Wrinkle Relaxers/ Neuromodulators

At The Beach Cosmetic Clinic we offer three Neuromodulators: Botox, Dysport and Nuceiva. Neuromodulators, also known as wrinkle relaxers, are a non-invasive injection that works below the skin’s surface to target the underlying muscle activity. They can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and lift the brows and tip of the nose. Neuromodulators are an excellent preventative treatment for frown lines and relaxing wrinkles caused by repeated movements. Over time we all develop habitual facial expressions that first form lines and then develop into wrinkles in our skin. These actions are considered minor when thought of as a one-time gesture because skin, especially when young, is elastic in nature. However, like water flowing through a canyon, over time these gestures cause expressions to become wrinkles, while your skin loses elasticity, resulting in permanent features of the face that we associate with the signs of age. The use of Neromodulators is a safe procedure that produces a more rested, lifted and younger version of you.

The commonly treated areas include:

  • The lines and folding of the skin between the eyebrows (glabella) caused by frowning
  • The horizontal lines across the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows
  • Lines around the eyes, known as crow’s feet, caused by squinting or smiling
  • The downward turning of the mouth (DAO)
  • The small vertical line around your mouth
  • The dimples on your chin
  • Neck bands
  • Brow lift
  • Lip lift
  • Nose tip lift
Botox®

Botox® is a neurotoxic purified protein produced by the botulinum bacterium type A which blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle. Botox has been on the market the longest since 1970 and has been used therapeutically to treat conditions like muscle spasms, migraines, Bell’s Palsy, urinary incontinence, TMJ and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Botox came to the Canadian market in 2001 and has the highest number of published research papers for its efficacy and has the longest safety profile.

Botox® is the most popular aesthetic procedure in the world, and when done properly, it can be long lasting and effective in giving you a younger smoother and lifted appearance while preserving a natural facial expression.

Dysport®

Dysport® treatments were approved by the FDA in 2009 and 2014 in Canada. It’s an alternative neuromodulator by targeting the muscle contractions for minimizing the appearance of frown lines and forehead wrinkles. The effects of Dysport are fast acting, also it is more diluted using smaller protein molecules to diffuse into larger muscle areas like the forehead.

Nuceiva™

The newest member of the injectable neuromodulator group, Nuceiva was approved for cosmetic use by Health Canada and the FDA in 2019. Nuceiva™ temporarily reduces movement of muscles that cause wrinkles. Nuceiva™ patients usually see it beginning to work as soon as 24 hours after injection. By using a subtle approach, it will provide you with the best and most natural results.

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How It Works

When treated with Botox/ Dysport/Nuceiva, a tiny amount of the neuromodulator product is injected into one or more of the dozens of muscles that control facial expression. They work by relaxing the muscles by blocking the nerve impulse reaching the muscle. With the muscle no longer contracting, the skin relaxes and the wrinkles appear diminished.

The lifting effect happens when one of two opposing muscle groups are paralysied allowing the other muscle group to contract unopposed. This is how the eyebrows, tip of the nose and lip lift work.

The purified protein will work its way into the nerves in the treated areas and you may feel and see some changes in about 24-72 hours. The full effect will be apparent between 7-11 days.

Over time the brain can “learn” not to make the facial expression that caused the wrinkle, resulting in a progressively longer lasting effect. This means you don’t have to come back as frequently!

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After Treatment

After treatment, you will likely experience at least some swelling, redness, slight pain and tenderness at the injection site. This typically lasts for a couple of hours. The use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) is good. Although rare, redness or small bumps may occur for 2-3 days. These disappear in time. If you want, makeup can be applied 6 hours after using very minimal pressure on your skin.

You can maximize and protect your results from Botox by exercising (smile, frown, look surprised etc…) the areas treated for the first hour, remaining upright (no laying down or bending over) and avoid rubbing/touching your face for a minimum of 4 hours. For 24 hours after treatment, refrain from strenuous physical activity, hot tubs/sauna, facials, alcohol, aspirin, or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or supplements.

