headaches, temporary eyelid droop, nausea and cold and flu-like symptoms. In rare instances, adverse reactions may include pain in the face and muscle weakness. These will usually occur within the first week post-treatment.