Wrinkle Reduction & Neuromodulator Treatments

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How Neuromodulators Work  |  Wrinkle Treatment Areas  |  Bruxism & Jaw Clenching  |  Facial Slimming  |  Lip Filler  |  Jawline Refinement  |  What to Expect  |  FAQ

How Neuromodulators Work

Neuromodulators work by temporarily relaxing the specific muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, allowing the overlying skin to smooth naturally. Achieving subtle refinement — rather than a frozen or unnatural appearance — requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and muscle balance rooted in medical expertise.

These injectable treatments contain a purified protein that blocks the nerve signals telling targeted muscles to contract. When placed precisely, the muscle relaxes and the skin above it softens. Lines become less visible, and new creases are less likely to form with repeated movement.

The treatments are FDA-approved for cosmetic use and have been studied extensively. A systematic review published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that complications are uncommon and typically mild, including temporary redness or bruising at the injection site (Zargaran et al., 2022).

Beyond appearance, research in Dermatologic Surgery confirms that patients report meaningful improvements in self-confidence, perceived restedness, and overall satisfaction following treatment (Wang & Rieder, 2019).

Wrinkle Treatment Areas

Neuromodulators can treat a wide range of facial areas where repeated muscle movement creates visible lines. Your provider will assess which areas would benefit most based on your facial anatomy and goals.

Common treatment areas include:

• Forehead lines — horizontal creases caused by raising the eyebrows
• Frown lines (glabellar lines) — the vertical “11s” between the eyebrows
• Crow’s feet — fine lines that radiate from the outer corners of the eyes

Advanced treatment areas include:

• Bunny lines — wrinkles across the bridge of the nose
• Lip lines — fine vertical lines around the mouth (distinct from lip volume, which is addressed with dermal filler below)
• Chin dimpling — a textured or “pebbled” appearance on the chin
• Downturned mouth corners — a subtle lift to reduce a tired or sad appearance
• Neck bands — vertical platysmal bands that become more prominent with age

A systematic review in Toxins confirmed that neuromodulators show positive results across the lower face and neck, including the masseter, perioral area, and platysma, with high patient satisfaction and no serious adverse events reported (Galadari et al., 2021).

Patients in their late 20s and 30s are also choosing neuromodulators as a preventative strategy. By reducing repetitive muscle contractions early, treatment may help slow the formation of deeper, more visible lines over time.

For lines and texture concerns on the neck, chest, or hands, explore our neck rejuvenation options.

Neuromodulators for Bruxism & Jaw Clenching

Beyond their well-known ability to reduce wrinkles, neuromodulators are powerful therapeutic tools. They are an effective treatment for chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching, conditions that often cause headaches, jaw pain, and dental damage.

How it works: By injecting small doses into the masseter (chewing) muscles, your provider can reduce the force of involuntary grinding and clenching. The overactive muscle gradually relaxes, which typically relieves tension-related symptoms including TMJ discomfort, headaches, and earaches.

The clinical evidence for this approach is strong. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that neuromodulator injections reduce the frequency of bruxism episodes, decrease pain levels, and lower excessive bite force — with results that outperform both placebo and traditional treatments such as oral splints (Fernandez-Nunez et al., 2019). A separate randomized controlled trial confirmed that a single injection effectively reduces masseter muscle intensity during sleep bruxism for up to 12 weeks (Shim et al., 2020).

A 2023 meta-analysis further demonstrated that treatment effects are typically evident within four weeks, peak between five and eight weeks, and can last up to 24 weeks. Higher doses were associated with greater pain improvement (Chen et al., 2023).

Many patients also notice a welcome aesthetic benefit. As the masseter muscle gradually relaxes, the lower face can take on a softer, more tapered appearance. This dual therapeutic and aesthetic effect makes masseter treatment one of the most versatile applications of neuromodulators.

For patients seeking this treatment, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist helps determine the appropriate dosing strategy based on your symptoms and facial structure.

Facial Slimming with Neuromodulators

The same masseter treatment that relieves jaw tension can also reshape the lower face. When the masseter muscle is overactive or enlarged, a condition known as masseter hypertrophy, it can create a wider, more square jawline that some patients wish to soften.

Neuromodulator injections into the masseter gradually reduce muscle volume over a series of treatments. As the muscle relaxes and decreases in size, the lower face takes on a slimmer, more contoured appearance. A review in Archives of Dermatological Research confirms that this is one of the most well-established off-label aesthetic applications of neuromodulators (Hanna et al., 2021). Off-label means the FDA has not formally approved this specific use, though the practice is common, well-studied, and widely accepted in dermatology.

Results develop gradually. Most patients begin to notice facial slimming within four to six weeks, with continued improvement over the following months. Maintenance treatments are typically scheduled every four to six months to sustain the effect.

