"Botox" - Neuromodulators
“Botox” – Neuromodulator Overview
The word “botox” is term used to describe a host of neurmodulators approved by Health Canada for the treatment of wrinkles. Neuromodulators are derived from naturally occurring microorganisms which cause muscle relaxation. “botox” can be used in small doses used in cosmetic and therapeutic procedures and is considered safe and well tolerated. At the Marsden Centre we use the neuromodulator Xeomin as it is the cleanest (free of additives) available on the market. Its manufacturer Merz Pharmaceuticals is also dedicated to environmentally responsible practices.
“Botox” injection is a commonly used cosmetic procedure to temporarily relax facial muscles to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure involves the injection of botox using a fine needle directly under the area of skin with fine lines/wrinkles. For best results botox should be administered by experienced healthcare professionals as its application is as much an art as it is a medical procedure. Professionals at the Marsden Centre are experienced experts in the field of cosmetic injection whose goal is to achieve a more youthful and natural look. Since wrinkles are caused by habitual facial expressions, early application of neuromodulators can work to prevent worsening of existing wrinkles and the development of new ones.
Our Holistic Approach
At the Marsden Centre, to help clients interested in achieving more youthful looking skin, we take a holistic approach to skin care. In addition to temporary treatments like botox injections, we focus on factors that contribute to premature skin ageing. This may include correction of underlying health issues that contributes to premature skin ageing such as insomnia and malabsorption of necessary nutrients for skin tissue regeneration for instance. After all, the skin is the largest organ of the human body, when its condition is compromised, it is an indication that something internal is also problematic. When the body is healthy from within, skin will look its best.
Treatments like intravenous therapies, nutritional supplementation and topical therapies can all work together to ensure a longer lasting more natural look. These therapies can also work to enhance overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do neuromodulators work?
Over time we develop habitual facial expressions. When we are younger and our skin has good elasticity these facial expressions do not affect our skin tone at rest. As we age our skin loses elasticity due to changes in collagen and these expressions cause wrinkles.
Neuromodulators are injected into one of the many muscles that control facial expression. These purified proteins block the nerve impulses that control contraction of that muscle causing it to relax. The end result is a fading of the wrinkles.
Will I look frozen?
Providers at the Marsden Centre are recognized experts in the field who not only perform treatments but also instruct others. They will determine the right dose and location to ensure the most natural looking result.
Since the injection is done to a very specific area the other areas of your face expression will still remain active. The areas treated with the neuromodulators can still experience sensation since the substances do not affect sensory nerves.
What areas can be treated?
Neuromodulators can be used to treat many problem skin areas. Common areas that are treated include:
- Frown lines between eyebrows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Vertical lip lines
- Downward turning mouth
- Neck
Other areas that can be treated using neuromodulators:
- Reducing a “gummy smile”
- Lip flip
- Wrinkled/dimpled chin
- Nose “bunny lines”
- Narrowing the jaw
- Reduce jaw clenching
- Excessive sweating in armpits (hyperhidrosis)
What if I am pregnant or breast feeding?
Neuromodulators cannot be administered to woman who are pregnant or breast feeding.
Who will I see for a consultation or treatment?
You can choose to enroll in our integrative skin care treatment program or, if you already no you want neuromodulator treatment, you can book to see a treatment provider straight away. If you are part of our integrative skin program you will see a naturopathic doctor in Vaughan or nurse practitioner who will review your skin health needs and work with you to determine the best course of treatment to address them.
If you decide that neuromodulator treatment is the best treatment for you you will see one of our cosmetic injection experts. These are licensed nurse practitioners or registered nurses with extensive training in cosmetic injection therapy.
How long do the effects last?
Neuromodulator treatments begin to wear off in 3-6 months. Once the effects of your injections diminish by over 80% you can receive your next treatment.