neuromodulators Edmonton - Rao Dermatology

Frequently Asked Questions about Neuromodulators

A neuromodulator is possibly the most common prescribed injected medicine that targets wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet among adults. Despite the popularity and frequency of the injection, many people are still uncertain about neuromodulators. As a result, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you decide whether a neuromodulator is for you.

How does neuromodulator treatment work?

Your dermatologist or specialist will make an injection between the brows to temporarily reduce muscle activity. The outcome is noticeably smoother and wrinkle-free skin.

Does it hurt?

Neuromodulator treatment occurs quite quickly with minimum pain. Patients report a small pinch, which is consistent with the expectation. However, in some instances the specialist will numb the respective area by applying numbing cream or ice to ease any foreseeable discomfort.

When will I see results?

The result of neuromodulator treatment may materialize within the first 24 to 48 hours of treatment and can last up to four (4) months.

Are neuromodulators only for women?

Men can certainly receive neuromodulator treatment. In fact, more and more men are turning to neuromodulators to combat frown lines and wrinkles.

At what age can I start using neuromodulators?

Doctors suggest that you be a minimum of 20 years of age in order to benefit from neuromodulators.

Are there any side effects?

Like any other treatment, there are side effects to neuromodulators. Some of these side effects include muscle stiffness, headaches, neck or back pain. Although these side effects are adverse, they can occur. It is always in your best interest to consult with your dermatologist and family physician before beginning any treatments.

How often do I need treatment?

A single neuromodulator treatment lasts up to four months and begins to wear off in the third month. As such, it is recommended that you obtain treatment every 3-6 months consistently to yield the best results.

If you have further questions about neuromodulators, call our office today and book your consultation.

Your Alternatives to Blepharoplasty

Droopy or saggy eyelids can be problematic for even the most confident individual. Most recently, blepharoplasty has been a reliable and correctional procedure to combat weighty eyes. However, because the surgery requires minimal, local or general anesthesia and minor surgical incisions, individuals are a little hesitant and question whether the procedure is really in their best interest. Fortunately, if you decide you are not ready to commit to blepharoplasty there are alternative non-surgical treatments to minimize and eliminate the torment of saggy eyelids.

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulator treatment is a less surgically demanding procedure than blepharoplasty. Using botulinum toxin, the surgeon makes a mild injection, which temporarily paralyzes the muscles that are responsible for creating wrinkles. In instances of excessive drooping of the eyelids, the surgeon will likely inject surrounding areas of your eyes in order to create a smoother texture thereby enhancing the appearance of your eyes and ridding your skin of the wrinkles that help to create the drooping effect. Neuromodulator injections typically last for up to four months and each treatment can last from 15 to 20 minutes.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers, like neuromodulator injections, however, they consist of “naturally-derived or synthetic material” that is injected into skin with the intention of plumping the respective area to alleviate folds in the skin. Dermal fillers can be easily confused with neuromodulators, but the latter primarily focuses on injections in the forehead and works to inhibit muscle contractions whereas the former is targets plumping. Additionally, dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to a few years depending on the type of filler. Some of those fillers on the market include Juvederm, Radiesse, and Evolence.

Laser Skin resurfacing

The purpose of Laser skin resurfacing is to stimulate the production of collagen by the application of a laser around the eyes. This procedure is ideal for droopy eyes because it replaces the loss of collagen, which is usually the source of sagging eyes in the first place.

Blepharoplasty is a successful surgical option for tackling dropping eyelids. However, if you’re hesitant to begin treatment, any of the non-surgical alternatives will be satisfactory. To try one of these non-surgical options, book your appointment today.

Long-Term Effects of Neuromodulator Injections

At Rao Dermatology, we celebrate the use of neuromodulator injections for healthy, young, and wrinkle-free skin. Our techniques and technologies are clinically tested and have proven to temporarily eradicate wrinkled skin. While our treatments provide you with optimal results and minimal side effects, not all dermatologists practice proper neuromodulator etiquette, which includes accurate medical history checks and the frequency and intervals of your appointment. As a result, long –term effects can ensue. Below, we’ve listed a series of long-term effects that can materialize from the improper and untracked usage of neuromodulator injections.

Pain deriving from Injection

Following multiple injections, it is possible for patients to experience pain at the neuromodulator injection site. More specifically, the area may become tender, swell, or bruise. Follow up treatments, when completed properly, should be able to eliminate these long-term side effects. However, in rare cases, the area of the injection site may permanently become tender.

