Introduction:
Neuromodulators are injections containing botulinum toxin that aids in reducing wrinkles on the skin. These neuromodulators are directly injected into the muscle to allow it to relax and thus provide a soothing effect on the skin.
How Do Neuromodulators Work on Skin?
The basic principle behind neuromodulators is the weakening of the muscle. Neuromodulators aid in blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles. As nerve impulses are blocked, the muscles get inactivated and tend to relax. This weakens the muscles, thereby reducing the lines and wrinkles on the skin.
What Are the Uses of Neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are used for the following skin conditions.
-
Aging skin.
-
Sagging skin.
-
Crow’s feet.
-
Frown lines.
-
Forehead furrows.
-
Excessive sweating.
-
Bunny lines at the top of the nose.
-
Vertical lip lines.
-
Orange peeled skin.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
-
A topical anesthetic is applied over the area to be treated.
-
The skin is cleaned with alcohol.
-
A small needle is inserted into the skin, and a neuromodulator is injected.
-
Then a gentle massage is done to distribute the neuromodulator evenly.
Does a Neuromodulator Injection Hurt?
The neuromuscular injections are given using fine needles, and after applying a topical anesthetic cream, it can cause only mild discomfort rather than pain. However, individuals can feel pain when the injection site is touched. The injections are given in a quick shot, so discomfort is only experienced for a short time.
How Does a Neuromodulator Differ From a Filler Injection?
Neuromodulators are designed to weaken the muscles that cause wrinkles, whereas fillers add volume to areas with extreme fat and bone loss. The commonly used neuromodulators are botox injections, and the commonly used dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid fillers. The Botox injections can stay up to 4 months, whereas a dermal filler stays depending on the type of filler used. Among these two, dermatologists recommend botox injections over dermal fillers because of the fewer side effects. Though they work on completely different principles, they can be used in conjunction to achieve the desired results.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Neuromodulators?
Pros of Using Neuromodulators:
- Neuromodulators are non-invasive.
- Quick treatment, which takes only 10 minutes.
- They can be easily performed in a doctor's office.
- There is no recovery time required.
- Discomfort is minimal.
- Pain is minimal as an ice pack, or topical anesthetic is applied before the procedure.
- Since the results are temporary, one advantage is to try different treatment options and experiment with them.
Cons of Using Neuromodulators:
- Temporary bruising is experienced for a few days after the procedure.
- Since neuromodulator injections last only for a few months, regular maintenance is required.
- The patient is provided with low-quality services if he pays less. So check for an experienced clinic and gain effective treatment.
Who Are Good Candidates for Neuromodulator Injections?
-
Individuals with good overall health.
-
Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age.
-
Individuals under chronic sun exposure.
-
Individuals with premature signs of aging.
-
Individuals with excessive sweating.
-
Individuals with migraines.
-
Individuals with muscle stiffness.
Who Is Not Applicable for Neuromodulator Injections?
-
Individuals with uncontrolled systemic diseases or malignancy.
-
Individuals with skin pathologies.
-
Individuals with unrealistic expectations.
-
Pregnant women.
-
Nursing mothers.
-
Individuals with myasthenia gravis.
How to Prepare the Individual Before the Procedure?
The individual's complete medical history is reviewed before choosing the procedure for skin treatment. The dermatologist explains the potential benefits and risks of the procedure to the individual. The individual can also discuss his or her expectations with the doctor.
The history of medical concerns assessed before the procedure is,
-
If one is under blood-thinning drugs.
-
If one has taken antibiotics by injections
-
If one is under muscle relaxants.
-
If one is under neuromodulator therapy.
-
If one is under sleeping medicine.
-
If one is allergic to any substances.
-
If one has temporary weakness in surrounding muscles.
What Can One Expect After the Procedure?
Most patients return to their routine immediately. However, they experience mild redness, which lasts for an hour. They may also experience bruising, swelling, and mild headaches.
What Are the Precautions to Be Followed After the Procedure?
-
Avoid exercises 4 hours after the procedure.
-
Avoid rubbing the treated area for 24 hours.
-
Contract the frowning muscles for the injection to work.
How Are the Results After the Procedure?
The improvements can be visualized within a few days and last up to 4 months. The patient will be able to notice the improvements on his face, but they do not change the facial appearance. Normal facial expressions like frowning can be performed without exposing wrinkles and creases.
What Happens If the Patient Does Not Continue the Treatment?
If the treatment is not maintained with regular follow-ups, there are greater chances for reversal of the symptoms, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Conclusion:
Though one does not age by words, the skin reflects the age well in society. The first sign of aging is the formation of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Those wrinkles result from different facial expressions one has given throughout the lifetime. Other factors, such as smoking, sun damage, and medications, also lead to the shrinking of the skin. But with these neuromodulators, one can eliminate muscle activity, which is the main root cause. Thus reap the benefits of neuromodulators and reverse one's age.
