5140 Business Center Dr Suite 170, Fairfield, CA 94534, United States
+1 707 920 2446
info@theserenemedspa.com

Injectables

Neuromodulators and Dermal Fillers

Neuromodulators and dermal fillers are two of the most popular and effective non-surgical aesthetic treatments for restoring a youthful, refreshed appearance.

Neuromodulators—such as Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin® , or Jeuveau®—are purified proteins that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles responsible for expression lines and wrinkles. By softening repetitive muscle movement, they help smooth fine lines on areas like the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes, creating a more relaxed and rejuvenated look. Results develop gradually within days and typically last 3–4 months.

Neuromodulators are also used for advanced therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, such as
  • Reducing jaw tension (TMJ)
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Facial slimming
  • Excess underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Dermal Fillers—most commonly made of hyaluronic acid (HA)—restore lost volume, enhance facial contours, and improve skin elasticity. They can soften deeper lines, plump lips, define the jawline, lift the cheeks, and smooth hollowness under the eyes. The result is a natural-looking, youthful fullness that enhances facial harmony.

Depending on the type of filler and treatment area, results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Treatments are customized to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals for balanced, beautiful results that still look like you—just refreshed.

FAQs about Neuromodulators:

At Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa, Botox is a neuromodulator (form of botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into targeted treatment areas using an ultra-fine needle. It works by blocking the nerve signals needed for facial muscles to contract. It’s the repetitious contraction of facial muscles that causes expression lines and wrinkles. Once injected, the neuromodulator relaxes the muscles and decreases their movement to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area. You will see your results gradually over 3-7 days following injection.

Our experts at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa use injectables to address lines and wrinkles on a number of different facial areas, including the forehead, eye area (crow’s feet), and lip lines. It may be injected to soften dimpling of the chin. Injectables can also be injected into the muscles of the jaw to help alleviate pain from teeth grinding or TMJ or for a jaw slimming effect. Some of these treatment areas may be considered off-label.

Injectable treatments at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa are quick with minimal discomfort. The treatment requires no anesthesia or recovery time. Many people get injectables during their lunch hours and are able to return to work right after their appointment.

The procedure is not considered painful. Most patients at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa report a brief period of discomfort during the injection, which does not persist once the procedure is complete.

While the experience of each patient may differ, it usually takes 3-5 days to see the effects of injectables from treatments at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa. For some, it may take up to 2 weeks to realize the final effects.

The results of injectables from Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa typically last between 3-5 months from the date of injection. Over time the body metabolizes the Botox, leading to the slow return of muscle movement in the treatment area. Patients can choose to maintain their injectable results for longer periods by undergoing periodic maintenance treatments every 3-4 months with us.

Some patients may wonder if they are ‘too young’ or ‘too old’ to try injectables at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa. There is no right or wrong age to start using injectables. Patients should be evaluated and receive a consult by one of our medical professionals prior to treatment. Many millennials are starting to use injectables in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure.

Yes, Botox is an FDA approved treatment for reversing lines and wrinkles. However, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not receive injectable treatments at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa.

A week before your treatment at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa, our physicians will advise patients to stop consuming alcohol or taking medications or supplements that thin the blood like aspirin, ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng. This will help minimize bruising after the procedure.

Side effects from an injectable treatment at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa may include bruising, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the injection site, all of which will resolve without intervention after a few days to a week.