Allergic Reactions

Patients who receive neuromodulator injections can experience allergic reactions. If you receive treatment and observe abnormalities such as irregular breathing, chest pains, abnormal heartbeat or bleeding, contact your physician or go to your nearest Emergency centre; you may be unaware that your neuromodulator injections have a negative impact on your allergies.

Eye Irritation

If you receive neuromodulator treatments in areas near your eye on a regular basis, you can develop irritation around that area. More specifically, you may experience watery, red or itchy eyes and in the most extreme cases you can develop blurry vision. In milder cases, consult your dermatologist so they are able to accurately monitor these effects. In the more severe instances, such as blurred vision or swelling, contact your physician.

Finally, any irregular side effects that occur following frequent neuromodulator injections should prompt you to speak with your dermatologist or family physician.

Neuromodulators for Headaches and Migraines

Chronic headaches and migraines are usually unbearable. Remedies such as laying down in the dark, medicating with over-the-counter painkillers, or taking a nap hardly ever provide much relief; and when they do, the relief is only temporary because in just a few hours the headache or migraine returns. The FDA approved and dermatologists’ recommended solution for chronic headache and migraines among adults is the neuromodulator botulinum toxin type A. This article aims to shed light on the increasingly popular solution for combating tedious painful headaches.

This neuromodulator is a prescribed form of medicine that is injected into the muscles. In this particular case however, it targets and reduces chronic headaches that are “present more than 15 days per month”. The procedure is not available for children and has a specific criteria, namely, the presence of migraines or chronic headaches lasting four hours or more each day at 15 or more days per month in individuals who are over the age of 18.

Following an in-depth assessment of your medical history and current health your dermatologist will administer the neuromodulator using a needle and direct it to your muscle. The procedure is quite simple and requires very little time commitment. Injections are usually administered every 12 weeks and first-time patients may have to commit to two to four injections to see optimal results. The mechanism of neuromodulators for headaches is still a mystery as scientists and doctors continue to uncover exactly why it is so effective on chronic headache and migraine patients. The most popular theory however, purports that the chemical injection decreases muscle contractions and in the process, triggers a muscle that onsets migraines.

As far as safety is concerned, neuromodulators for migraines and chronic headaches is a safe and regularly practiced procedure. In fact, Health Canada approved this form of treatment in 2011. Although neuromodulator treatment has continued to be successful, we at Rao Dermatology always recommend that you check with your doctor first before commencing treatment.

If you would like more information on neuromodulators for chronic headaches and migraines, contact our office and we’ll assist you accordingly.

Smooth, Smooth, and Smoother- It’s NEUROMODULATORS!

Have you been making faces in the mirror lately hoping that if you pull your skin long enough your wrinkles will go away? At Rao Dermatology, we offer neuromodulator treatments to relieve your aging panic and wrinkle-filled skin. Our dermatologists practice clinically tested, efficient, and effective procedures to ensure you look and feel younger and rejuvenated.

Our neuromodulators use a chemical called botulinum toxin type A which is injected into muscles. It blocks the nerves that allow muscles to contract, which ultimately softens the appearances of wrinkles.

This injection temporarily improves dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement, which primarily includes the crow’s feet and frown lines between the eyebrows. Once you’ve completed your treatment, you will begin to notice visible smoothing of the creases around your eyes and softening of the lines on your forehead.

Our dermatologists highly recommend neuromodulator treatments because of their visible and immediate benefits. As previously mentioned, this neuromodulator softens the appearance of wrinkles making your skin appear tighter, even, and refreshing. It is most effective on wrinkles that have not completely set in as yet—wrinkles that only appear when you move your face. This neuromodulator also treats excessive sweating. It can block chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands, thereby reducing your sweat. Further, it serves as a prescription medicine from individuals with chronic migraines. One injection reduces nine days of headaches when you engage in treatment every three months.

While we welcome and encourage our clients to take advantage of our neuromodulator treatments, we also promote holistic health. In other words, if you are suffering from chronic illnesses or you may be pregnant speak with your doctor before committing to neuromodulator treatments. We want you to look and feel your best, but we also want you to be healthy while doing so.

If you’re ready to say goodbye to those wrinkles, book your appointment and we’ll journey with you to younger-looking skin.