Wrinkle Relaxer Injections (Neuromodulators) in Denver
Smooth fine lines, erase deep wrinkles, and prevent new ones from forming with FDA-approved treatments. Our experts specialize in natural-looking results using Botox®, Dysport®, and more. Book Your ConsultationSee Our ResultsWhat Are Neuromodulators (Wrinkle Relaxers)?
Neuromodulators, known in cosmetics as “wrinkle relaxers” or “tox”, are injectable treatments containing a purified protein called botulinum toxin type A. They are the most popular single cosmetic procedure in the U.S.. This is because of their ability to smooth your skin and reduce wrinkles.
It’s important to note that neuromodulators are not dermal fillers. Fillers add volume to areas like the cheeks or lips. Wrinkle relaxers work by an entirely different mechanism: they relax the muscles that cause wrinkles.
How Wrinkle Relaxers Smooth Your Skin
Facial expressions like smiling, frowning, or squinting are caused by nerve signals from the brain that tell specific facial muscles to contract. Over time, these repeated, daily contractions create "dynamic wrinkles", the lines and creases that form from movement, such as crow's feet, forehead furrows, and the "11s" between your brows.
The active ingredient, botulinum toxin, prevents the muscle from receiving the "contract" command. As a result, the targeted muscle relaxes. This relaxation allows the overlying skin to soften and smooth out, dramatically reducing the appearance of wrinkles associated with movement.
Wrinkle Relaxers vs. Dermal Fillers: What’s the Difference?
Wrinkle relaxers, such as Botox, work by temporarily “freezing” or relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles from facial expressions, like crow’s feet and frown lines. In contrast, dermal fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane, “fill” in lines and restore lost volume by injecting a gel-like substance (hyaluronic acid) under the skin. Essentially, relaxers stop muscle movement to smooth wrinkles, while fillers add volume to plump up skin and fill in folds.
Many patients benefit from a combination of both treatments for a total facial refresh. These treatments can often be performed in the same appointment.
Wrinkle Relaxers (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Letybo, Jeuveau) |
| Action: Relax Muscles |
| How they work: Temporarily block nerve signals to stop muscle contractions |
| Treats: Dynamic Wrinkles (lines caused by facial movement) like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines. |
Dermal Fillers
|
| Action: Add volume |
| How they work: Use substances like hyaluronic acid to “fill” creases and restore lost volume. |
| Treats: Static Wrinkles (lines visible when the face is at rest) and also adds volume to lips, cheeks, or temples. |
Comparing your options
A New Generation of Wrinkle Treatments
For decades, BOTOX® was the only name in the game. Today, modern aesthetics offers a full menu of advanced, FDA-approved neuromodulators. While all are safe and effective, they are not identical. Each has a unique formulation, onset, and duration. The right one for you depends on your specific goals, your facial anatomy, and how your body responds to treatment.
| Brand | BOTOX® | Dysport® | Jeuveau® | Xeomin® |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onset of Results | 5–7 days | Faster: 2–4 days | 3–5 days | 5–7 days |
| Duration of Effects | 3–4 months | 3–4 months | 3–4 months | 3–4 months |
| Key Feature | The “Gold Standard” with the most extensive history and FDA approvals. | Spreads more easily than Botox. | “Newtox”; approved exclusively for cosmetic use. | “Naked” Injectable; formulated with no accessory proteins. |
| Best For… | Precision treatments (e.g., brow lift) due to its localized, controlled spread. | Larger areas like the forehead, where its wider diffusion can create a soft, natural spread. | Patients seeking a modern, fresh alternative, often at a competitive price point. | Patients who have developed a resistance to other brands or those who prefer a “pure” formulation. |
It is critical to understand that units are not interchangeable between brands. For example, Dysport typically requires 2.5 to 3 times more units than Botox to achieve a similar result. A precise, customized dosage plan will be created by a provider during the consultation.
