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What Are Neuromodulators?

At Turquoise Springs Medical Spa, serving San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Fredericksburg, Dr. Bill Murphy, MD, and his team offer injectable neuromodulators for aging signs like fine lines, wrinkles, frown lines, and forehead furrows. Botox is popular, but alternatives like Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin offer distinct benefits tailored to specific needs. We’ll outline each below.

How Can Neuromodulators Provide Anti-Aging Benefits?

Neuromodulators include a variety of botulinum toxin-based injectables that block nerve impulses that signal facial muscles to contract. When a tiny amount of a chosen neuromodulator is delivered directly into the treatment area, the affected muscle will relax, causing the skin above it to smooth out. This results in a softer, less wrinkled, and rejuvenated appearance.

Neuromodulators offer several benefits over some topical and surgical skin treatments, including:

Safety

Neuromodulators have been used as cosmetic treatments for several years, and they are typically very safe when they are administered by a skilled practitioner. If side effects occur, they are usually mild and temporary. .

Low Incidence of Trauma

Neuromodulators are minimally invasive, usually painless, outpatient treatments with little to no downtime.

Accessibility

Treatment with neuromodulators is within reach for many people, who can select from a broad range of options that can meet their needs and budget.

Effectiveness and Adaptability

Although the effects of neuromodulators last for months, the treatments are gradually metabolized by the body. This means that if you want to make subtle changes, your practitioner can tailor a treatment that will help you achieve your desired results.

How Do Various Neuromodulators Differ?

All cosmetic neuromodulator treatments work by blocking nerve signals to the muscles that cause wrinkles. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are all derived from botulinum toxin, but their specific formulations have subtle differences that make each treatment best suited for a particular use case. We’ll cover the nuances of each treatment below.

Botox

Botox is famous for being the first non-surgical cosmetic neuromodulator treatment on the market. Its formula’s active ingredient is onabotulinumtoxinA. Dermatologists have successfully used Botox to prevent and treat facial wrinkles for over thirty years. It’s ideal for relaxing wrinkles in small areas, like the corners of the eyes. Treatments can take up to two weeks to reach maximum effect and can last for three to four months.

Dysport

Dysport contains abobotulinumtoxinA, a formulation of botulinum toxin that is more diffuse than other neuromodulators due to its protein structure. This treatment generally requires fewer injections and is suitable for relatively large treatment areas, such as the area around the mouth and the forehead. Dysport takes effect more quickly than Botox, sometimes within 24 hours of injection. Results can last for up to four months, but they are typically shorter-lived than the effects of a Botox treatment.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau is a relatively new alternative to Botox that is made from botulinum toxin type A. It has been approved for cosmetic use only and typically costs less than other neuromodulator treatments. Its formula is similar to Botox, but it is made using an innovative means of encasing its active ingredient within its protein structure. Jeuveau and Botox have similar applications and effectiveness, and Jeuveau is especially well-suited to treating frown lines. Results can become visible within two to three days and last for up to four months.

Xeomin

Xeomin is formulated in an additive-free solution using incobotulinumtoxinA. It is often recommended for use in patients who have developed resistance to Botox and Dysport. Because Xeomin lacks the proteins the other neuromodulators contain, it diffuses into the muscle tissues differently. It’s known to be an effective treatment for deep frown lines. Effects are generally visible in three to five days and last up to four months.

Choosing the Right Injectable: What to Consider

Although Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin are similar, you’ll get the best results if you select the injectable that will best address your specific concerns. People react differently to each formulation, and it may take a few sessions to find the right treatment for your needs. Understanding how each neuromodulator functions will help you get the results you desire.

Since Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin are all derived from the same active ingredient, they have similar potential side effects, which are usually mild, including:

  • discomfort at the injection site
  • swelling, bruising, and redness
  • neuralgia
  • blurred vision

The Importance of a Professional Consultation

Anti-aging neuromodulator injections are safe and popular procedures that can give your face a more youthful and refreshed appearance when performed by a skilled dermatologist. Our specialists at Turquoise Springs Medical Spa, led by Dr. Bill Murphy, MD, are devoted to providing you with top-quality care so that you will be fully satisfied with your results. To discover how cosmetic neuromodulator treatments can enhance your look, schedule a consultation with our team in San Antonio, TX, today.