Neuromodulators: Around the Mouth

Summary

In this episode of the neuromodulator series, Nurse Practitioner Dan Julene discusses treatments for enhancing the aesthetics of the mouth, including managing gummy smiles, performing lip flips, and addressing smoker's lines. He explains the anatomy of the relevant muscles, detailing injection techniques and dosage recommendations for optimal results. The video emphasizes the importance of careful administration to avoid undesirable effects, and it encourages practitioners to gradually introduce these techniques. Dan also shares insights on managing potential complications and the expected duration of the treatments, making this a valuable resource for medical aesthetics providers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The gummy smile is caused by hyperactivity in the levator anguli oris muscles, which can be treated with neuromodulator injections near the nostrils.
• 💉 For gummy smile treatment, it's important to use a gentle approach, injecting one or two units to avoid excessive drooping.
• 👄 The lip flip technique relaxes the upper lip, enhancing its visibility by adjusting the angle, typically using 4 to 10 units of neuromodulator.
• ✨ When performing a lip flip, careful placement around the vermilion border is essential to maintain articulation and prevent unwanted side effects.
• 🚫 Smoker's lines can be treated with a four-point technique, using one to two units of neuromodulator on the upper and lower lip to reduce their visibility.
• 📏 Dosage for smoker's lines should generally remain below 12 units to ensure effective treatment without affecting speech.
• 🙂 Uplifting the corners of the mouth involves targeting the depressor angularis oris muscle with two to five units of neuromodulator to combat drooping.
• 🗺️ Proper placement of injections is crucial to avoid impacting surrounding muscles, which could lead to an asymmetrical appearance.
• 📅 Neuromodulator effects can last between six to eight weeks, and results may vary based on individual muscle strength and treatment area.
• 🌟 Dan encourages viewers to join his Patreon for more in-depth demonstrations and techniques tailored for serious medical aesthetics providers.

Q & A

What causes a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is primarily caused by hyperactivity of the *levator anguli oris* muscles, which leads to excessive elevation of the lip when smiling.

How can a gummy smile be treated?

Treatment involves injecting 1-2 units of neuromodulator beside the nostrils to relax the overactive muscles. Caution is advised to avoid over-injection, which can create an unnatural appearance.

What is a lip flip, and what is its purpose?

A lip flip is a procedure that relaxes the upper lip to prevent it from curling inward when smiling, enhancing the visibility of the lip. It helps achieve a fuller appearance without stiffness.

What injection techniques are used for a lip flip?

The procedure involves a four-point technique where 4-10 units of neuromodulator are injected at the Cupid's bow and along the vermilion border of the upper lip.

What are smoker's lines, and how can they be treated?

Smoker's lines, also known as pursing lines, are caused by the contraction of the *orbicularis oris* muscle. Treatment includes a four-point injection technique around the lips, typically using 1-2 units per point.

What is the maximum amount of neuromodulator recommended for treating smoker's lines?

The maximum recommended dose for treating smoker's lines is 10-12 units to minimize side effects such as difficulty articulating sounds.

How can the corners of the mouth be lifted with neuromodulators?

To lift the corners of the mouth, injections are made into the *depressor anguli oris* muscle using 2-5 units to provide a subtle lift and counteract sagging.

What should be done if there is muscle asymmetry after an injection?

If accidental injection leads to muscle asymmetry, injecting a matching unit on the opposite side can help balance the appearance until the effects of the neuromodulator wear off.

Why is it important to dose carefully when injecting neuromodulators?

Careful dosing is crucial to prevent over-relaxation of the muscles, which can lead to unnatural appearances or difficulties in speech, particularly with sounds like 'b' and 'p.'

What additional resources does Dan offer for those interested in learning more?

Dan encourages viewers to join his Patreon for advanced techniques and real client demonstrations, aimed at serious medical aesthetics providers.