Neuromodulators

What are Neuromodulators?

BOTOX and Dysport are both injectable forms of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Scientists discovered that small, diluted amounts of this toxin could cause muscle paralysis when injected directly into the muscle. When the amount is small enough, it causes controlled weakening of the muscle, not full-blown muscle paralysis.

The FDA originally approved BOTOX in the latter half of the 1980s for treating certain types of conditions caused by muscle spasms, such as dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), strabismus (crossed eyes or lazy eye), spasmodic torticollis (uncontrolled neck movement), and blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking). In 2002, the FDA approved BOTOX for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Today, we use BOTOX to treat not only frown lines but also other areas of the face, including the forehead and the crow’s feet at the corners of the eye.

Who’s a Good Candidate for BOTOX and Dysport?

Good candidates for BOTOX or Dysport are healthy individuals who are bothered by the beginning signs of aging. BOTOX has many different uses and, with the experience of a knowledgeable injector, you can achieve a more refreshed and youthful look.

Though similar to BOTOX, Dysport does not act exactly the same way and requires experience to use properly. For example, Dysport disperses more widely than BOTOX when injected. While this is advantageous when treating broader areas of small wrinkles such as crow’s feet, when used to treat glabellar lines of the forehead it could lead to increased occurrence of ptosis (drooping eyelid) if injected improperly. During your consultation with Dr. Paquet, you can determine the right product for your cosmetic needs.

What Happens During BOTOX or Dysport Treatment?

BOTOX and Dysport injections can be performed in as little as 15 minutes. To begin, the treatment area will be cleansed and sterilized. Then, the product is prepared and injected into specific muscles. Most patients can tolerate the injections without a numbing agent, but it can be provided if needed. Once complete, you can return to your daily schedule.

Neuromodulator Results and Recovery

You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions on avoiding exercise, bending over, and laying down after your procedure. You may have some residual redness, but this subsides within a few hours. For the first 48 hours, make sure to avoid rubbing or massaging the area and take care when washing your face or applying products.

Results from injections are generally visible within a few days after treatment and remain for a minimum of 4 months, but typically last up to 6 months. After that time, your muscles will once again begin to contract, and you will start to see some of the lines and wrinkles reappear. They will likely be less prominent than they were before, but Dr. Paquet can touch up each area with additional injections as needed to keep your wrinkles from reappearing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Neuromodulators