9 Facts About Neuromodulators

Good Morning Beautiful Friends! I am very excited to announce our first guest blog writer, surgeon consultant for Profile Medical Cosmetics, Dr. Alipasha Rassouli! He is joining us today to write a bit about cosmetic injectables, specifically, neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport.

Dr. Rassouli is a head and neck surgeon with specialty fellowship training in facial plastics and reconstructive surgery. He has lobbied Grey Bruce Health Services to bring in new technologies in order to better serve his patients and he is well respected amongst his colleagues and patients alike.

What Are Cosmetic Injectables?

Cosmetic injectables are a less invasive method than surgical approaches to rejuvenate the face. The injectable products can be used to temporarily alter the appearance of the face for either a subtle or dramatic alteration.

Cosmetic injectables include neuromodulators and dermal fillers. They work on the muscles in the face, acting to diminish the appearance of deep-set wrinkles and lines by preventing those muscles from contracting. Dermal fillers will replace lost any lost volume in your face that occurs as a normal aging process. 

What Are Neuromodulators?

Neuromodulators, such as Botox and Dysport, are used to reduce muscle movements and relax the wrinkles on the face. These wrinkles are caused by muscle movement and over time they are deepened and become more prominent. Combined with other aspects of aging, wrinkles can accentuate the appearance of aging and tiredness.

Wrinkles can be thought of as folds on paper: once they are made, the paper cannot be unfolded. However, we can help make them look softer and less visible. 

When Should Someone Consider Botox or Dysport?

As with any other area of medicine, prevention is always better than treatment. The final outcome is always better when we prevent the paper from getting folded and try to straighten it out afterwards, to use the above analogy.

So, if your goal is to maintain a youthful appearance and decrease the effects of aging on the face, start when you are young (late 20s and early 30s). This is preventative Botox.

If that time has already passed and wrinkles have already formed, or you would rather not start at a younger age, you can still achieve significant results with the application of neuromodulator to soften the wrinkles. This will take years off your face and allow others to view you as you feel: restful, energetic, and happy. 

Will I Look Frozen?

If done by a well-trained healthcare provider, you should not look anything but more restful and youthful. In fact, no one should be able to tell you have had anything done. The comments you will get are often: “you look more rested’, “your eyes are more open”, “you look less tired”, etc. 

When Will I See Results

Normally movement starts to decrease in 48-72 hours and you will start seeing results in 1-2 weeks after the injections.

How Long Does It Last?

The results last about 3 months, although if you do keep up with maintenance, it may last a bit longer.

Are Neuromodulators Used For Any Medical Reasons?

Neuromodulators have many medical uses and have been used with impeccable safety record for decades.

They are used for conditions as wide as voice conditions to muscle spasms in stroke patients.

Dr. Rassouli uses them to treat patients with TMJ (jaw pain due to grinding or clenching) who cannot tolerate wearing a nightguard, or migraine patients who do not respond to any medications.  

Where Do You Get Your Injection?

Due to their popularity, there are many individuals offering injectables. As with anything, the more education and training the individual has, the higher the chances of a successful outcome and lower the chances of complications. It is very important to consider someone that can deal with all potential complications and side effects of the treatment they provide. 

What Are Some Red Flags?

Botox parties have been going on for decades and they are frowned upon by all medical licensing bodies. Administering injectables anywhere other than the controlled and sterile environment of a medical clinic increases the risk of contamination, infection or complications.

Neuromodulators have more or less uniform pricing amongst all medical professionals. If you have found a “deal”, more often than not, there are areas of cost-saving that you are not aware of which may put you at risk.

Neuromodulators are only accessible to healthcare providers with prescribing privileges by the government. Make sure your provider is registered with an appropriate licensing body. Only Medical Doctors, Nurse Practitioners and Dentists are licensed to write a prescription for treatment of new conditions, such as Botox.

There are clinics that have a medical director who purchases Botox but the injection is “delegated” to another person. The Injection is done under the supervision of the medical director.

Make sure you trust the medical director and the injector. 

Thanks, Dr. Rassouli! If you are interested in learning out more about his facial cosmetic surgery practice, visit his website drrassouli.ca.

We hope that you found this article informative. Let us know if you have any questions!