Even if you’re unhappy with the effects aging has on your skin, you may still be hesitant to pursue treatment options beyond creams and serums. While some topical treatments effectively reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, few can compete with the impressive results of neuromodulator injections.
Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & Medspa in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, knows how important it is to understand your treatment before trying something new. Here, we explain everything there is to know about neuromodulators, including how they became one of the most popular anti-aging solutions in the world.
All neuromodulator injections start with the same substance – botulinum toxin, which works as a muscle relaxant. Botulinum toxin is derived from bacteria. When purified and diluted, it can effectively block the nerves’ signals to the muscles where it was injected, stopping the muscle from contracting.
As the muscle ceases its contraction, the lines that develop due to the contraction diminish, and new lines can’t form. As a result, skin becomes smoother, younger-looking, and has a more refreshed appearance.
Botulinum toxin is the main ingredient in all name-brand neuromodulators, including Botox and Xeomin.
While neuromodulators offer a popular solution for aging skin, their capability to stop muscle contractions allows them to treat several other medical concerns. For example, Botox’s first FDA approval came in 1989 to treat eye muscle disorders, such as crossed eyes or uncontrollable blinking.
Now, neuromodulators often treat muscle spasticity disorders, migraines, TMJ, and other conditions. However, their use as an aesthetic treatment is by far the most prevalent.
Several factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, contribute to fine lines and wrinkles in the skin. The four main contributors are smoking, sun exposure, aging, and facial expressions.
A 2007 study in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that smoking can increase matrix metalloproteinases levels in the body, leading to collagen elastic fibers and proteoglycans degrading and the dermal connective tissue deteriorating, leading to premature skin aging.
Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds the natural aging process, as it can break down the skin’s connective tissue, which is the collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin. As the supportive proteins and tissue break down, skin loses its strength, flexibility, and structure, causing it to sag and wrinkle.
Repeated facial movements and expressions, like squinting, smiling, and furrowing the brow, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. These lines begin as dynamic lines, which disappear when the expression clears. However, the facial expressions create a groove under the skin’s surface over time.
When repeated facial expressions combine with the effects of aging, those lines become static and no longer disappear when the expression clears. Those lines eventually form permanent wrinkles on the face.
Even those who avoid harmful UV rays, never smoke, and rarely make facial expressions can still develop wrinkles and lines due to the natural aging process. Over time, skin becomes more fragile, losing its elasticity.
The fat in the deeper layers of the skin begins to break down, and natural oils in the skin begin to dry. As a result, skin is thinner and looser, and lines and folds become more pronounced.
While neuromodulators and dermal fillers address fine lines and wrinkles that appear with age, they target those concerns differently.
Neuromodulator injections target dynamic lines and wrinkles. As the injections take effect, neuromodulators reduce facial expressions, so lines and wrinkles are less likely to form, deepen, and become more permanent.
Dermal fillers target the loss of subcutaneous fat and static lines. They use a gel-like substance to restore fullness and volume to the face and reduce the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles.
Four neuromodulators on the market can temporarily stop the nerve impulses that lead to muscle movement. All four neuromodulators use the same active ingredient – botulinum toxin.
At Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & Medspa, we offer two of the most popular neuromodulators, Botox and Xeomin, to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and migraines.
With the same active ingredient, Botox and Xeomin offer similar results. The most notable difference between the two neuromodulators is a protein that’s part of Botox’s formulation but not Xeomin.
The lack of this protein earned Xeomin the nickname “naked Botox.” Patients with a rare allergic reaction to Botox or who develop antibodies against the injectable may benefit from switching to Xeomin.
Neuromodulators target fine lines and wrinkles from repeated muscle movements and facial expressions. These include:
In addition, neuromodulators can improve the appearance of dimpling in the chin, soften a square jawline, and correct a gummy smile. As neuromodulators stop nerve signals from transmitting, they can also reduce excessive sweating or oiliness in the skin.
Neuromodulators offer a safe, fast, easy way to smooth lines and wrinkles and restore youthfulness to your skin. A typical neuromodulator injection appointment lasts 30 minutes or less and requires no downtime, so you can return to your normal activities immediately.
When you choose neuromodulators at Radiant Reflections Weight Loss Clinic & Medspa in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, you can trust that your treatment is in experienced hands. Led by Dr. Otaigbe, our skilled team can smooth and contour your skin to bring back your youthful appearance.
Rejuvenate your appearance with neuromodulators when you schedule your appointment with Radiant Reflections today.
Acne can be tough on the skin. Whether you've had acne all your life or…
Losing weight is a feat that deserves celebration Coolsculpting Elite Hattiesburg,MS. But if you're battling…
Are you in need of skin rejuvenation but don't know where to start? Maybe you've…
With advancements in cosmetic treatments, the desire for age-defying solutions has led many to explore…
Are you concerned about achieving hair-free skin while wondering about the treatment process and how…
Have you ever wished for a magic wand that could banish stubborn fat with no…