Non-surgical Enhancements > neuromodulators
Rejuvenate
Neuromodulators
Adults are living longer than ever before. We feel vital, we're active and we want our bodies to mirror youthful minds and hearts. Enter the era of Botulinum Toxin, one of the most important substances to hit the field of facial rejuvenation. Short of a surgical facelift, this substance is the most popular way to reduce facial wrinkles. Dr. Abedi, is one of North Shore’s most experienced injection specialists. She uses a combination of products and techniques to help soften your wrinkles and fine lines, creating a smoother facial profile.
Neuromodulators
Botox™, Neuciva™
Pricing: 12$ per unit | 120$ minimum spend
How do neuromodulators work?
In What Areas of the Face Can Neuromodulators be Used?
We use both Botox™ and Neuciva™ to help our patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Both are FDA approved for treatment of facial wrinkles. In very rare cases, patients do not respond to either Botox™ and/or Neuciva™ and the type of neuromodulator used will need to be adjusted.
Can I combine Botox with other cosmetic treatments during the same session?
How many units of Botox will I need for my treatment?
How Long Do the Results from Neuromodulators Last?
Botulinum toxin belongs to a class of medication called Neuromodulators. They block muscular nerve signals, which then weakens the muscle so that it can't contract and therefore help diminish your unwanted facial wrinkles.
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Facial expressions involving your eyebrows naturally create horizontal creases on the forehead. Botox can significantly improve the appearance of these lines while preserving natural movement. Typically, between 8-20 units of Botox are required for this area.
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The vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called "11 Lines," form from frowning or concentrating. Botox effectively reduces these lines. Generally, 15-30 units of Botox are needed here.
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The delicate skin around the eyes can develop Crow’s Feet from smiling, squinting, or laughing. Botox helps relax the muscle around the eye, smoothing out wrinkles and creases. Most people need between 12-24 units of Botox for this treatment.
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Botox can be strategically injected to achieve a subtle brow lift, enhancing the arch of the brows.The treatment is highly individualized and the amount needed depends on the existing brow shape.
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Lines around the mouth, often called smoker’s lines, can be challenging to treat. Treatment requires multimodalities, however Botox can definitely help smooth some of the deeper lines. Additional treatments like microneedling or chemical peels might be needed. Botox can also perform a “Lip Lift” by enhancing the upper lip. Typically, 2-8 units of Botox are used for these concerns.
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If your mouth corners naturally curve downward, Botox can help lift them by relaxing the muscles that pull the lips down (DAO muscles). Generally, 4-12 units of Botox are needed.
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Dimples or an orange peel appearance on the chin can be improved by injecting Botox into the mentalis muscle, which causes these dimples. Most people require 4-10 units for this treatment.
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The lines that appear on the nose when squinting or snarling, are known as bunny lines. These are caused by the nasalis muscle. Botox can reduce these lines, with 4-10 units typically required.
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If you are self-conscious about your gums showing when you smile, Botox can decrease gum exposure by targeting the muscles that elevate the upper lip. Usually, 4-6 units of Botox are sufficient.
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As we age, the platysma muscles in the neck can create prominent vertical bands. Botox can soften and reduce these bands, with 30-60 units often needed.
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Fullness under the eyes, often referred to as the “jelly roll” area, can be improved with a small amount of Botox. Typically, 2-4 units are used for this area.
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The masseter muscles can make the lower face appear wider and more square. They also contribute to bruxism or night time teeth clenching. Botox can help relax and thin these muscles, creating a slimmer face. It can also effectively treat bruxism or teeth clenching and help with TMJ dysfunction. 30 - 60 units are usually required.
Botulinum toxin can be combined with other cosmetic skin procedures such as chemical peels, microneedling, and dermal fillers to further improve your results. This combination of therapies can even help to prevent the formation of new lines and wrinkles.
The units outlined above are basic units needed based on our experience. However each treatment is individualized and Dr. Abedi will determine the most effective dosage required depending on factors such as your age, gender, treatment area, and your muscle strength.
Results can last up to 4 - 6 months depending on what is being treated. Most people get treatments done every 3-6 months.
The Procedure
Injections of botulinum toxin may seem like a simple procedure to you, since it's just a few shots. But it is actually both an art and science.
During your consultation, Dr. Abedi will analyze your facial muscles (there are 43 of them in your face) and based on their strength and position, she will map her injections of botulinum toxin to optimize your results.
If treatment is being done for hyperhidrosis, a special sweat test is done to mark the areas of excess sweating to help target our injections.
A very thin needle is used to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. By carefully choosing specific muscles, Dr. Abedi weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles, preserving your natural facial expressions.
Botulinum toxin treatment injections usually take less than 15 minutes. The number of injections you need will depend on multiple factors, including your facial features and the extent of your wrinkles.
Recovery & Results
The beauty of botox treatment is that you can come in for your appointment during your break with no down time or recovery after the treatment.
You may notice results within 2-5 days, but it can take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect. For stronger and bigger muscles such as the Masseter (jaw) muscle, results can take up to 6 weeks. The improvement typically lasts about 3-4 months. When the effects of botulinum toxin begin to fade, your muscle reactions and the wrinkles will return.
In rare cases, the type of Botulinum toxin used may not work on your muscles. Adjustments may need to be made depending on your response.
Special Considerations & Risks
You may resume normal activities immediately, however we do recommend to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. One note of caution: Don't rub or massage the treated areas after the wrinkle treatment because it can cause the botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of your face. If this happens, you could have temporary facial weakness or drooping.
When injected by an expert injector, minimal side effects are expected, especially when you follow Dr. Abedi’s post treatment advice. However, in rare instances, side effects can occur. Although generally safe, side effects and complications can include:
Bruising and pain at the injection site
Redness
Headache
Flu-like symptoms
Temporary facial weakness or drooping, specially of the eyelids
Very rarely, the toxin can spread beyond the treatment area, which can cause botulism-like signs and symptoms such as breathing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness and slurred speech. This is very rare and seen only when large volumes of toxin are used.
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