All FDA-Approved Options
Explore Our Neuromodulator Services
The “right” neuromodulator is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A successful, natural-looking result depends on a customized plan that considers your unique facial anatomy, your specific goals, and your treatment history. We are proud to be expertly trained in the full portfolio of FDA-approved wrinkle relaxers. This comprehensive expertise allows us to select the precise product to achieve your desired outcome, whether you’re looking for the fastest-acting solution or the longest-lasting results.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
The Gold Standard for Wrinkle ReductionBOTOX® Cosmetic is the most recognized and trusted neuromodulator in the world. With decades of proven use, it is considered the "gold standard" for its highly predictable and precise results. Its formulation is known for a controlled, localized spread, making it an ideal choice for targeting specific, small muscle groups. BOTOX® is FDA-approved to treat all three of the most-treated cosmetic areas: the frown lines between the brows (glabella), horizontal forehead lines, and crow's feet. Learn more about our Botox treatments.
Dysport®
The Fast-Acting SolutionFor our patients in seeking rapid results, Dysport® is an outstanding option. Its two main advantages are speed and spread. Results are often visible in just 2 to 3 days, making it one of the fastest-acting treatments available and a favorite for last-minute event preparation. Additionally, its formulation is known to diffuse (or spread) more broadly than Botox. This is a distinct advantage when treating larger areas, like the forehead, as it can create a soft, even, and natural finish.
Take a look at our Dysport treatment before & after photos and see the results for yourself!
Jeuveau® ("Newtox")
The Modern Wrinkle TreatmentCommonly known by its popular nickname "Newtox" , Jeuveau® is a modern and fresh option for wrinkle reduction. It is notable for being the first neuromodulator in years to be approved by the FDA exclusively for aesthetic use. Jeuveau® is specifically designed and marketed to provide a fresh, modern, and natural-looking result. It is an increasingly popular choice for patients who are new to injectables or those in their 20s and 30s seeking preventative "prejuvenation".
Xeomin®
The "Naked" Injectable for a Pure ResultXeomin® serves a specific and high-value niche. It is unique because it is formulated as a "naked" injectable , meaning it contains only the active botulinum toxin type A molecule and no accessory or complexing proteins. This "pure" formulation makes it the preferred choice for two key groups: patients who may have developed an antibody resistance to the proteins in other brands, or those who simply prefer a purer product formulation.
Versatile & precise
What Can Wrinkle Relaxers Treat?
While wrinkle relaxers are famous for treating frown lines, they are an incredibly versatile and precise tool. Our expert dermatologists use them to treat a wide variety of concerns across the face, neck, and shoulders. This approach allows us to treat the condition you see, not just sell a product. Whether you are bothered by lines from movement , jaw tension , or are seeking a subtle, modern enhancement we are confident we can help.
Forehead Lines (Horizontal Lines)
These are the horizontal lines that stretch across your forehead, often caused by raising your eyebrows and other expressions. This treatment involves precise injections to relax the underlying frontalis muscle. By softening this muscle’s activity, the overlying skin smooths out, dramatically reducing the appearance of lines that can create a “stressed” or aged appearance.
Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines or “The 11s”)
This is one of the most common and popular treatment areas. These vertical lines, known as the “11s,” form between your brows from repeated frowning, squinting, or concentrating. Injections relax the corrugator and procerus muscles, softening the furrows that can make a person look “angry” or “tired”.
Crow’s Feet (Lateral Canthal Lines)
Crow’s feet are the fine lines that “fan out” from the outer corners of your eyes. They are dynamic wrinkles, meaning they are primarily caused by repeated expressions like squinting and smiling. Neuromodulators are highly effective at smoothing these lines by relaxing the orbicularis oculi muscle, the circular muscle around the eye.
The “Botox Lip Flip”
A “Lip Flip” is a highly popular, modern treatment. It is critical to understand: this is not filler. A lip flip does not add any volume. Instead, it uses tiny, precise injections to relax the muscle just above the upper lip (the orbicularis oris). This causes the lip to gently roll slightly outward and upward, creating the appearance of a fuller, more defined ‘pout’ without adding volume.
Jawline Slimming & TMJ Relief (Masseter Reduction)
This advanced treatment demonstrates our deep anatomical expertise. By injecting neuromodulators into the large masseter (jaw) muscles, we can relax them, providing two distinct benefits.
