A neuromodulator is a purified protein derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. The extract is safe and cannot make you sick. When injected the medicine temporarily limits the ability of muscle fibres to contract. Over a few months, the effect slowly diminishes, and the muscle regains the ability to contract at it’s full force.

A Brief History of Neurotoxin

In the 1970s, ophthalmologists began to use these proteins to correct twitches, spasms, and lazy eyes. Through the 1980’s doctors discovered many new uses for these medicines including the treatment of muscle spasm, tremors and cerebral palsy. The applications of this new treatment option grew throughout the 1980s, and in the early 1990s, two Canadian physicians (the Carruthers) began to take note of its startling cosmetic benefits. Dermatologists were instrumental in perfecting the art of injecting these proteins to help smooth wrinkles, shape and define the face to improve people’s appearances.

Expression Line Reduction

Dermatologists can inject purified proteins into the facial muscles which act by relaxing those muscles to soften or eliminate the facial lines. The result is a refreshed and relaxed appearance.

Most patients return for treatments 2 or 3 times a year to maintain their results. The appointment is only 15 minutes and patients can return to their daily routines with minimal interruptions. Results are seen at about 2 weeks after the treatment.

Excessive Sweating

In 2004 the FDA approved a strain of purified protein for treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) for patients who are unable to obtain relief using antiperspirants. Neuromodulators have the ability to temporarily block the secretion of chemicals responsible for “turning on” the body’s sweat glands. Research has shown that these injections for excessive sweating are very safe and effective. In the case of underarm sweating, the treatment results in a 82-87% reduction in sweating. This treatment offers a significant benefit in the control of excessive sweating in the armpits, on the palms, and on the feet.

Chronic Migraines

In 2010 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency licensed this drug for the treatment of chronic migraines. When these proteins are injected in the right areas of the forehead, neck and scalp, chronic migraine sufferers can see a significant reduction in frequency and intensity of their headaches. The reason why the treatment works is not fully understood. It is believed that injecting purified proteins into the head and neck inhibits certain sensory pathways involved in headaches. The drug has been successful in pain management for other conditions such as neuropathic pain, lower back pain, and bladder pain (these are not conditions we treat at Dermatology on Bloor).

Heavy Brow

Neuromodulators can be injected into the over active muscles that pull the forehead down. The result is a relaxed release of the muscle and a slightly elevated brow lift.

Square Jaw

Over developed muscles in the lower face can be treated with neuromodulators to block the message from the brain to contract the muscle. With multiple muscle relaxing treatments, the muscle debulks and results in an aesthetically pleasing contouring effect of the lower face.

Gummy Smile

Over active ‘elevator’ muscles in the upper lip can be injected with neuromodulators to relax the contraction of the muscles. This prevents the lip from raising high enough to show the gums when smiling.

Bunny Lines

When neuromodulators are injected into the nasals muscles it relaxes the muscle contraction that creates bunny lines.

Down Turned Mouth

When neuromodulators are injected into the over active anguli oris muscle, it relaxes the muscle contraction that causes the pull at the corners of the mouth.

Smokers Lines

For finer vertical lines on the upper lip, neuromodulators can be injected in the premolar area to soften the appearance of the lip creases.

Dimpled Chin

Injecting neuromodulators into the mentalist muscle will relax the muscle and result in smoother skin over the chin.

Neck Bands

Injecting neuromodulators into the platysmal bands that run vertically down the front of the neck to relax the protruding muscle. This results in smoother skin down the front of the neck.

Necklace Lines

Injecting neuromodulators into the platysmal bands that run vertically down the front of the neck will release skin from tethering to the neck and relax the appearance of the horizontal necklace lines.