Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Neuromodulator) Richmond, BC

Neuromodulators, also called wrinkle relaxers, are a form of botulinum toxin type A. They temporarily block the nerve signal to a targeted muscle, so the muscle relaxes and the skin above it smooths. Results begin in about 3–5 days and peak at around 2 weeks.

Common areas are forehead lines, frown lines (the “11s”), crow's feet and bunny lines. The masseter muscle can be treated for jaw slimming or clenching-related tension. Lip flip, gummy smile, neck bands and underarm or palm sweating can also be considered after assessment.

For forehead, frown and crow's feet lines, results typically last 3–4 months; masseter (jaw) treatment can last 4–6 months. Many people repeat treatment about every 3–4 months, and jaw treatment is often spaced further apart. Duration varies with muscle strength, dose and metabolism. If you stop, movement gradually returns and lines go back toward how they would look without treatment. Your physician advises timing at each visit.

Most people feel a quick pinch from an ultra-fine needle, and numbing can be offered if needed. A visit takes about 15 minutes and most people resume normal activities the same day; small bumps fade within 15–20 minutes. Stay upright for 4 hours, avoid pressing or massaging the area, and skip strenuous exercise, sauna and hot yoga for 24 hours. Alcohol is best avoided for 24 hours to reduce bruising. Air travel is usually not a problem, and light makeup can resume shortly after.

The cost depends on which areas are treated, how strong each muscle is (which sets the number of units), and whether areas such as the jaw or underarms are included, so no single price fits everyone. At RAAC in Richmond, a physician assesses your expressions first, sets the dose per muscle rather than by a fixed unit package, and explains the plan and the cost before any treatment is done. Ask at that visit how follow-up and maintenance timing affect the overall cost.

They are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with an active infection or skin irritation at the injection area, with a known allergy to botulinum toxin or its ingredients, or with a neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis unless cleared by your physician. Tell your physician about all medications, including blood thinners and certain antibiotics, because some can interact.

Not when it is done well. A frozen look comes from over-dosing or poor placement. We map muscles and dose conservatively to keep natural movement while smoothing lines.

They do different jobs. Anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscle movement behind expression lines, while dermal fillers replace lost volume. Many people use both, and injections can also be paired with skin-quality treatments such as Sylfirm X or PicoWay. Your physician maps any combination for safety and a natural result.

Yes, it is the same category of treatment. Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription botulinum toxin type A products, also called neuromodulators or wrinkle relaxers. Several products exist, and your physician chooses one at your consultation and tells you which is being used.

Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription medication in Canada, so treatment starts with a medical assessment by a practitioner who is permitted to prescribe it. In BC, which health professionals may perform the injections, and under what supervision, is set by each profession's regulatory college. Before booking, it is reasonable to ask who assesses you, who injects and which product will be used. At RAAC, every anti-wrinkle treatment is assessed and planned by a physician.

Look for things you can check rather than titles: a medical assessment before treatment, the product named and recorded in your chart, a dose plan explained in plain language, written aftercare and a follow-up check at about 2 weeks. RAAC is a physician-led clinic at 5580 No. 3 Road in Richmond, about a 3-minute walk from Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line, so it is a direct trip from downtown Vancouver. Care is available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Common effects are pinpoint bruising, temporary redness or swelling, and sometimes a mild headache. Less often, an eyelid or brow can feel temporarily heavy, which resolves as the product wears off. Contact the clinic if something concerns you, and seek urgent medical care for trouble swallowing or breathing.