This treatment is especially popular among patients who want a more tapered or V-shaped lower face without surgery. Because the approach is conservative and adjustable, your provider can refine the results over successive visits to achieve the balance you prefer.

For patients experiencing volume loss or skin laxity alongside facial slimming goals, collagen stimulation treatments may complement neuromodulator injections.

Lip Filler

Lip filler is one of the most requested injectable treatments for patients who want to enhance the shape, volume, or symmetry of their lips. At Rêve Dermatology, we use hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, a naturally occurring substance that integrates smoothly with your own tissue to create soft, natural-looking results.

Lip filler can address a range of concerns:

• Volume loss — restoring fullness that naturally decreases with age
• Asymmetry — balancing the upper and lower lip for improved proportion
• Definition — enhancing the vermilion border and Cupid’s bow for a more defined lip shape

A Phase IV clinical trial published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that hyaluronic acid lip filler is effective for enhancing lip fullness while maintaining natural and youthful facial expressions (Bertucci et al., 2021). Prospective research confirms that improvements in lip height can be maintained for six to nine months following treatment (Guo et al., 2022).

Safety is a priority in every lip filler treatment. A review in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety emphasizes that successful outcomes depend on detailed anatomical knowledge and meticulous injection technique, which is why physician-led treatment matters (Safran et al., 2021).

Results are typically visible immediately, with final results settling within about two weeks as any initial swelling resolves. Most patients find that lip filler lasts between six and twelve months, depending on the amount placed and individual factors.

Jawline Refinement with Dermal Fillers

A well-defined jawline contributes to facial balance and a youthful profile. Over time, changes in bone density, fat distribution, and skin elasticity can soften the jawline and reduce lower-face definition. Dermal fillers can restore structure and definition to the jawline without surgery.

Jawline filler treatment may help with:

• Weak or recessed chin projection
• Uneven jawline contour or asymmetry
• Pre-jowl hollows (the depressions on either side of the chin)
• Soft or undefined mandibular angle

Research in Facial Plastic Surgery describes the jawline as an aesthetic unit with distinct zones, each requiring specific technique and placement for safe, natural-looking results (Moradi et al., 2019). A 2024 cohort study of 126 patients found that nonsurgical jawline contouring produced well-defined, long-lasting results with no adverse events reported over a six-month follow-up (Fakih-Gomez et al., 2024).

Results are generally visible right away and typically last twelve months or longer, depending on the product used and individual factors.

For patients interested in a comprehensive approach combining jawline definition with cheek, chin, and lip enhancement, explore our full-face filler planning options.

What to Expect

Before your appointment, every injectable treatment at Rêve Dermatology begins with a one-on-one consultation. Dr. Oben will evaluate your concerns, assess your facial anatomy, and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach — each plan is tailored to you.

To help reduce the risk of bruising, you may be asked to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil for several days before treatment. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your appointment.

During treatment, most injectable sessions take 15 to 30 minutes. Neuromodulator injections use a very fine needle and are generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. Dermal filler treatments may involve a topical numbing agent for added comfort. Many filler formulations also contain a built-in anesthetic.

After treatment, you can typically return to normal activities the same day. Minor redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a few days.

For neuromodulator treatments, most patients begin to see a softening of lines within 3 to 7 days, with the full effect visible at about two weeks. Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Many patients who maintain a consistent treatment schedule find that intervals between visits can gradually lengthen over time.

Ready to explore which treatment is right for you? Call us at (346) 351-6622 or request a consultation to schedule your visit.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist for Injectable Treatments

Injectable treatments deliver their best results in the hands of a provider who understands the full anatomy of what lies beneath the skin. Dr. Oben Blair Ojong is a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified Mohs surgeon, a combination that gives her a surgeon’s precision when placing every injection.

Mohs surgery requires removing skin cancer layer by layer while preserving healthy tissue. That level of training builds an intimate understanding of the layered structures beneath the skin — nerves, blood vessels, fat pads, and muscle planes. This surgical foundation directly informs how Dr. Oben approaches injectable treatments, allowing her to place product with accuracy that prioritizes both safety and natural-looking results.

Dr. Oben is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and the Skin of Color Society. She brings this depth of training to every consultation at Rêve Dermatology.

Explore our full range of cosmetic services or learn more about Dr. Oben Blair Ojong.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Call: (346) 351-6622

This page is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Injectable treatments are provided at Rêve Dermatology & Aesthetics as part of individualized care plans. Results vary based on individual factors. Consult with a board-certified dermatologist before starting any new treatment.

Medically reviewed by Oben Blair Ojong, DO, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist and Board-Certified Mohs Surgeon
Last reviewed: March 2026