Neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Jeuveau® could be the secret to unlocking smoother, wrinkle-free skin.
At Nervana Medical in Sandy, UT, we offer all three leading neuromodulator injection options to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Our team of experienced healthcare providers will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique facial anatomy and desired outcomes.
What Are Neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are advanced medical treatments that use purified botulinum toxin to temporarily block nerve signals in targeted muscles. By interrupting the communication between nerves and muscles, neuromodulators relax overactive muscles, which in turn help smooth out unwanted lines and wrinkles.
These injectable treatments work at the neuromuscular junction, where nerve cells meet muscle tissue, preventing the release of acetylcholine — a neurotransmitter that signals muscle contraction. This targeted muscle relaxation allows the overlying skin to smooth out naturally, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance without affecting your ability to make natural facial expressions.
BOTOX Cosmetic vs. Dysport vs. Jeuveau
While all three neuromodulators contain botulinum toxin type A and work through the same mechanism of action, there are subtle differences that may make one more suitable for your specific needs.
- BOTOX Cosmetic, the best-known brand, has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002 and has extensive clinical research supporting its safety and efficacy across multiple indications.
- Dysport tends to have a slightly faster onset of action, often showing results within 2-3 days, and may spread more easily, making it ideal for treating larger surface areas like the forehead.
- Jeuveau, the newest addition approved in 2019, is specifically formulated for cosmetic use and is often preferred by patients seeking a modern, aesthetic-focused neuromodulator option.
The choice between these three products depends on factors including your treatment goals, the specific areas being treated, your previous experience with neuromodulators, and your provider’s expertise.
Neuromodulator Benefits
Neuromodulators offer a range of aesthetic and functional benefits, including the following:
- Banish Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Say goodbye to crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles that make you look older than you feel. By relaxing the underlying muscles responsible for these expressions, neuromodulators not only smooth existing lines but can also prevent new wrinkles from forming. Common treatment areas include the glabellar lines (elevens between the brows), horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, bunny lines on the nose, lip lines, chin dimpling, and neck bands.
- Relieve Muscle Spasms (i.e., Cervical Dystonia) and Migraines: Uncontrollable muscle spasms can disrupt your daily activities and quality of life. Neuromodulators can provide targeted relief, relaxing the affected muscles and restoring normal function.
- Improve TMJ pain: Botox injections into the masseter and temporalis muscles (the primary jaw muscles used for chewing) can provide significant relief by reducing muscle hyperactivity and tension. This treatment not only eliminates headaches caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) but also diminishes lockjaw, reduces facial pain, and can even slim the appearance of an overly prominent jaw.
- Reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis): When injected into the underarms, palms, feet, or other affected areas, Botox temporarily blocks the nerves that stimulate sweat glands, dramatically reducing sweat production.
- Combat overactive bladder or urinary Incontinence: Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the bladder muscle, reducing involuntary contractions that cause sudden urges to urinate. The treatment involves injecting Botox directly into the bladder wall through a cystoscope during an outpatient procedure.
- Relieve blepharospasm: Botox injections into the muscles around the eyes can provide dramatic relief by relaxing the overactive muscles causing the spasms.
Pre-Treatment Considerations
Proper preparation before your neuromodulator treatment can help optimize your results and minimize the risk of side effects. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Schedule your injection at a time when minor swelling or bruising will not disrupt your social obligations. If you have an important event like a wedding, photoshoot, or presentation, we recommend scheduling your treatment at least 2 weeks in advance to allow time for the product to take full effect and for any minor bruising or swelling to resolve completely.
- Cancel your appointment if you have any open sores in the treatment area. This includes conditions like active cold sores, skin infections, rashes, or any broken skin in the treatment area. Injecting through compromised skin increases the risk of infection and may interfere with healing.
- To reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising, patients should stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements at least 4–7 days before injectable treatment (if you take a prescription anticoagulant like Xarelto or Coumadin, do not stop unless a prescribing provider advises you to do so).
- Common over-the-counter products to avoid include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, certain vitamins, herbal supplements, and alcohol, which can widen blood vessels and increase bruising.
- SinEcch, a homeopathic supplement containing Arnica montana, may help limit swelling and discoloration when taken before and after treatment.
