Neuromodulators

---

Neuromodulators work by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that stimulates our muscles to contract. When the signal to contract is blocked, muscle movement within the area treated with a neuromodulator is decreased.  

Neuromodulator injections are used for both cosmetic and medical indications.

Prevent and smooth wrinkles, slim profile, decrease "cobblestoned" appearance of the chin, improve "gummy smile," and much more.  

Migraine prevention, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), teeth grinding/clenching, TMJ dysfunction, trapezius/neck/shoulder muscle tension, and much more.    

Neuromodulators can take up to 2 weeks to fully “kick in” and decrease the muscle movements that cause wrinkles, but most patients notice at least some results after 1 week.   

If you don’t see the results you expected after 2 weeks, contact your injector to discuss a touch-up. It’s possible (especially if you are a new patient) that you needed more units than the injector estimated based on your anatomy and the strength of your muscles. Most injectors will be happy to help.

Effects start to wear off around 3-4 months as your muscles gradually start moving more. 

At your first visit, an initial consultation will be completed to determine the number of units needed to achieve desirable results. This is highly individualized and can only be done with an in-person evaluation.

During a neuromodulator treatment, we will use a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin or muscle. The number of injections needed will depend on many factors, including the extent of the area being treated. Most people find that neuromodulator injections cause little to no discomfort.

Plan for your initial visit to be approx. 30 minutes and your visits following this will be around 15 minutes. 

The neuromodulator will settle in over the next 2 weeks. Touchups are done at the earliest two weeks after your first appointment. Anatomy and muscle strength vary between individuals. Most of us are not perfectly symmetrical at baseline; neuromodulators can help with this, but poor results occur if we overcompensate too early.      

Neuromodulators are medications injected into the muscle; they take 2-3 weeks to work and last about 3 months. Fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, are hyaluronic acids inserted beneath the skin to replace lost volume or enhance features; the effect is immediately visible and can last up to 1-2 years.  

About one week before neuromodulators, talk to your injector about any history of cold sores. Injectables can trigger a breakout, so we may prescribe a preventative antiviral medication if needed. 

In the days leading up to treatment, you’ll also need to avoid anything that can interfere with your results or worsen side effects:

• For 3-5 days before treatment, avoid blood thinners like NSAIDs (including Advil, aspirin, Aleve, etc.) and supplements such as fish oils. Any blood thinning medication can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after your Botox treatment. If you need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, take Tylenol instead. Talk to your doctor if you take prescription blood thinners, which can sometimes be paused for injections. 
• To further lower your risk of bruising, avoid alcohol for a few days before your injections.
• Pause your retinol regimen for two days prior

Finally, on the day of treatment, it’s a good idea to eat a healthy breakfast. You want your body to be operating at 100% before treatment to help prevent side effects. Having food in your belly can also help to prevent lightheadedness during your injections.

Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve been getting injections every few months for as long as you can remember, it’s always a good idea to refresh yourself on what you should and shouldn’t do around the time of your treatment. While it’s difficult to truly stop your neuromodulator from doing its job, making common mistakes (like going out for a drink right afterwards) can prompt unnecessary side effects, like swelling and bruising. To help you maximize your results, we’re covering all the do’s and don’t before neuromodulators as well as some aftercare need-to-knows. 

• Leave your treatment area alone. Avoid any physical pressure, laying down on your face, or rubbing on the area of injection for at least 24 hours. You don’t need to avoid making any facial expressions. Frowning, smiling, and other facial expressions can help encourage your results to show up sooner!
• Don’t lie down for the first few hours after
• Wait 24 hours to work out or exert yourself. By raising your blood pressure, exercise can both increase your risk for bruising/swelling and increase the chances of the product spreading rather than remaining in the area your injector intended.
• Avoid UV exposure and excessive heat. Sun exposure can prolong redness or swelling after injections, so protect your skin with sunscreen and good sun protection practices. Also avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga, or other activities that involve lots of heat.
• Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours after injections as it can increase the risk of bruising.
• Continue to avoid blood thinners for 24 hours after injections
• Wait two days to re-introduce retinol into your skincare routine.

Price is determined by the number of units needed to achieve desirable results. Number of units varies by person, treatment location and size, indication, etc. 

$13 per unit