More than nine million people received neuromodulator treatments last year, making them the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country. If you’re curious about how they work or wondering whether they’re right for you, you probably have questions about everything from safety to results. At Beauty & Fly, Catherine Curtin answers these questions every day, and this guide covers the most common concerns people have before their first treatment.
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Understanding Neuromodulators
More than 7 million people in the United States get neuromodulator treatments every year, making them the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country. But what exactly are these treatments, and why do so many people trust them? Neuromodulators are prescription medicines that temporarily relax specific facial muscles to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. Think of them as a way to hit pause on certain muscle movements that create creases in your skin over time.
The science behind how they work is actually pretty straightforward. When you make facial expressions like frowning or squinting, your muscles contract and create lines in your skin. Neuromodulators work by blocking the signals between your nerves and muscles, so those muscles can’t contract as strongly. This gives your skin a chance to smooth out and look more relaxed.
Types of Neuromodulators Available
The FDA has approved several different neuromodulators for cosmetic use, and they all work in similar ways. Here are the main ones you’ll hear about:
- BOTOX® – The original and most well-known brand, approved since 2002
- Dysport® – Known for spreading a bit more, which can be helpful for larger treatment areas
- Xeomin® – Sometimes called the “naked” neuromodulator because it doesn’t have extra proteins
- Jeuveau® – The newest option, specifically designed for cosmetic use
While these products have some differences in how they’re made and how they spread under the skin, they all use the same basic ingredient to relax muscles. Research shows that public perception of neuromodulation treatments has become increasingly positive as more people understand how they work.
Comparison of FDA-Approved Options
| Brand Name | FDA Approval Year | Main Ingredient | Typical Results Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOTOX® | 2002 | OnabotulinumtoxinA | 3-5 days |
| Dysport® | 2009 | AbobotulinumtoxinA | 2-3 days |
| Xeomin® | 2011 | IncobotulinumtoxinA | 3-4 days |
| Jeuveau® | 2019 | PrabotulinumtoxinA | 2-3 days |
The Beauty and Fly Approach
At Beauty & Fly, Catherine Curtin takes a personalized approach to neuromodulator treatments. With over 18 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, she focuses on creating natural-looking results that enhance your features rather than changing them completely. Every treatment is customized based on your unique facial structure and goals.
The key differences you’ll notice include:
- One-on-one consultations where Catherine takes time to understand what you want
- Precise injection techniques that target specific muscles for natural movement
- Follow-up care to make sure you’re happy with your results
- Education about what to expect before, during, and after treatment
Understanding how neuromodulators work helps you make informed decisions about whether they’re right for you. The treatment itself is quick, usually taking less than 15 minutes, and most people return to their normal activities right away.
Common Treatment Areas and What They Address
Most people think neuromodulators are just for forehead wrinkles, but they actually work on quite a few different areas of the face. These treatments use a purified protein to temporarily relax specific muscles that cause wrinkles when you make facial expressions. The result is smoother skin that still looks natural and moves normally. Understanding which areas can be treated helps you figure out if neuromodulators might be right for your concerns.
Common Treatment Areas and What They Address
Forehead lines are probably the most common reason people come in for treatment. Those horizontal lines that appear when you raise your eyebrows can make you look tired or worried, even when you’re not. The area between your eyebrows, called the glabellar lines or frown lines, is another popular spot that responds really well to treatment.
- Crow’s feet around the outer corners of your eyes
- Bunny lines that appear on the sides of your nose when you scrunch it
- Lip lines and vertical wrinkles above the mouth
- Gummy smile corrections for people who show too much gum tissue when smiling
- Jawline slimming by relaxing the masseter muscles
- Neck bands that create vertical lines in the neck area
What makes treatment at Beauty & Fly different is how Catherine Curtin approaches each person individually. With over 18 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, she doesn’t just follow a standard template. She looks at your facial structure, how your muscles move, and what bothers you most about your appearance.
The goal is always to help you look like yourself, just more rested and refreshed. Some providers use the same number of units on everyone, but that’s not how natural results happen. Your face is unique, and your treatment should be too.
| Treatment Area | What It Addresses | Typical Units Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead | Horizontal lines and wrinkles | 10-30 units |
| Frown Lines | Vertical lines between eyebrows | 20-30 units |
| Crow’s Feet | Lines around outer eyes | 12-24 units |
| Bunny Lines | Wrinkles on nose bridge | 5-10 units |
| Lip Lines | Vertical lines above mouth | 4-8 units |
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Walking into your first neuromodulator appointment can feel a bit nerve-wracking if you don’t know what to expect. The good news is that the whole process is pretty straightforward and doesn’t take long. At Beauty & Fly, you’ll work directly with Catherine Curtin from start to finish, which means you’re getting the same experienced provider every single time. No rotating staff or different injectors at each visit.
Your first appointment starts with a consultation where Catherine examines your face and listens to what you want to achieve. She’ll ask you to make different facial expressions so she can see exactly which muscles are creating the lines you want to soften. This isn’t a quick in-and-out situation where someone rushes through a treatment plan.
The actual injection process typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how many areas you’re treating. Most people describe the sensation as a small pinch or mosquito bite. Some areas are more sensitive than others, but it’s generally well-tolerated without numbing cream.