We would love to see you for a two week follow up assessment especially if this is your first Botox/Dysport/Nuceiva treatment with us. This will ensure that we are able to see how your facial muscles have reacted to your treatment. For medical reasons, your results will be photographed and documented in your confidential patient file.

Botox/Dysport/Nuceiva is a temporary procedure and at first, you will likely find your treatment results lasting approximately 3-4 months. Over time the results of treatment can begin to last longer than 4 months because of muscle memory loss.

Botox/Dysport/Nuceiva is injected to treat fine lines and wrinkles, however, it also helps prevent them from developing — while Botox/Dysport/Nuceiva is in place, make an effort to notice which muscles are not moving, for example, the lines between the eyebrows. This gives you the opportunity to change your wrinkle forming habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Oakley Smith is the Medical Director and reviews, trains and oversees the clinic. Serena, our senior nurse injector treats our patients directly under his supervision.
We offer Botox, Dysport and Nucevia which differ slightly on formulation of Botulinum Toxin A, they also have different indications. Nurse Serene will recommend the one that would work best for you to get the results you want.
Botox, Dysport and Nucevia are neuromodulators, consisting of complex proteins which insert themselves into a nerve cell and then block neurotransmitters from being released. Thus the muscle can’t be stimulated to contract and they remain relaxed. Another way to look at it is neuromodulators prevent communication between the nerve and muscle.
The science behind neuromodulators is interesting. After injection, the neuromodulator is taken up by the nerve endings and then released into the cell. The neuromodulator then travels to the site where the nerve’s neurotransmitters are being stored. Here they interfere with the release of the neurotransmitter into the space between the nerve and muscle. Without this release, the nerve can’t communicate with the muscle to contract.
The prep, planning and procedure doesn’t take long. It depends on the amount of areas being treated, anywhere from 5-15 minutes.
The neuromodulators are injected by syringe directly into the muscle. The smallest needle available is used which helps to minimize bruising and discomfort.
Neuromodulators are not permanent. The longevity depends on the area being treated and how the body metabolizes the product. Our bodies eventually manage to circumvent their effect, this usually takes three to five months. To maintain the improvement repeat injections are needed around the three month mark to sustain results.
The speed of onset varies by which neuromodulator product is used. Dysport can show its effects in 24 hours. For Botox it can take 72 hours for the injections to start to be noticeable and 7-11 days to maximal effect. With Nucevia you may begin to see results around 48 hours after.
Any injection can hurt, but it is usually less painful than people expect. The needles are very small and spaced out around the treatment area. A topical numbing cream can be applied and a cold pack to help if there is discomfort.
Neuromodulators are safe when used correctly. Botox has been safely used therapeutically since the 1970’s, for muscle spasms, migraines, effects of Bell’s Palsy, TMJ, urinary incontinence and hyperhidrosis. It has been approved as aesthetic dermal injectable in Canada since 2001.
Rarely, however Neuromodulators are complex proteins and as such they have the potential to stimulate an immune response similar to a drug reaction. Fortunately, although this rarely happens, with cosmetic patients it doesn’t appear to affect the results. To avoid unnecessary bruising stop taking a week prior to injections medicines and supplements that thin the blood, vitamin A, aspirin and Ginseng.
Yes, there might be some redness and minimal swelling that will subside. Make-up can lightly be applied after 6 hours.
Having an expressionless face can be avoided by an experienced and skilled injector. You can still raise your eyebrows. Most people don’t really want to frown and this can be reduced.

Neuromodulators can be preventative for forhead lines and wrinkles around the mouth from developing. It is believed to help inhibit future facial lines by limiting the repetitive movement by contracting the muscle that creates them.

Neuromodulators are charged usually by the unit. Here’s a guide:

  • Forehead lines and lift 10-30 units
  • Eyebrow lift 2-5 units
  • Frown lines 10-25 units
  • Crow’s feet 5-15 units a side
  • Bunny lines 5-10 units a side
  • Smile lift 3-6 units a side
  • Dimpled chin 2-6 units
  • Neck bands 12-24 units