© United Shades of Skin 2022
In the medical aesthetic world, neuromodulators, or neurotoxins, refer to anti-wrinkle or wrinkle-relaxing injections. Most people know this treatment simply as ‘botox’, as the toxin is derived from botulinum toxin, however there are now four brands available and approved on the market today.
Here at United Shades of Skin we use the original BOTOX® Cosmetic.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes specific muscles that produce expressives lines and wrinkles. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly to the desired area and blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, meaning that the injected muscle can no longer contract. This results in the softening of lines and wrinkles.
Neuromodulators are a natural, purified protein derived from Clostridium botulism bacterium.
Often ‘botox’ is used as a blanket term for all neuromodulators, as it was first to market. Think of this like how we might say ‘advil’ or ‘kleenex’ for all ibuprofen or tissue paper. Botox is sometimes also confused with other injectables, like dermal filler, which adds volume and ‘fills’ in the skin.
BOTOX® Cosmetic and other neuromodulators work by temporarily weakening the activity of muscles by disrupting the signals for movement sent by nerves to muscles. It can take up to 14 days after treatment for the full effect to be present.
Although BOTOX® Cosmetic will produce visible results, it will not drastically change the appearance of your face. The muscles are relaxed, so skin will appear smoother and softer overall.
Results typically last 2-4 months, depending on the individual’s metabolism. Typically it is recommended to repeat treatment every three months.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the original and first neuromodulator approved for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes by the FDA. BOTOX® Cosmetic and other neuromodulators are not a poison, and it cannot cause botulism.
Neuromodulators have been used safely for decades to treat a variety of concerns.
There is virtually no downtime from BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. Immediately post treatment you may see slight redness or swelling at the injection site, but this typically subsides within 30-60 minutes. After your treatment, you will be advised on specific aftercare, which includes not laying down for 4 hours after treatment. It is also advised to avoid exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
It is also possible to experience bruising with BOTOX® Cosmetic. To reduce bruising, it is recommended to refrain the use of Aspirin, anti-inflammatories, fish oils, alcohol and other blood-thinning agents.
When BOTOX® Cosmetic hits its peak at around 14 days after treatment, it is normal to have a “tight” feeling as the neuromodulator is working at its strongest. This will subside within a few hours to days. Some patients may also experience a mild headache.
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© United Shades of Skin 2022