Here’s what happens right after your treatment:
- You might see some small bumps at the injection sites that go away within 20 minutes
- Minor bruising can happen but isn’t guaranteed
- You’ll be asked to stay upright for a few hours and avoid rubbing the treated areas
- Skip intense workouts for the rest of the day
The waiting game is probably the hardest part. Results start showing up around day three to seven, with full effects visible at the two-week mark. You won’t wake up the next day looking completely different, which is actually a good thing because gradual changes look more natural.
Most people get about three to four months out of their treatment before the muscles gradually start moving again. Some areas last longer than others, and your metabolism plays a role too. Regular maintenance appointments help you stay ahead of the wrinkles coming back, and many people find they need less product over time as their muscles get trained to relax.
Safety, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators like BOTOX have been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002, which means they’ve been studied extensively and used safely for over two decades. Millions of treatments happen every year, and serious complications are extremely rare when administered by a qualified provider. That said, it’s still a medical procedure, and understanding the potential side effects helps you make an informed decision.
Safety, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid Neuromodulators
The most common side effects are temporary and mild. Bruising at injection sites happens to some people, especially if you’re on blood thinners or supplements like fish oil. A mild headache on the day of treatment isn’t unusual either. Some people experience slight swelling or redness that goes away within a few hours.
- Temporary bruising or swelling at injection sites
- Mild headache lasting a few hours
- Slight drooping if product migrates (very rare with proper technique)
- Temporary weakness in nearby muscles
Rare side effects like eyelid drooping or asymmetry almost always come down to injector technique and experience. This is why choosing your provider matters so much. Catherine Curtin’s 18 years of experience in aesthetic medicine means she understands facial anatomy at a deep level. She also trains other aesthetic professionals, which speaks to her expertise in proper injection techniques.
Not everyone is a good candidate for neuromodulators. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll need to wait. People with certain neurological conditions or allergies to the ingredients should avoid treatment. Anyone taking specific medications that affect neuromuscular transmission needs to discuss this during consultation.
The science behind neuromodulation continues to evolve, but the basic safety profile remains solid. Working with a board-certified provider who takes time to review your medical history and answer questions makes all the difference in having a safe, positive experience.
Your Next Steps with Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators like BOTOX® work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles, giving you smoother skin without surgery or long recovery times. They’re safe when administered properly, with results that typically last three to four months. The treatment itself takes just minutes, and most people return to their normal activities right away. But here’s what really matters: the person holding the syringe makes all the difference in how natural your results look.
Finding someone with real experience isn’t just about avoiding bad outcomes. It’s about getting results that look like you, just refreshed. At Beauty & Fly, Catherine Curtin brings over 18 years of aesthetic medicine experience to every appointment, and she’s the only provider you’ll see. That means no rotating staff, no rushed appointments, and no cookie-cutter treatment plans.
Whether you’re curious about preventing lines before they deepen or smoothing ones that already bother you, a consultation helps you understand what’s realistic for your face. Catherine takes time to listen to what you actually want, not what she thinks you should want.
Both the Bronxville and Bridgehampton locations offer convenient online booking if you’re ready to talk through your options. The consultation gives you a chance to ask questions, see the space, and figure out if neuromodulators fit into your goals. No pressure, just honest answers about what these treatments can and can’t do for you.
Quick Answers to More Neuromodulator Questions
You probably still have a few questions bouncing around in your head about neuromodulators. That’s completely normal since there’s a lot of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. These are the questions Catherine Curtin hears most often at Beauty & Fly, and the honest answers you need to make the right choice for your skin.
Can neuromodulators be combined with other treatments?
Yes, and they often work better that way. Neuromodulators pair really well with dermal fillers, microneedling, and laser treatments like NOUVAderm because they each address different concerns. At Beauty & Fly, Catherine often creates custom treatment plans that combine neuromodulators with other services to give you more complete results.
Will my face look frozen or unnatural?
Not when done correctly by an experienced provider. The frozen look happens when too much product is used or when it’s placed incorrectly. Catherine focuses on natural results that let you keep your expressions while smoothing out the lines you don’t want. You’ll still look like yourself, just more refreshed.
How much do neuromodulator treatments typically cost?
Pricing varies based on how many units you need and which areas you’re treating. Most people need anywhere from 20 to 60 units for common treatment areas. Beauty & Fly offers patient memberships and financing options to make treatments more accessible, and Catherine will give you a clear cost estimate during your consultation.
Can men get neuromodulator treatments?
Absolutely, and more men are getting them every year. Male facial anatomy is different from female anatomy, so the injection technique needs to be adjusted. Catherine has extensive experience treating male patients and knows how to maintain a masculine appearance while addressing wrinkles and lines.
What’s the difference between neuromodulators and fillers?
Neuromodulators relax the muscles that cause wrinkles when you make expressions, while fillers add volume to areas that have lost fullness over time. Think of neuromodulators as preventing lines from forming and fillers as filling in what’s already there. Many people use both for the best overall results.
How do I know how many units I need?
It depends on your muscle strength, the depth of your wrinkles, and which areas you want to treat. Everyone’s face is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. During your consultation at Beauty & Fly, Catherine will assess your facial muscles and recommend the right number of units to achieve your goals without overdoing it.