Neuromodulators
Cosmetic Dermatology
Over the years, neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport have become a mainstay for prevention and treatment of dynamic rhytids of the face; facial lines one sees with muscle movement and facial animation. However, neuromodulators can be placed in various muscles for a wide variety of outcomes.
At Anew Aesthetics by Physician Assistants, Inc. we use neuromodulators cosmetically to soften and relax the visible lines of the forehead (frontalis), crow’s feet and lateral brow lift (orbicularis oculi), frown lines/brow furrow/eyelid droop (procerus and corrugators a.k.a. glabella area), bunny lines (nasalis), dimpled chin/peau de orange (mentalis), vertical lip lines/perioral lip lines/smoker’s wrinkles/lip flip affect/gummy smile (orbicularis oris), downturned corners of the mouth/marionette lines (DAOs), platysmal bands/neck sagging and laxity (platysma), and jawline slimming(masseters).
We also use neuromodulators here to treat medical conditions such as axillary, palmar, or plantar hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating, of the armpits, palms of hands, or soles feet, respectively. As well as treatment of TMJ dysfunction and teeth grinding (masseters). Neuromodulators have been used now for decades and are considered relatively safe for many patients, although proper assessment and medical history must be obtained by a qualified provider to determine eligibility.
Landmarks are similar in each patient and a well-trained injector can easily identify these for proper injection. However, each patient is different, in that, there can be a varied degree of muscle strength, muscle pull, and muscle thickness. Neuromodulators are dosed in units and each patient will take a different number of units in each muscle to achieve the desired effect.
Not all neuromodulators are created equally. The ratio of Botox to Dysport units is 1:3, which explains the difference in pricing. In my experience, Botox tends to be more precise when placed in the muscle and is great for smaller muscles for that reason. An example would be the corrugator muscles which are located near the brow and units are placed there for an overall eye-opening and brightening aesthetic. Dysport tends to last longer but spreads further and tends to be better for larger muscles, such as the frontalis or forehead muscle, or in those patients with thicker or stronger muscles.
