Botox and Neuromodulators for Wrinkles: What to Know

Neuromodulators are a good place to start thinking about upkeep. This hub looks at them through how their results age and what follow-up they ask for, for readers in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

What the treatment does

my.clevelandclinic.org describes the mechanism this way: "The toxin blocks the nerve impulses — temporarily weakening muscles that cause wrinkles — and gives the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance." It also explains where the product goes: "Botox is injected into the skin near the muscle that causes dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear temporarily when a muscle contracts, such as smiling or frowning)."

The word temporarily is the one to carry into your budget. A temporary effect is a recurring decision, so plan for the follow-up before the first visit.

The articles, in the order a follow-up decision arrives

• Botox side effects and when they are a concern
• Cosmetic Botox when pregnant or breastfeeding
• Botox versus Dysport and other toxin brands
• Differences between Botox and soft tissue fillers

Brands and how long a response lasts

If you are comparing products, a PMC article examines neurotoxin content in Dysport, Botox and Xeomin and the potential implications for duration of response. A second PMC paper is a review of the evidence that botulinum toxin type A products are not interchangeable. Read both before you assume one brand's schedule applies to another.

For general background, dermnetnz.org covers botulinum toxin, Botox and Dysport, and aad.org answers common questions in its botulinum toxin therapy FAQs.

The question this hub leaves open

Ask the practice how often it expects you back, which product it will use each time, and what the full year of visits costs.