Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®) are medications that are injected into the skin to help relax the muscles of facial expression. Neuromodulators reduce muscle activity, resulting in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Neuromodulators can treat a wide range of medical problems, and have been used as an aesthetic treatment for over twenty years.

How Do Neuromodulators Work?

Neuromodulators block the release of acetylcholine – an important messenger between brain and muscle cells. This powerful medication prevents the communication between the nerve cells and muscles. This can have a variety of therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.

Cosmetically, neuromodulators like Botox® and Dysport® are used to treat wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines. As neuromodulators make wrinkle-causing muscles relax, they can also be an effective method for preventing the future development of fine lines and wrinkles. Neuromodulators can also be used to soften the appearance of visible muscles. They can be used to relax the muscles in the neck that cause banding and to decrease the appearance of prominent jaw muscles.

Having trained as a chiropractor before medical school, Dr. Khurana has an intricate knowledge of muscle anatomy and pain referral patterns. As a person with chronic migraines, she has special insight and empathy regarding your journey with chronic pain and headaches. If you do not qualify or have medical coverage for your treatment, Shine MD offers a therapeutic neuromodulator pricing program to improve your access to care.

The neuromodulator Botox® also has several therapeutic applications, including:

Botox® is a powerful medication that has been Health Canada approved to reduce the severity of chronic migraines. If you have chronic headaches or migraines more than 15 days per month, you are likely to benefit from having Botox® injections. Most insurance companies will cover some or all of the Botox® medication.*

*MD Injection Fee will apply.

Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating that can have a major impact on someone’s lifestyle. Botox® has been shown to be effective at reducing the symptoms of hyperhidrosis. It is officially approved for the underarms, and your first treatment is likely to be free with the Botox® Access Program.*

*MD Injection Fee will apply.

Many of us grind or clench our teeth at night when we are sleeping. Over time, this can lead to significant dental issues, headaches, facial pain, and a change in the shape of the jawline.

Botox® injections are effective at reducing the impact of bruxism. They can have the added effect of softening the jawline.

While Botox® is the only medication that is officially approved by insurance companies for therapeutic indications such as hyperhidrosis and bruxism, other medications such as Dysport® are equally as effective and will be used if patients do not have coverage for Botox® through an extended health plan.

Learn More About Neuromodulators

Prior to your treatment at Shine MD, one of our experienced injectors will thoroughly examine you and discuss your treatment goals. We may recommend a specific neuromodulator (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®) depending on your unique circumstances.

The treatment itself is quick and well-tolerated. A very thin needle is used to inject a tiny amount of the neuromodulator under the skin. The number of injections required depends on the area being treated and your desired results. You may feel some mild discomfort or pinching during the injections, but these only last a few seconds.

There is no downtime associated with a neuromodulator treatment, and you can immediately return to your everyday activities, though you should avoid aggressive exercise for at least 24 hours.

You may experience some minor irritation or swelling at the injection site right after your treatment. A cool compress or ice pack can be applied to the area to decrease inflammation. Headaches are also a common side effect of the treatment and can be managed with Tylenol or Advil.

You should not rub the injection site for at least 24 hours after treatment to avoid spreading the neuromodulator.

After a neuromodulator treatment, it takes approximately two weeks to take full effect. After 7 to 14 days, there will be a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, giving the face a brighter, more energetic appearance. Two weeks after your treatment, Dr. Khurana will follow up with you to assess your treatment response and provide touch ups as needed.

Using neuromodulators, we can soften laugh lines and improve the contour of your neck and jawline. One simple injection series can also help to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. Neuromodulator treatments can not only make you look younger and brighter but also diminish the progression of lines and wrinkles.

The results from neuromodulators typically last for three to four months. As the muscles slowly return to their usual activity level, you will notice that the fine lines and wrinkles begin to reappear. We recommend regular treatments if you wish to maintain your results.

Neuromodulators are minimally invasive and safe for all skin types, making them an excellent wrinkle reduction option for most people. You may be a good candidate for neuromodulators such as Botox® and Dysport® if you have facial wrinkling, such as frown lines or crows feet.

If you are interested in a therapeutic Botox® treatment, speak to a member of our team at Shine MD to find out if the treatment is right for you.