  • Avoid blood thinners: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for a period before the procedure (typically 72 hours to a week) to reduce the risk of bruising.
  • Alcohol avoidance: Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the procedure, as it can also increase the risk of bruising.
  • Topical irritants: Discontinue use of topical products like retinoids or acids for a few days before treatment, as they can irritate the skin.
  • Cold sore history: Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores, as they may prescribe antiviral medication beforehand.
  • Vaccinations and dental work: Avoid dental work, vaccinations, and other invasive procedures for a specified period (typically 2 weeks) before and after filler injections.
  • Post-Care Instructions: Avoid touching the treated area: Refrain from touching or massaging the treated area for a period (typically 4-6 hours, or as directed) to prevent filler migration.
  • Ice packs: Apply ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) to the treated area for 15-20 minutes at a time, intermittently, to minimize swelling and bruising.
  • Elevated head position: Sleep with your head elevated (on your back) for a few days to help reduce swelling.
  • Avoid strenuous activity and heat: Refrain from strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and sun exposure for a period (typically 24-72 hours) to minimize swelling and bruising.
  • Makeup application: Avoid applying makeup or other skincare products to the treated area for a day or two, or until any redness or swelling has subsided.
  • Pain relief: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief if needed. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
  • Signs of infection: Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or blistering, and contact your provider immediately if they occur.
  • Follow-up appointments: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider to assess the results and address any concerns.

FAQ’s About Dermal Fillers:

Dermal fillers, offered at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa, are injectable treatments that restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Unlike Botox, which relaxes muscles, fillers typically contain hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in the skin) or other biocompatible materials to plump areas with volume loss or deep lines. They are injected beneath the skin to fill wrinkles, add volume to cheeks or lips, or improve facial symmetry, providing immediate results.

At Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa, dermal fillers can be used to enhance various facial areas, including cheeks, nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines, lips, under-eye hollows, and jawlines. They can also be used for non-surgical nose reshaping or to restore volume in the hands. Our experts customize treatments to achieve natural-looking results tailored to your goals.

The longevity of dermal fillers at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa varies by type and treatment area but typically lasts 6-18 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm or Restylane, may last 6-12 months in high-movement areas like the lips or up to 18 months in areas like the cheeks. Maintenance treatments can help sustain results.

Yes, dermal fillers offered at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa are FDA-approved and safe when administered by our trained professionals. However, as with Botox, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions should consult with our team to determine eligibility.

Dermal filler treatments at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa are minimally invasive and typically involve minimal discomfort. Many fillers contain lidocaine to enhance comfort, and we may apply a topical numbing cream. The procedure is quick, often completed in 15-30 minutes, with no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately.

Side effects from dermal filler treatments at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa may include temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at the injection site. These typically resolve within a few days to a week. Our team provides aftercare instructions to minimize risks and ensure optimal results.

Unlike Botox, dermal filler results at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa are visible immediately after treatment, though slight swelling may temporarily affect the appearance. Final results settle within 1-2 weeks as any swelling subsides.

Similar to Botox preparation, our physicians at Serene Skin and Wellness Medspa recommend avoiding alcohol and blood-thinning medications or supplements (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, Gingko Biloba, or Ginseng) for a week before your dermal filler treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.

  • Avoid blood thinners: Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications for a period before the procedure (typically 72 hours to a week) to reduce the risk of bruising.
  • Alcohol avoidance: Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the procedure, as it can also increase the risk of bruising.
  • Topical irritants: Discontinue use of topical products like retinoids or acids for a few days before treatment, as they can irritate the skin.
  • Cold sore history: Inform your provider if you have a history of cold sores, as they may prescribe antiviral medication beforehand.
  • Vaccinations and dental work: Avoid dental work, vaccinations, and other invasive procedures for a specified period (typically 2 weeks) before and after filler injections.
  • Post-Care Instructions: Avoid touching the treated area: Refrain from touching or massaging the treated area for a period (typically 4-6 hours, or as directed) to prevent filler migration.
  • Ice packs: Apply ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) to the treated area for 15-20 minutes at a time, intermittently, to minimize swelling and bruising.
  • Elevated head position: Sleep with your head elevated (on your back) for a few days to help reduce swelling.
  • Avoid strenuous activity and heat: Refrain from strenuous exercise, hot showers, saunas, and sun exposure for a period (typically 24-72 hours) to minimize swelling and bruising.
  • Makeup application: Avoid applying makeup or other skincare products to the treated area for a day or two, or until any redness or swelling has subsided.
  • Pain relief: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief if needed. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
  • Signs of infection: Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, or blistering, and contact your provider immediately if they occur.
  • Follow-up appointments: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider to assess the results and address any concerns.