With over 4.4 million treatments per year, Botox is by far the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States. That’s hardly surprising due to its fast-acting, affordable, and reliable elimination of wrinkles, helping patients look decades younger.
However, there is much that patients don’t understand about Botox, such as what it is, how it works, and how long the results are visible.
Here, Dr. Shektman provides an in-depth guide to Botox and neuromodulators, helping patients completely understand the procedure and what they are getting. To learn more or to book a consultation, please call (781) 239-0680 or complete our online form.
What Are Neuromodulators?
In the context of plastic surgery, neuromodulators are substances used to temporarily weaken or paralyze certain muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
They work by blocking the transmission of signals from nerves to muscles, causing the muscles to relax and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscle contractions. Neuromodulators differ from dermal fillers in that they affect the neuro-musculature of the patient, whereas dermal fillers offer volume via their presence under the skin.
What Are the Different Types of Neuromodulators?
As discussed, all neuromodulators work similarly in principle by blocking the signals from nerves to muscles, thereby reducing muscle activity and softening the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
However, depending on the particular variety of neuromodulators, they can also have different effects based on their formulation, concentration, and the area of the body in which they’re used. It’s essential to discuss these factors and your specific goals with your plastic surgeon to choose the most appropriate treatment for you.
Different types of neuromodulators include:
Botox
The most well-known neuromodulator, and the focus of this article, Botox, has been approved for cosmetic use since 2002. It’s primarily used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing the muscles underneath the skin.
Dysport
Dysport is similar to Botox and is primarily used to treat wrinkles that have been caused by repeated movements, such as frown lines.
Xeomin
Xeomin is unique because it’s a “naked” neurotoxin, meaning it doesn’t contain the same proteins found in Botox and Dysport. This potentially reduces the likelihood of developing resistance, which can occur in some patients with prolonged use of neuromodulators.
Jeuveau
Known colloquially as “Newtox,” Jeuveau is one of the newest FDA-approved neuromodulators on the market. Like others, it’s used to address frown lines and wrinkles, but due to its concentration, it is better suited to finer wrinkles, whereas Botox is better used in larger areas, such as the forehead.
Which Neuromodulators Are FDA-Approved?
The four neuromodulators mentioned above, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau, are all FDA-approved. New additions to the list of FDA-approved neuromodulators include Daxxify and SAINT, both of which perform similar functions to those already mentioned; however, Daxxify boasts a longer duration than its competitors.
What Is the Longest-Lasting Neuromodulator?
The longevity of the effects from neuromodulators can vary significantly between individuals and depends on various factors, including the specific product used, the area treated, the dose administered, the individual’s metabolic rate and their lifestyle.
However, a new neuromodulator, Daxxify, has a proven median duration of 6 months, with many patients enjoying results for as long as 12 months. This makes Daxxify the longest-lasting neuromodulator on the market.
What Are the “11 lines” for Botox?
The “11 lines” is a term often used in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery to describe the pair of vertical lines that appear between the eyebrows. These lines are so-named because they resemble the number 11. They are also commonly referred to as “frown lines” or “glabellar lines.”
These lines can become more prominent and permanent due to various factors, such as aging, repeated facial expressions, and sun exposure. As the skin loses its elasticity over time, the continuous contraction and relaxation of the muscles between the eyebrows during frowning, squinting, or concentrating can lead to the formation of these lines.
Botox is particularly effective in treating these “11 lines.” The neuromodulator is injected into the muscles responsible for the lines (the corrugator and procerus muscles), causing them to relax. This relaxation reduces the appearance of the lines and helps prevent the formation of deeper lines over time.
Botox and other neuromodulators can be used for far more than just the “11 lines,” however, and when applied by an expert, a combination of dermal fillers and neuromodulators can even give patients a non-surgical facelift.
Do Wrinkles Come Back After Botox?
Botox and other neuromodulators offer a temporary solution to wrinkles and fine lines, meaning that yes, wrinkles will return after the effects of Botox wear off.
That said, regular and repeated Botox treatments can help to “train” the muscles to relax, which can lead to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles over time, even as the effects of Botox begin to wear off. Some people find that with regular treatments, they may not need Botox as frequently to maintain their desired look.
Botox Treatments in Boston, MA with Dr. Shektman
Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. After reading this article, you know more about the procedure than many people considering getting Botox, which means you’re in a fantastic position to make a well-informed decision to achieve the results you desire.
Potential Botox patients should know that those who opt for Botox enjoy an exceptionally high satisfaction rate, one of the highest of all cosmetic procedures. If you or a loved one is concerned about signs of aging, in particular wrinkles on the face, then Botox can provide the solution you desire.
Simply contact Dr. Arthur Shektman in Boston on (781) 239-0608 or fill out this online form to schedule your in-person consultation today.