- Aesthetic: This treatment slims the lower face, softening a “square” jaw and creating a more heart-shaped facial contour.
- Therapeutic: It is a highly effective treatment for relieving TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, jaw clenching, and bruxism (teeth grinding).
“Traptox” (Shoulder Slimming)
Targeting a new and growing trend, “Traptox” involves injecting a neuromodulator into the large trapezius muscles at the base of the neck. By relaxing these muscles, “Traptox” can create the appearance of a longer, more elegant neck, define the shoulder line, and effectively relieve chronic neck and shoulder tension.
Other Medical Uses
In addition to these cosmetic applications, neuromodulators have well-established therapeutic uses that build on our comprehensive medical authority. We also offer treatments for medical conditions such as excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and chronic migraines.
Full Transparency
Your Treatment Journey: What to Expect
A neuromodulator treatment is a medical procedure, and we believe in complete transparency. Understanding every step of the process is fundamental to a confident and comfortable patient experience. Here is exactly what you can expect, from your first consultation to your final results.
Step 1: Your Personalized Consultation
Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with your board-certified dermatologist. This is a collaborative assessment, not a sales pitch. During this assessment, we will:
- Discuss your specific goals, concerns, and review your medical history.
- Analyze your unique facial anatomy and muscle movement as you make various expressions.
- Develop a 100% customized treatment plan, including selecting the right product and dosage for you.
- Provide a transparent, all-inclusive cost quote.
Step 2: Preparing for Your Appointment
To ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of side effects, simple preparation is recommended.
- One Week Before: Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, if medically permissible. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E, and fish oil, all of which can increase the risk of bruising.
- 24 Hours Before: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it also acts as a blood thinner.
- Day of Treatment: Please arrive at your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face.
Step 3: During Your Treatment
The treatment itself will be quick, precise, and comfortable.
- The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed.
- An ice pack can be applied if you are concerned about discomfort, though most patients find it unnecessary.
- Using a very fine, thin needle, your physician will administer a series of small, strategic injections. The entire procedure is typically completed in 10 to 20 minutes. Discomfort is minimal and often described by patients as a "quick pinch".
Step 4: Aftercare, Recovery, and Side Effects
There is no significant downtime, allowing most patients to return to their daily activities immediately. Small red bumps that look like bug bites may be visible for 2-3 hours.
Key Aftercare Rules for 24 Hours:
- NO strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or vigorous activity. This helps keep the product localized.
- NO rubbing, massaging, or applying pressure to the treated areas. This could cause the product to migrate.
- Remain Upright: Do not lie down flat or bend over excessively for at least 4 hours post-treatment.
Side Effects: Side effects are rare, mild, and temporary. You may experience small pin-point bruising at the injection site, which typically fades within a few hours to a few days. A mild, temporary headache is also possible but resolves quickly. Some patients, especially those new to neuromodulators, may experience mild headaches for up to a week or so.
Step 5: Expected Response
- Patients begin to notice the effects after 3-4 days. Results are maximum in effect at 1-2 weeks.
- Some patients may require minor touch-ups for any residual movement or asymmetry. Patients should wait at least 1 week to call with any perceived problems. Touch-ups are usually at no additional charge, but this is at the discretion of your physician.
Patient Eligibility
Am I A Good Candidate for Neuromodulators?
Who Is a Good Candidate for Neuromodulators?
This treatment is safe and effective for a wide range of adults. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Are in good overall physical and mental health.
- Have “dynamic” wrinkles – lines caused by facial expressions like frowning, smiling, or squinting.
- Wish to prevent future lines from forming, an approach known as “prejuvenation”.
- Have realistic expectations for a non-surgical cosmetic procedure.
Who Should Not Get Neuromodulators? (Contraindications)
Patient safety is our top priority. As a responsible medical practice, this treatment cannot be administered to individuals who:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a known allergy to botulinum toxin or any of its formula’s ingredients.
- Have certain neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, ALS).
- Have an active skin infection at or near the planned injection site.
