Know your Neuromodulators

Know your Neuromodulators- Botox vs. Juveau vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin

Injectable neurotoxins are used to help soften fine lines and wrinkles created from movement of muscles in the face and neck areas. As we age, facial expressions, such as frowning, smiling, squinting, and raising our eyebrows, can all result in dynamic wrinkles from forming.

So, what exactly is a neuromodulator?

These are purified proteins produced from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When it’s injected into a specific area, it binds to receptors in your muscle. When this happens, it acts as a messenger by signaling to block the release of acetylcholine.

So, why would you care about that part?...

Acetylcholine is responsible for activating the movement of MUSCLES! By blocking this substance our facial muscles become inactive. And when they aren’t active, they aren’t able to create those bothersome dynamic wrinkles!

How Neuromodulators Work

Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Juveau® are all FDA-approved products used in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. They all have the same active ingredient called botulinum toxin type A, but each product has a slightly different formulation.

Once injected, it weakens the pull of the affected muscles on the skin. When the muscle is relaxed, it progressively smooths out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This process decreases the depth and strength of existing wrinkles and can prevent future wrinkles from forming.

Neuromodulators can help:

· Decrease fine lines and wrinkles (brow, forehead, crow’s feet, bunny lines, frown lines, and nasal squints)

· Improves the upper lip by gently flipping the lip outward to create the look of fuller, more volumized lips- Lip Flip!

· Resolve issues of trapezius, neck, and shoulder pain by calming hyperactive and constricted spasms.

· Resolve migraines related to Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

Botox®

Botox® (Botulinum ToxinTypeA) -The original and probably what most people know of. It was the first injectable neuromodulator approved for cosmetic use by the FDA and

originally created for muscle spasms. Botox® is the most recognized wrinkle-reducing injectable on the market today.

Jeuveau®

The second most recent neurotoxin injectable on the market, Jeuveau (PrabotulinumtoxinA), was approved to treat moderate to severe lines between the eyebrows. What separates this from the others is that it's the first neurotoxin created specifically for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes (whereas the others treat muscle spasms and other medical conditions).

Fun fact: Jeuveau may work better for men! Interestingly enough, Evolus (the brand that makes Jeuveau) published a peer-reviewed, double-blind study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal that showed with high consistency that men treated with Jeuveau had higher responder rates than those treated with Botox.

Dysport®

Dysport (Abobotulinum Toxin Type A) can appear in about half the time as Botox and Xeomin. It also has a smaller molecule size, so this means it moves quicker and spreads over a larger area. When a client wants a broader, even distribution, such as the forehead or crow’s feet, Dysport can be your best option.

Xeomin®

Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is injected into muscles and used to temporarily reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults.

The biggest benefit of Xeomin is that it is “naked”, meaning it only has one ingredient. No additives or preservatives- which is usually the part of toxins some people can react adversely to.

So, if you have never had any type of cosmetic injections or tolerated other types in the past, Xeomin may be your go-to injectable of choice!

In Conclusion…

No matter which neuromodulator you choose, first thing's first: Selecting the person injecting you is far more important than the type of injection! It is the single most important thing a patient can do not only for their safety, but also to ensure the best possible outcome.

Always see a board-certified provider who is knowledgeable of facial anatomy and how neurotoxins work.

Be your own advocate, do your own research, and ask lots of questions!

If you are interested in receiving cosmetic injections, please call us at (843) 802-9264 to schedule your appointment.