Slowly but surely, we all feel the repercussions of time passing. At first, you might notice some fine lines, like a frown, a creased smile, or crinkled eyes. Facial expressions like smiling, frowning, laughing, squinting, smoking, sun exposure, dehydration, and some medications are all known to contribute to the development of wrinkles.
When it comes to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, our services are equally effective for men and women because they target the underlying cause, the facial muscles. By relaxing the facial muscles, the neuromodulator (botulinum toxin type A) injected subcutaneously can reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
Functional Medical Uses
Despite this neuromodulator’s more prominent role in the beauty industry, it also has powerful therapeutic applications in the medical field, such as treating pain conditions like episodic migraine and health conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
Reduces Excessive Sweating
The medical condition known as hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating, can harm a person’s sense of self-worth, social life, mental health, and even wardrobe choices. Extreme perspiration can manifest anywhere on the body, not just the underarms; this includes the palms, soles, and even the face and the scalp.
Injections of a neuromodulator, used when all else has failed, work by blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that induce the sweat glands, reducing sweating by 82%-87%.
Reduces Episodic Migraines
Migraines are much more painful than common headaches, so the two conditions should never be confused. In the United States, chronic migraine affects between 3 and 5 percent of the population. An estimated 3% of people who have had migraines in the past will experience a change from episodic to chronic migraine each year. Disabling symptoms of migraines include severe headache, pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell.
Although there is no remedy for migraines, neuromodulator injections can eliminate the condition for about nine days a month (based on a placebo study).
Reduces Dystonia
Long, involuntary muscle contractions are a hallmark of dystonia, manifesting in unnatural body positions and abnormal motions. In many cases, a family history of dystonia precedes the onset of the patient’s own primary dystonia. Secondary dystonia, also known as acquired dystonia, is caused by damage to the central nervous system and can manifest after an accident, a stroke, or the onset of cerebral palsy.
People with dystonia may experience mild to severe spasms, but the discomfort is usually confined to one area. The frequency of these spasms can be decreased by using neuromodulators.
What Are Neuromodulators, And How Do They Address Both Medical And Cosmetic Concerns?
Clostridium botulinum is the source of the neurotoxin used to manufacture botulinum toxin type A, a neuromodulator. This toxin causes muscle paralysis, known medically as botulism (usually connected to food poisoning). Though botulism is fatal if left untreated, researchers have developed a treatment that only relaxes muscles rather than paralyzes them. Initially studied in the 1980s, the FDA eventually approved this neuromodulator for treating involuntary blinking and lazy eye.
Since then, dermatologists have been using it to treat everything from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and chronic migraine to wrinkles. This neuromodulator effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles. However, there is no need to worry; more than 6 million of these neuromodulator procedures are performed yearly with no reported adverse effects.
Neuromodulator Procedure
Tiny needles are used to inject this neuromodulator, so the sensation is similar to a light pinch. Some patients may encounter discomfort at the injection site. If you’re worried about pain, your dermatologist can suggest a numbing cream or ice to ease your discomfort. Minor swelling and tenderness in the face from bruising or blows to the face are usually gone after 24 hours.
Getting a neuromodulator injection doesn’t have to interrupt your lunch break. Since more injections are required (around 30 in total) and more injection sites are used in migraine treatment, sessions typically last longer.
Procedure Is Individualized
Regarding cosmetic procedures involving this neuromodulator, one patient may be hoping for a drastic transformation, while another may be more interested in more subtle alterations.
Some benefits include a more balanced appearance, reduced tension in the forehead, and higher eyebrows. Impacts can last up to four months, but this is not a permanent solution for wrinkles and fine lines.
The term “facial muscle memory” refers to the unconscious recall of how to use paralyzed facial muscles to prevent further wrinkling. The skin will revert to its pre-neuromodulator state if the patient does not receive additional treatments after it fades.
Results
Treatment with a neuromodulator injection for moderate to severe wrinkles typically produces visible results within a few days. While your skin and my results may differ, most people see a continued reduction in the formation of wrinkles and lines for up to four months after treatment.
Migraine treatments with neuromodulators tend to improve with repeated use. This neuromodulator for hyperhidrosis takes about a week to start working, and then the symptoms gradually return over the following months.
Whether you’re taking medication for wrinkles, migraines, hyperhidrosis, or something else, discontinuing use will bring back your original symptoms. This neuromodulator is not just for the privileged few but for everyone. If you suffer from migraines or excessive sweating due to those conditions, it’s affordable, and your health insurance will likely cover all or most of the cost. Treatment plans vary from patient to patient, so it’s impossible to give a universal estimate. During your consultation, we will confer the costs associated with your treatment.
Side Effects
Some short-term side effects include injection-site sensitivity, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, neck pain, vision problems, and dry eyes. Some milder allergic reaction symptoms are itching, rash, and welts; however, if you also encounter wheezing, dizziness, or fainting, you should pursue medical attention immediately. Discuss the potential dangers with your doctor.
Takeaway
Now that you know everything there is to know about neuromodulators, are you ready to reduce the appearance of wrinkles? If so, Refine Medical Center is where you need to be, as they will refer you to the most qualified provider. A consultation and skin analysis will help us determine which neuromodulator treatment or other services will be most beneficial to you. With your assistance, I can help you revitalize your skin and say goodbye to wrinkles.
