Neuromodulators

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Knoxville, TN

Neuromodulators are injectable treatments that can reduce and prevent the appearance of certain wrinkles. Also commonly known as Botox® or Dysport®, these injectables interact with muscle-contracting neurotransmitters to help patients achieve a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. (1)

Lumiere Plastic Surgery + Medspa is a premier cosmetic destination in Knoxville led by board-certified surgeon Dr. David Lo. Dr. Lo and his team offer neuromodulator injectables for patients who want to rejuvenate their appearance or prevent future signs of aging (also known as ‘prejuvenation’).

If you are interested in injectables like Botox or Dysport, please schedule a consultation by contacting us online or calling our office at (865) 357-2222.

About Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport are minimally invasive, injectable treatments that can restore a more youthful-looking appearance in patients by softening and preventing the appearance of wrinkles and creases. They work by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for the repetitive muscle contractions that result in wrinkles over time. (1) Your expert injector can administer Botox or Dysport to address different areas of the face, including the glabellar lines or “11 lines”, forehead lines, nasolabial folds, and crow’s feet.

Benefits

There are several benefits of neuromodulator injections. A few of the primary benefits include:

  • Wrinkle Reduction: Neuromodulators significantly diminish dynamic wrinkles, leading to a smoother and more youthful-looking appearance.
  • Quick Treatment Time: Treatment sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, making this a quick treatment that can be performed during a lunch break.
  • Minimal Downtime: Patients can typically return to most normal activities right after their appointment.
  • Customizable Treatment Plans: Neuromodulator injection placement can be tailored to achieve natural-looking results that complement each patient’s authentic appearance.
  • Long-Lasting Results: While the results of neuromodulators are temporary, many patients see the effects last as long as 3–4 months. Results can be prolonged with touch-up appointments. Patient experiences may vary.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure: As a non-surgical treatment, no incisions or general anesthesia are required.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Many patients experience a boost in confidence after wrinkles soften and they achieve a more youthful appearance.

Candidates

Candidates for neuromodulators include those interested in reducing and preventing the appearance of facial wrinkles or creases that can contribute to an aged appearance. Younger patients interested in prejuvenation may also be suitable candidates. All patients should be in good health and maintain realistic expectations regarding their results.

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have neuromuscular disorders are advised against receiving neuromodulator injections. (1)

One of our team members will determine your candidacy during a personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your appointment, we ask that you attend a consultation. In some cases, we can perform the injections the same day as the consultation.

At your personal consultation, the injection specialist will evaluate your areas of concern and determine what kind of injectable would be most suitable for you.

They will also ask you about your medical history and previous experience with cosmetic treatments.

To schedule your personal consultation at our Knoxville office, please contact us online. To schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our office at (865) 357-2222.

Preparation

Before treatment, the nurse injector will provide a set of preparation instructions during their consultation. Generally, patients can expect to be advised to:

  • Discontinue using medications and herbal supplements with blood-thinning properties, as well as the consumption of alcohol
  • Modify their skincare routines to avoid using harsh skincare products, such as chemical peels, exfoliants, or retinoids
  • Use sun protection when going out, as sun damage can potentially cause their appointment to be delayed
  • Arrive at their appointment with a clean face without makeup

Procedure

When you arrive at your appointment, a member of our team will lead you to a private area where your skin will be cleansed and sanitized.

Your injector can apply a topical anesthetic before the start of your treatment; however, this may not be necessary as some formulas contain numbing agents. In many cases, patients find these injections highly tolerable without additional numbing.

Your injector will use a skin-safe marker to map out the targeted injection sites. They will then administer the neuromodulator into these areas using a fine needle.

Patients can choose to target multiple facial areas in their injection sessions. (2) The lengths of these sessions may vary depending on the areas being addressed, the amount of formula used, and whether any other treatments are being performed. Most sessions will not exceed 30 minutes.

Recovery

Recovery after neuromodulator injectables is very minimal. Patients are typically able to return to their daily routines as normal. After the treatment, patients may experience some mild redness and tenderness. These effects are temporary and will subside quickly on their own. It can be helpful to keep the head elevated and avoid touching the area for the first 24 hours after injection.

Patients may also want to avoid strenuous activities and extreme heat; your injection specialist will let you know about any activity restrictions that may apply.

Results

Results from neuromodulator injectables have a gradual onset time; you will not notice any changes immediately after your appointment, but the injectable will begin working immediately. After about 3–4 days, you will start to notice early results. Full results can be visible after 10–14 days. Fine lines and wrinkles will soften as the skin smooths itself out, and patients often enjoy a more youthful appearance. (3)

Results begin to fade after 3–4 months; after this point, patients can determine if they would like to receive additional injections to maintain their results. Some patients choose to schedule regular injection sessions to prevent more wrinkles from forming in the long term.

Corresponding Treatments

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another type of injectable treatment. Instead of relaxing facial muscles, they add volume beneath the skin. Patients often pair their Botox or Dysport injections with dermal fillers to fully rejuvenate the face.

Laser / Light / Energy Treatments

Laser / Light / Energy Treatments offer another approach to skin rejuvenation. By applying this technology to the skin, we can target more specific skin concerns and imperfections like dark spots, hyperpigmentation, redness, dullness, and more.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels exfoliate the topmost layers of the skin to clear debris, soften the skin, improve dryness, and address other concerns. These peels come in different strengths to address different levels of skin concerns. Patients should wait until their skin has completely healed after receiving a chemical peel before considering neuromodulator injections, but their results can complement each other quite nicely.

Cost of Neuromodulators in Knoxville, Tennessee

Your injection specialist will discuss the pricing of your treatment with you during your consultation, once they have established the details of your treatment plan. Pricing can vary depending on the type of neuromodulator you receive, the number of units, and other factors. At Lumiere, we offer financing options for patients who qualify.

To learn more about the costs associated with neuromodulator injectables, please submit our online contact form or call (865) 357-2222.

FAQ

Are neuromodulators safe?

Neuromodulators like Botox and Dysport are FDA-approved for specific indications. When administered by a certified injector, these injectables are typically considered to be safe.

Can I get Botox injections while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, we advise against receiving neuromodulator injectables if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should wait until your pregnancy is complete and you are done breastfeeding before considering injectables like Botox and Dysport.

What happens during a Botox appointment?

During a neuromodulator injection session, your injector will review your goals with you and clean your skin. They will then mark the targeted injection sites with a skin-safe marker and administer the injectable. Additional numbing may be used, but this is not always necessary. This process typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Patient experiences may vary.

Are there any side effects associated with Botox or Dysport?

Common side effects of Botox/Dysport include minor swelling, redness, or bruising, but these typically resolve quickly. More serious side effects, like infection, are considered rarer when injections are performed by a certified injector in a safe environment. Patient experiences may vary.

How long do the effects of Botox last?

Botox results typically last approximately three to four months. Different brand names may be associated with different durations, but they are all quite similar. The duration of effects may vary from patient to patient depending on their metabolism speed, areas of concern, and other factors.

Can I combine neuromodulator injectables with other treatments?

Yes, you are welcome to combine your treatment with other treatments for more comprehensive results. Popular options often include dermal fillers, laser/light/energy treatments, chemical peels, and more. For more information about your options, please reach out to our office.

References

  1. Padda IS, Tadi P. Botulinum Toxin. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557387/#article-97357.s6
  2. Westbrook KE, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Facial Muscles. Nih.gov. Published February 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493209/
  3. Flynn TC. Botulinum Toxin. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2010;11(3):183-199. doi:https://doi.org/10.2165/11530110-000000000-00000