Wrinkle Relaxers (Neuromodulator injections)

A Botox® treatment involves injecting a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A into specific muscles to temporarily reduce wrinkles caused by muscle contractions. It relaxes the muscles, resulting in a smoother appearance or musculoskeletal pain relief. The effects last around three to four months. It should be performed by a qualified medical professional.

Botox® works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, causing them to relax. This is achieved by injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin type A into specific muscles. By reducing muscle contractions, Botox® can temporarily smooth out wrinkles and fine lines caused by repetitive movements. It’s also a great solution for chronic muscle stiffness. The effects typically last for several months before gradually wearing off.

Neuromodulator injections, like Botox®, offer several benefits for cosmetic and medical purposes:

• Wrinkle reduction: Botox® is most commonly used for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by muscle contractions. It targets dynamic wrinkles, such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for these expressions.
• Preventing New Wrinkles: By temporarily inhibiting muscle movements, Botox® can help prevent the formation of new wrinkles and lines, particularly when used as a preventive measure in areas prone to wrinkling.
• Non-Surgical: Botox® is a non-surgical treatment, meaning it can provide significant cosmetic improvements without the need for invasive procedures or lengthy recovery times. It is a relatively quick and minimally invasive option.
• Convenience: Botox® treatments are typically quick, often taking just a few minutes. This makes them convenient for individuals with busy schedules who are looking for a relatively straightforward procedure.
• Minimal Downtime: Botox® injections usually require minimal downtime, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities immediately after the treatment. Some temporary redness or swelling at the injection sites is possible, but it generally subsides quickly.
• Versatility: Botox® can be used for various cosmetic concerns, including not only wrinkle reduction but also eyebrow lifting, reducing the appearance of neck bands, and addressing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• Medical Applications: Botox® has therapeutic uses beyond cosmetic purposes. It is FDA-approved for treating chronic migraines, certain muscle disorders like cervical dystonia, and excessive sweating in specific areas.

It’s important to note that Botox® treatments should only be performed by qualified medical professionals to ensure safety and optimal results. Consulting with a healthcare provider will help determine if Botox® is a suitable option for addressing specific concerns and individual needs.

Dysport® and Xeomin® are often compared to Botox® Cosmetic as these products all have similar properties. They form a category of aesthetic injectables all known as muscles relaxers. They are injected into the facial muscles that are responsible for wrinkles and fine lines and relax those muscles. Their ingredients, known as neuromodulators, block the signal between nerve and muscle, thereby reducing its ability to contract and form wrinkles.

Your physician specialist will review the product that best suits your requirements and sometimes will apply different product to different areas of the face for optimal result.

Over time, the muscles above and between your eyebrows repeatedly contract, causing wrinkles to form. Wrinkle relaxers are generally injected around these muscles. They relax the muscle for a period of four to six months. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a refreshed or relaxed appearance. The leading brands in this category include wrinkle relaxers like Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®.

Dermal fillers replace volume and structure lost through the aging process. The leading brands in this category include Juvederm®, Sculptra®, Belotero®, and Radiesse®. Dermal fillers are generally used to replace volume in lips and reduce the appearance of deep folds and lost volume in the face.

Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers are often used in combination in different areas for an optimal result. Our physician specialists are very careful in the application of these products to avoid a frozen look or an overly treated look which can be the result of their use in the wrong hands.

Botox® and Dysport® are both injectable treatments that use botulinum toxin type A to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, there are a few differences between them. Dysport has smaller molecules, which may result in faster onset of action. It can also diffuse more widely, making it suitable for larger treatment areas. Botox, on the other hand, has larger molecules and may be preferred for more localized treatments. The dosing units for Dysport are different from Botox, so the amount needed can vary. Overall, the choice between Botox® and Dysport® depends on factors such as treatment goals, area being treated, and individual preferences, and should be discussed with a medical professional.

Many factors influence how long the effects of wrinkle relaxers last. These products generally last four to six months, when their relaxing your facial muscles naturally starts to wear off. As this happens, muscle tension gradually returns and the previously treated fine lines and wrinkles will begin to reappear. With repeated treatment, the lines and wrinkles often appear less severe than before, as the muscles are being trained to relax.

There are some variables to consider that can impact how long your treatments last. These include your age, past treatments with Botox®, or other wrinkle relaxers, your facial structure, your diet, your skin type and level of sun exposure.

Determining which treatment works better among neuromodulators (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, etc.), or dermal fillers (Juvederm®, etc.) depends on the specific goals, treatment area, and individual preferences. Each product has its own unique characteristics and may be more suitable for different purposes. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Botox®: Botox is a well-known brand name for botulinum toxin type A. It is primarily used to temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by muscle contractions. A Botox injection works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, causing them to relax. It is commonly used for treating forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. The effects typically last around four to six months.
• Dysport®: Dysport® is another brand of botulinum toxin type A, similar to Botox. It functions in a similar way, relaxing muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Dysport® is primarily used for treating glabellar lines, but it can also be used for other areas. Some people find that Dysport® has a slightly faster onset of action compared to Botox. The duration of effects is also similar, typically lasting around three to six months.
• Xeomin®: Xeomin® is also a brand of botulinum toxin type A, similar to Botox® and Dysport®. It is used for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines. Xeomin® works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, reducing muscle activity and smoothing out wrinkles. The effects of Xeomin® are also typically seen within a few days and last for about three to six months.
• Juvederm®: Juvederm® is a brand of dermal fillers that contains hyaluronic acid. Unlike Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®, which target muscle contractions, Juvederm® works by adding volume to specific areas of the face to smooth wrinkles and restore facial contours. It is commonly used for treating nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lip augmentation. The duration of effects can vary depending on the specific Juvederm® product used, but it generally lasts more than six months to a year.

The choice among these treatments depends on factors such as the area being treated, the type of concern, and the individual’s preferences. It’s best to consult with a qualified medical professional at Victoria Park Medispa who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you. They will consider factors such as the location of wrinkles, muscle activity, and desired outcome to guide you in making the best decision.

Although wrinkle relaxers can be an effective treatment for muscle stiffness or muscle spasms, they may not be considered an alternative to muscle relaxant pills that have been prescribed by a doctor. If you are experiencing muscle spasms, we recommend speaking to a physician to find out what course of treatment is best for you.

Botox® Cosmetic has been Health Canada approved since 2001 and has been used in millions of treatments on men and women. For optimal safety and result, aesthetic injectable treatments at Victoria Park Medispa are only delivered by board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists.

Botox® is one of the most popular and effective treatments for wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, particularly dynamic wrinkles. It is highly effective in reducing the appearance of forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. However, whether Botox® is the best treatment for wrinkles depends on various factors, including the type of wrinkles, their location, and individual preferences. The best treatment for wrinkles depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a qualified professional.