Neuromodulator Injections
Due to repetition, some facial movements such as frowning, blinking eyes and wrinkling noses strengthen the muscles they use. These muscular activities cause the surrounding skin to wrinkles, leading to micro-traumatisms that are responsible for expression lines. Crows’ feet, forehead wrinkles and wrinkles between the eyes are just a few examples.
What is a neuromodulator?
Neuromodulators refer to the different formulations of botulinum toxin type A, approved by Health Canada for aesthetic medicine.
Biotechnology makes it possible to produce a protein originating from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Subjected to a highly specialized extraction and purification process, this protein (neuromodulator) blocks the transmission of the nervous signal to the muscle. It is used in very small amounts directly in the muscle to reduce its activity.
Neuromodulator injections for aesthetic purposes are, in fact, the number one medical aesthetic treatment in the world.
The treated wrinkles
Neuromodulators injections are used to treat the following wrinkles:
- Worry lines of the forehead,
- Glabella wrinkles between the eyebrows,
- Crow’s feet in the outer corner of the eyes,
- Fine lines of the lips,
- Wrinkles of the nose root (rabbit),
- Wrinkles in the corners of the mouth.
Is this treatment suitable for me?
After reviewing your medical history and performing a medical examination during the consultation meeting, Dr. Bernier will inform you whether or not this treatment is recommended for your needs and determine alternatives if necessary. It should be noted that fine lines caused by a natural aging process and repeated sun exposure will not be improved with this type of injection.
Explicitly designed for smoothing out expression lines, neuromodulators act on the muscles under the skin, so they do not necessarily modify all surface wrinkles.
Complementary methods exist to reduce surface wrinklesé. Among these methods, filling agents such as hyaluronic acid dermal fillers (Restylane®, Juvederme®, Belotero®, Theosyal®), Radiesse®, Sculptra® and fat or nano fat implants.
Other techniques include peeling, laser, radiofrequency, Fotona, photorejuvenation (Elos®), or facelifts (lips, face, neck, forehead) by endoscopy or short incisions. Thread lifts are also another treatment option, sought out for their lifting and firming effect.
Thanks to her expertise in these different techniques, Dr. Bernier will be able to guide you toward the most appropriate solution for your particular skin problem.
A treatment without convalescence
The procedure itself takes 15 minutes. It is practically painless and does not require any convalescence. You can resume your normal activities immediately after. The cosmetic surgeon will inject small amounts of neuromodulator into the muscle. Its beneficial effect, although often noticeable 72 hours after the treatment, will reach its peak 10 days later.
Two or three annual injections are usually recommended to maintain the treated muscles in a relaxed state. They should be spaced about 3 months apart.
Frequently asked questions about neuromodulator injections
Is it a dangerous substance?
Neuromodulators have been used for more than 40 years in specialized medicine (neurology, ophthalmology), in complete safety, with no reported long-term side effects. Moreover, as the doses used in cosmetic treatments are significantly smaller, it can be concluded that neuromodulators have an important safety margin.
What are the contraindications?
Neuromodulators are contraindicated in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to any botulinum toxin type A.
- Presence of infection at the injection site(s).
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Presence of neuromuscular disorders
What about side effects?
The risks are the same as those associated with any type of injection, i.e. slight sensitivity at the point of injection, swelling, ecchymosis (bruise). On rare occasions, a flu feeling or headache may also occur. In other exceptional cases, damage to adjacent muscles can result in drooping eyelids or double vision. These latter side effects are of short duration, and compensatory treatments would then be suggested.
Will my face be less expressive?
Normal facial expression will not be affected, as neuromodulators only weaken some small hyperactive muscles. Many muscles interact to give movement to a region and not all will be treated. The purpose is therefore to reduce localized excessive movements.
For information on neuromodulators
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Dr. Elise Bernier and her team will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Neuromodulator injections are available in Sherbrooke, Val-d’Or and Montreal.