subject: Neuromodulators And Dermal Fillers [print this page] For patients who do not wish surgery and are willing to settle for temporary results, neuromodulators and dermal fillers provide excellent alternatives to more invasive procedures. For some concerns, the temporary solutions do provide better treatment than the longer lasting but less effective surgical options. Neuromodulators and dermal fillers can not be used interchangeably though. Each is good for its own uses.
When a physician talks of dermal fillers, they are talking of a class of medications which is injected into the deep layer of skin, the dermis, which provides volume to the skin. These medications are used to soften facial wrinkles and depressions. There are several on the market in the United States though most are temporary lasting 6 months to a year (though individual results will vary). There is currently only one United States approved product for permanent dermal filling. In general, dermal fillers are good at correcting lines which are created at rest, not during muscle motion. This means that if you look in the mirror without smiling and see a line that you want to fix, a dermal filler may be for you.
Because of the long track record of dermal fillers and their long safety record, some physicians have starting using them in off label ways as a nonsurgical alternative to some common surgical procedures. Non surgical nose job and non surgical face lift procedures can be performed in the office setting without down time.
For wrinkles produced with muscle motion, the neuromodulators will help. The neuromodulators currently on the market in the United States are based on various formulations of botulinum toxin, the toxin responsible for botulism. It causes temporary muscle paralysis. While providing excellent results for motion wrinkles, the neuromodulators can also help with some resting wrinkles as some muscles have a constant motion causing fine lines and wrinkles.
There are risks with both neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Consultation with a trained and experienced surgeon is always necessary before undergoing either of these treatments. Having a physician nearby in case of complication can be lifesaving.
