If you are a frequent enthusiast of the cosmetic scene nowadays, you probably have encountered these two somewhat related terms – neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. One may already know how these two variables are, but for a newbie in the cosmetic market, comparing them might become a hassle, let alone a burden. But worry no more. Today, we’ll talk about how neurotransmitters are different from neuromodulators and how they are relevant to today’s popular cosmetic treatments.

What is a Neurotransmitter?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by the ends of stimulated pre-synaptic neurons and help in the transmission of nerve impulses through synaptic clefts towards post-synaptic neurons or to effector cells. Moreover, these synaptic vesicles at the terminuses of pre-synaptic neurons store neurotransmitters. 

In general, directly releasing neurotransmitters opposes targets, which contain particular receptors for binding. Upon doing so, changes in the trans-membrane ion flows help generate nerve impulses on these post-synaptic neurons.

What is a Neuromodulator? 

Meanwhile, a neuromodulator is another chemical messenger type released by the end of a stimulated neuron. This release affects a broad group of neurons or effector cells with the appropriate receptor.

On the contrary, neurotransmitters directly affect only a few, at least one or two, post-synaptic neurons. Because of the extended coverage of the action, one can receive from neuromodulators, their mechanism of action happens using volume transmission. With this process, prolonged activation of target cells commences because of the lack of rapid degradation or the taking up of neuromodulators.

When we smile and make facial gestures, these actions create wrinkles and facial lines. They slowly deepen in our faces and eventually become prominent. Neuromodulators, like popular ones such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, help in reducing muscle movements and relax these unwanted creases on our faces. In addition, they block acetylcholine from being released, which is a component that disrupts nerve cells from signaling the muscles.

As a result, they rejuvenate the face towards that healthy-looking glow. Neuromodulators interrupt signals from the nerves to the muscle that cause muscles to contract less, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

The Differences

 Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that are released at the end of nerve fiber through the arrival of nerve impulses. Furthermore, by diffusing across synapses or junctions, neurotransmitters affect the impulse transfer to another nerve fiber, another muscle fiber, or some other structure. 

On the other hand, neuromodulators are substances other than neurotransmitters, which are also released by neurons and transmit information to other neurons, causing the alteration of their activities. Thus, this behavior explains the main difference between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators.

 Another difference between the two is their effects. Neurotransmitters provide rapid developments but last for shorter periods, while neuromodulators produce slow, long-lasting results.

Some common neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, glycine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, while some neuromodulator examples consist of opioid peptides like dynorphins, endorphins, and enkephalins.

All About Neuromodulator Treatments

 If you wish to soften fine lines and wrinkles to reveal a much smoother and youthful complexion, then neuromodulator treatments might be the best option. As time progresses, our facial lines become more noticeable on our skins, resulting from diminishing collagen or damage from free radicals. Some common facial expressions like frowning, squinting, or even raising our eyebrows can already create deep wrinkles over time.

Why Use Neuromodulators

 As similar as they may be, neuromodulators are pretty different from neurotransmitters, and the former is considered better than the latter. This notion might have stemmed from the following benefits you can get from a neuromodulator treatment:

• Remove fine lines
• Reduce wrinkles
• Diminish frown and forehead lines
• Smoothen Crow’sCrow’s feet, forehead, and brows
• Eliminate bunny lines usually found on the nose area
• Alleviate areas of the eyes and mouth from fine lines
• Rejuvenate the neck area
• Lessen excessive sweating

In addition, neuromodulator treatments are non-surgical, so you don’t need to worry about the hassle brought by those traditional surgical treatments. And since it involves no surgery whatsoever, it’s virtually painless. Moreover, this treatment doesn’t require any recovery time at all. That’sThat’s why most patients resort to neuromodulator treatments than those neurotransmitter ones.

What to Expect from Neuromodulator Treatments

Since we’re more acquainted now with neuromodulators and are now introduced to them, let’s learn now what to expect when undergoing this procedure. Knowing this knowledge can help you make the million-dollar decision whether or not to proceed with your treatment. Here are the standard steps:

• First, your doctor or a practitioner from your healthcare provider will meet with you to discuss the procedure before it happens. They will perform comprehensive examinations to determine the most effective injection sites.
• Then before your injection, they will cleanse the areas to be treated.
• If you request it, they can also apply topical anesthetics before the treatment to help alleviate any potential discomfort or pain.
• During your treatment, neuromodulator injections are given and administered into the treatment area using a fine needle down into the targeted muscles.

The actual process of undergoing neuromodulator treatments is simple, taking only 15-30 minutes. Afterward, you can leave the clinic or med spa and continue your normal day-to-day activities.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Once you have experienced the neuromodulator treatment, you’ll start noticing results within the next three (3) to seven (7) days after receiving your treatment. Most people that undergo neuromodulator treatments experience only minor side effects. Some common side effects that patients get from neuromodulator injections are mild ones and can include bruising, swelling, and skin discoloration either in the treated area or around it. But other than these after-effects, the majority experience little to no side effects.

Typically, the results you get from having neuromodulator treatments will last between the next three (3) to six (6) months.

Which Areas Can Be Treated By Neuromodulator Treatments?

Neuromodulators are usually used in treating areas and parts of the body such as the face, the neck, and the chin. You can also use them to treat excessive sweating in the hands and underarms.

The Bottomline

 Neuromodulators and neurotransmitters offer different results no matter how similar these two may be. It is always best to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before undergoing any procedure: neuromodulators – today’s approach to skin rejuvenation.

Are you ready to undergo neuromodulator treatments after reading this article? Our amazing friends at Aesthetically Savvy can help you with your journey towards skin so smooth and younger-looking. Visit them now! https://www.aestheticallysavy.com/