You may know Botox for its ability to smooth wrinkles, but you may not know exactly how it works once injected. At Phoenix Medspa in Lutz, FL, we use our knowledge of neuromodulators to create precise treatments that align with each patient’s aesthetic goals. Different facial areas require varying approaches, whether softening forehead lines or reducing crow’s feet. We love to share our knowledge about neuromodulators with our patients and always welcome questions about these effective treatments.
Why Do Facial Wrinkles Form?
Wrinkles develop due to aging, repetitive facial movements, sun exposure, and the skin’s natural loss of collagen and elasticity. Over time, the skin becomes thinner and less able to bounce back after folding and stretching. External factors like UV radiation and pollution break down collagen, while internal factors like decreased oil production make the skin drier and more prone to creasing.
Dynamic vs. Static Wrinkles
Dynamic wrinkles appear when facial muscles move, such as when smiling, frowning, or raising the eyebrows. These lines fade when the face is at rest but become more pronounced with age as the skin loses elasticity. Static wrinkles remain visible even when the face is relaxed and form due to long-term collagen loss, gravity, and facial expressions.
The Role of Muscle Contraction in Aging Skin
Every facial expression involves muscle contractions that cause the skin to fold in predictable patterns. When the skin is young, it rebounds quickly after movement, but as collagen and elastin decline, these folds begin to set in place. Areas with frequent movement, such as the forehead, around the eyes, and between the brows, often develop deeper lines as the skin becomes less able to recover.
What Are Neuromodulators?
Neuromodulators are injectable treatments that are used to reduce dynamic wrinkles. These treatments help prevent the muscle movement responsible for wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, or between the brows. Neuromodulators are fast and convenient treatments that can be repeated every few months to retain results.
Types of Neuromodulators
- Botox®: As one of the most widely recognized cosmetic neuromodulators, Botox is known for its ability to soften expression lines by limiting muscle movement. It has a well-established track record for treating forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
- Dysport®: Dysport spreads more easily than other neuromodulators and can be the preferred option for larger areas like the forehead. It has a slightly quicker onset, with results often appearing a day or two earlier than Botox. Because of its diffusion properties, Dysport can offer natural-looking results.
- Xeomin®: Xeomin is a purified botulinum toxin product that does not contain accessory proteins. Patients using Xeomin are less likely to develop resistance over time. The results are comparable to other neuromodulators, though some patients may find that it takes a little longer to take full effect.
The History of Neuromodulators in Medicine
Before being used for cosmetic purposes, neuromodulator therapy was developed to treat medical conditions involving muscle overactivity. In the 1970s, researchers discovered its ability to relax targeted muscles, leading to its use for conditions like strabismus (eye misalignment) and cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms). Over time, its applications expanded to include migraine relief, excessive sweating, and eventually, cosmetic wrinkle reduction.
The Science of Neuromodulators in Smoothing Wrinkles
How Muscles Receive Signals
Every facial movement starts with a signal from the nervous system. When the brain sends a message to a muscle, it travels through nerves and reaches the neuromuscular junction, where a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine is released. Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle, triggering a contraction. These repeated contractions, like squinting or raising the eyebrows, cause the skin to fold in the same areas.
How Neuromodulators Interrupt the Process
Neuromodulators block the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and prevent the nerve signal from reaching the muscle. Without this signal, the muscle stays relaxed which reduces the movements that create wrinkles. Since the body naturally regenerates nerve function over time, the effects are temporary. This controlled muscle relaxation allows the skin to remain smoother without affecting overall facial mobility when administered correctly.
Learning About Selective Paralysis
The goal of anti-aging injections is not to freeze the entire face but to selectively relax specific muscles responsible for wrinkle formation. This technique, known as selective paralysis, prevents excessive movement in targeted areas while leaving other muscles unaffected. Proper placement keeps natural expressions intact and prevents an unnatural or stiff appearance.
How Long the Process Takes to Work
The effects of non-surgical wrinkle reduction don’t happen instantly, as it takes time for the nerve signals to weaken. Most patients start noticing an improvement within three to five days, with full results developing within two weeks. The effects gradually wear off about three to four months later which is when patients seek additional treatments to maintain their results.
The Importance of Dosage and Injection Depth
A precise neuromodulator treatment requires the right dosage and injection depth for each area of the face. Larger muscles, like those in the forehead, need more units than smaller ones, such as those around the eyes. Depth also matters—some areas require superficial injections to target fine lines, while others need deeper placement to control strong muscle contractions.
Do Neuromodulators Work the Same on Dark Skin?
Neuromodulators work the same way on all skin tones because they act on muscle activity rather than the skin itself. Since these products don’t affect melanin production or the surface of the skin, they can be used for patients of all skin tones.
Refine Your Facial Aesthetics With Neuromodulators
Smoothing fine lines with neuromodulators is a precise process that depends on understanding muscle movement and facial anatomy. At Phoenix Medspa, treatments are carefully planned to provide natural-looking results while preserving expression. Dr. Julie Morales, a double board-certified physician, specializes in skincare for all skin tones, including patients dealing with hyperpigmentation and melasma.
We serve patients from Lutz, FL, as well as Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, and Aventura. Call (813) 776-1779 or contact us through the online form to schedule a consultation.
