Neuromodulators are used in medical aesthetics to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, treat muscle disorders, and improve skin quality. They are based on botulinum toxin, a protein that disables the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contraction. By blocking this chemical, the muscle activity that causes facial expressions leading to wrinkles – such as frowning, squinting, or smiling – is reduced or arrested. Neuromodulators can also relax the muscles that cause neck spasms, eye twitching, excessive sweating, overactive bladder, and chronic migraine
The following products are neuromodulators used in medical aesthetics:
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Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): The first and most popular neuromodulator, approved by the FDA in 2002 for cosmetic use.
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Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA): A highly purified neuromodulator that contains only the active ingredient, without any accessory proteins.
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Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA): A similar neuromodulator to Botox, but with a slightly faster onset and wider diffusion.
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Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA): The newest neuromodulator on the market, approved by the FDA in 2019 for cosmetic use.
We limit our neurotransmitter use to Botox (the Queen) and Xeomin (a worthy successor).