Neuromodulators are substances that reduce muscle mobility for a certain period of time and are widely used in dermatology and aesthetic medicine treatments.
They are most widely used to reduce dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the muscles underneath them. Therefore, as there is no contraction, the wrinkle is not produced.
In some cases they are used to correct facial asymmetries to achieve a more symmetrical appearance when, for example, a central or peripheral facial paralysis has occurred.
They are also used to treat other medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating in the hands and armpits, bruxism or excessive teeth grinding or to relieve chronic migraines.
After understanding the benefits that can be obtained after treatment with neuromodulators, the question most frequently asked by patients in the consultation room is: «And how long will this effect last?
According to the technical data sheet, they have a duration of 4 to 6 months, but we will see below that we must take into account several factors that can make the effect last longer for some people or others, i.e. there may be inter-individual variability, as with any other medication.
We know that the half-life of neuromodulators is 3 months, i.e. if your doctor applies the neuromodulator in April, assuming that the maximum effect is produced after 15 days, in June you will have half the effect and this will decrease as your body eliminates the medication.
I will now explain 4 aspects to consider that influence the effect of neuromodulators:
- The area treated: certain areas such as the forehead or crow’s feet may have results that last differently than the area between the eyebrows for example. It will depend on the muscle patterns of each person, if for example you tend to do a lot of frowning between the eyebrows the effect of that area will be less.
- Individual metabolism: Patients metabolise the medication differently. Those who are very active or have a faster metabolism may find that the effects of neuromodulators are less long-lasting.
- Expected results: If you are looking for a ‘minimal movement’ or ‘frozen face’ effect with minimal expressiveness you may find that the effects are not as long lasting as expected. However, if you are looking for more natural results where the natural expressiveness is preserved (which I always try to do), the effects will be more flexible and you will probably adapt better to your body’s gradual elimination of the drug.
- Dose used: The higher the dose, the longer it lasts. When your aesthetic doctor carries out a facial diagnosis, he/she will tell you what your muscular dynamics are and will know how to precisely apply the doses you need for each area.
Despite these 4 aspects that are important to understand the durability of the effect, there are other tips to consider to make your neuromodulators last a little longer. I will tell you about them in another blog!