Real Patient Results
See Our Natural-Looking Results: Before & After Gallery
Our clinic’s philosophy is to provide results that are refreshed, not frozen. The goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not alter it. The best aesthetic treatments are the ones no one notices. Our goal is you simply look like the best, most well-rested version of yourself.
Dysport Treatment: Before & After
Crow's Feet
Dysport significantly reduced crow’s feet around the eyes and resulted in firmer and smoother skin.
Forehead Wrinkles
Dysport significantly improved forehead wrinkles while still keeping natural looking eyebrow movement.
Why Core Dermatology
Why Choose Core Dermatology for Your Wrinkle Relaxer Treatment?
Your choice of injector is the single most important factor in your treatment. A product is just a tool; the result comes from the skill, artistry, and medical expertise of the provider.
Our Philosophy: "The Natural Standard"
Our philosophy is rooted in enhancing your natural essence, not altering it. Our entire team is dedicated to "Natural Results" and "Artistry". This approach, which we call "The Natural Standard" , ensures you look like the best, most confident version of yourself, never overdone.
Board-Certified Physicians Only
At Core, every neuromodulator treatment is performed by a board-certified dermatologist with advanced expertise in facial anatomy and aesthetics—not by non-physician injectors. Our physician-led approach ensures your treatment is guided by medical judgment.
A Commitment to Safety, Customization, and Care
We are a fully licensed and insured dermatology office. Each plan is fully customized to your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals, resulting in natural, balanced, and lasting results. In our luxurious and welcoming environment, we adhere to the highest standards of safety, using only FDA-approved products and precise dosing to ensure you receive both the quality and integrity you deserve.
Meet Our Cosmetic Dermatologist
Cosmetic Specialist
Dr. Michael Contreras
With over 20 years of experience in aesthetic dermatology, Dr. Contreras leads our cosmetic division, ensuring that all treatments meet the highest clinical and aesthetic standards for natural, beautiful results.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Neuromodulators and Our Injection Service
How much does Botox/Dysport cost in Denver?
Pricing in Denver is typically ‘per unit,’. Core Dermatology offers competitive pricing at [$10-15/unit]. The total cost is customized and depends on your muscle strength and the number of units appropriate for your goals. As a general guide: Frown Lines (’11s’) may require 15-25 units, while Forehead Lines may take 5-12 units. An exact, all-inclusive quote will be provided during your complimentary consultation.
Will neuromodulators make me look "frozen"?
No. This is the most common myth in aesthetics. A ‘frozen’ appearance is not the goal of modern treatment; it is considered an ‘injector error’ resulting from improper dosage or placement. This clinic’s expert injectors are masters of facial anatomy. Their technique is to relax the muscle, not paralyze it. You will still be able to make natural facial expressions , just without the harsh wrinkles. The result is a ‘natural, refreshed’ look.
How long do wrinkle relaxers last?
Results typically last 3 to 4 months. Your individual metabolism, the treatment area, and your muscle strength also influence longevity.
What is "Baby Botox" or "Preventative Botox"?
This is a modern treatment approach popular with a new generation of patients. “Baby Botox”, also known as “MicroTox”, involves using smaller, more subtle doses (or “baby amounts”) of a neuromodulator. The primary goal is not to correct deep, existing lines but to prevent them from forming in the first place. This concept is called “prejuvenation”. It is an ideal treatment for patients in their 20s and 30s or anyone new to injectables who desires an extremely natural, gentle result.
What’s the difference between wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers?
This is the most common question in aesthetics. The difference is simple:
- Relaxers (Botox, Dysport): Treat muscle-driven wrinkles (like “11s”) by stopping the muscle’s movement.
- Fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane): Treat volume-loss wrinkles (like smile lines) by filling the crease. Think of it this way: Relaxers stop the cause of the wrinkle, while fillers fix the effect.
Take the first step
Smooth, Natural, and Confident
That is the goal of modern aesthetic treatment. Take the first step towards the refreshed look you deserve. Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Contreras today.
Core Dermatology
4500 Cherry Creek S Dr #600
Denver, CO 80246