- Some evidence also suggests that taking 50 mg of zinc citrate daily, both before and shortly after neuromodulator injections, may improve and prolong results.
Please notify your provider before treatment if you:
- Have had any infection, cold, virus, or flu in the past 30 days. Your immune system needs to be functioning optimally for the best results, and active infections can increase the risk of complications or affect how your body responds to treatment.
- Have had any dental procedures in the past 30 days or are anticipating dental procedures in the next 30 days (major dental work; not basic cleanings). Major dental work can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection when combined with injectable treatments. Routine cleanings are generally fine.
- Have had any immunizations in the past 30 days or are anticipating immunizations. Recent vaccinations can affect your immune response and potentially interfere with treatment results or increase the risk of side effects.
- Take any immunosuppressive/injectable medications (including biologics such as Humira, Skyrizi, Stelara, Enbrel, Taltz, Cosentyx, Tremfya). These medications suppress your immune system, which may affect healing and increase the risk of infection at injection sites.
Post-Treatment Considerations
Following these guidelines carefully will help ensure you achieve the best possible results from your treatment and minimize any potential side effects.
- Avoid rubbing, touching, or applying any physical pressure to the treated area for 6-8 hours after treatment. Pressure on the treated area can cause the product to migrate to unintended muscles, potentially leading to unwanted side effects such as eyelid drooping or asymmetry.
- Do not wear hats, bands, or helmets around the forehead for at least 24 hours after being injected. Tight-fitting items can create pressure that may cause product migration.
- Maintain an average heart rate (do not get your heart rate above 130 beats per minute for at least 24 hours after being injected). Elevated heart rate increases blood flow, which can cause the product to spread beyond the intended treatment area and increase bruising.
- Do not sleep on your face or lie face down for at least 2-6 hours after being injected. Lying face down creates direct pressure on injection sites and can cause product migration or increased bruising.
- You will have small bumps at the injection site; these will last about 45 minutes and then dissipate. These small raised areas are completely normal and are simply the product settling under the skin. They should not be alarming.
- Do not lean forward, shower, or cook over a hot stove for 6 hours after treatment. Bending forward increases blood flow to the face and head, which can increase swelling and potentially cause product migration, especially in forehead treatments.
- Do not apply makeup for at least 12 hours after treatment. Makeup application requires touching and manipulating the treated areas, increasing the risk of infection and causing product migration. If you must apply makeup, use clean brushes or applicators and be extremely gentle.
- For the first 24 hours after treatment, avoid exercise/yoga, saunas, facials, sun and heat, and alcohol. All of these activities increase blood flow, body temperature, and inflammation, which can reduce product efficacy, increase bruising and swelling, and potentially cause migration.
- Avoid driving until you know how the treatment affects you. While extremely rare, some patients may experience temporary blurred vision or other side effects that could impair their ability to drive.
- Headaches are a common side effect of botulinum toxin products, especially in the first 24-48 hours as the product begins to work. Avoid taking aspirin or medications that contain aspirin, as these can thin your blood and increase bruising. Instead, use Tylenol (acetaminophen) and apply cool compresses to your forehead and temples. Consult your healthcare provider if headaches persist beyond 48 hours or worsen, as this could indicate a need for evaluation.
- If you experience swelling or discomfort, you can take Tylenol and/or apply cool compresses to the area. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin; instead, wrap ice packs in a clean cloth. Apply for 10-15 minutes at a time with breaks in between. This can help reduce swelling and provide comfort without causing product migration.
Why Choose Nervana Medical for Neuromodulators in Sandy, UT?
At Nervana Medical, we understand that choosing a provider for neuromodulator treatments is about more than just the product — it’s about expertise, artistry, and trust. Our team of experienced medical professionals has extensive backgrounds in intensive care, emergency medicine, and advanced aesthetics, bringing a depth of medical knowledge and precision to every injection. We take a personalized, integrative approach to aesthetic treatments, taking time to understand your unique goals, facial anatomy, and lifestyle to create a customized treatment plan that enhances your natural beauty rather than creating an artificial or overdone appearance.
Book a Consultation Today
Ready to discover how neuromodulators can help you look and feel your best? Whether you’re new to aesthetic injectables or looking for a more experienced, personalized approach to your treatments, Nervana Medical is here to guide you every step of the way. Give us a call at (801) 335-5243 to schedule a consultation.