Neuromodulators like Botox® are a beloved solution for graceful aging, but their applications go beyond cosmetics. With a singular ability to relax muscles with long-lasting results, neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin offer a way to soften wrinkles. Additionally, neuromodulators target lesser-known concerns like lower face laxity, excessive sweating, and jaw clenching – all without downtime.

What are neuromodulators? What is Botox®?

When expertly applied, this incredibly well-studied class of drug offers a precise solution to smooth and prevent lines while preserving the warmth and authenticity of natural expressions. Botox is one recognized brand of neuromodulator, while there are several other brands approved for cosmetic use in Canada, including Dysport® and Xeomin®. Neuromodulator injections relax the muscles responsible for creating dynamic folds and wrinkles on the skin. They offer a versatile solution, tailored to your goals, lifestyle and preferences, to target existing lines while preventing new lines simultaneously.

What can you treat with Botox?

So, Botox, and other neuromodulators, relax the muscles responsible for creating folds and creases in the skin. Common treatment areas include these most likely areas:

• Forehead furrows or the “11’s” between the eyebrows, caused by scrunching the brow area
• Lines around the mouth, resulting from pursing or frowning
• Crow’s feet around the eyes, triggered by squinting, smiling, or laughing
• Horizontal forehead lines, visible with lifting the brows
• Muscles that diminish jaw definition and lead to downturned smile over time

The lesser-known uses for Botox

In the same way that relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles smooths the skin, the action of relaxing a muscle can offer benefits beyond the cosmetic. Here are some lesser known areas you can treat with Botox:

Treating the masseter muscles with Botox

The masseter muscle is a powerful jaw muscle that defines the shape of our lower face and has a deep link to stress and clenching. Relaxing this muscle has therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes that can relieve symptoms and slim lower facial shape. 

Bruxism / Targeting jaw pain and clenching: By precisely targeting the masseter muscle, neuromodulator injections can help relax the jaw and prevent teeth grinding, tension, or alleviate jaw pain, commonly referred to as TMJ syndrome.  

Cosmetic masseter injections: By injecting the masseter muscle, a skilled injector can also make the face look slimmer and contour the jawline. As the muscle becomes less overactive, it naturally becomes smaller and slimmer, redefining the outline of the jaw.

Nose slimming with Botox

Some patients have concerns about flared nostrils, a droopy tip, or a nose that looks bigger because the surrounding muscles pull on the nose, changing its shape. Neuromodulator injections on the nostrils or along the nose can subtly reduce nasal width by relaxing overactive muscles that pull on the nose, creating an unwanted flare.

Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating with Botox

If you’re concerned about excessive sweating, you’re not alone. Neuromodulator injections of the underarms, palms, or soles can slow down sweat production and treat hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Injections block the neurotransmitters responsible for sweating, offering relief that often lasts 6-12 months.

Migraine treatment with Botox

Targeted injections along the shoulders, neck, and scalp in combination with facial injections allow us to treat migraine pain. Our cosmetic expertise allows us to achieve excellent cosmetic outcomes while also controlling headaches. Third party medical benefits will often cover this treatment for migraine sufferers – reach out to your insurance company to enquire.

Lip flip with Botox

While dermal fillers are often recommended to enhance thin lips, neuromodulators can serve an important purpose in redefining the lip area as well.

Injections in the pink-white border subtly enhance the appearance of a thin upper lip. As the upper lip relaxes, this allows the upper lip to gently roll outward, creating the illusion of increased volume and definition and letting your lips look more full. This treatment also softens and prevents the appearance of vertical lip lines.

Your neuromodulator treatment experience

When you book your consultation with us, you’ll be meeting with an experienced, skilled provider who will answer your questions, explore your vision for treatment, and set realistic expectations and a strategic treatment plan to meet your goals. Dr. Bri, Dr. Matt, and their team of qualified experts will curate a holistic, individual treatment plan for you, uniquely built for your goals, natural beauty and facial symmetry. All neuromodulator treatments at Philosophy MD are provided by our physicians. 

How long do appointments take?

Your first appointment is usually 60-90 minutes to allow for treatment planning, education, clinic photographs, and assessment. After this, most neuromodulator appointments are 15-30 minutes, but this depends on the area and type of treatment you’ll be receiving. Your neuromodulator treatment can be easily scheduled within the regular balance of daily life, with minimal to no downtime and generally no visible bruising or swelling. Aftercare is simple: in general we advise you don’t exercise, lie flat, or visit hot tubs/saunas (do not allow your face to flush) for 4 hours. After this, you can return to normal activity.

You’ll start to notice the effect of your injections on day 3-4, and the full treatment effect is apparent at the 2 week mark. Follow up is important to us: we like to see all new neuromodulator patients at the 2 week mark to assess effect and allow for a complimentary touch up if required.

Explore new possibilities this summer

If you’re interested in crafting a positive aging plan or a neuromodulator treatment plan that sparks confidence, we invite you to join us for a consultation. We’re passionate about injectable treatments that allow you to look like your best self, with results that highlight your existing natural beauty.